G2E 2012 keynotes to explore key issues and trends impacting the industry

2012-09-28

Reading time 2:20 min

(US).- G2E will feature a series of keynote events providing attendees with unique educational experiences and access to experts on the gaming industry. The keynote events include an address by renowned television anchor and author Katty Kay, a panel discussion with some of the gaming industry's most influential leaders and an address by a representative from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry, G2E 2012 will be held October 1-4, 2012 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"The keynote events at G2E 2012 will provide gaming professionals with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain invaluable insights on the future of gaming, within the context of the current economic and political environment," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. "We are thrilled to welcome such a diverse and prestigious group of thought leaders who will candidly discuss the latest trends and issues impacting the gaming industry."

Immediately following Tuesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony, G2E 2012 will begin with a keynote address, titled "Washington and the 2012 Elections from a Different Angle," by Kay, a BBC America anchor and the co-author of Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success. Kay will explore the increasing polarization of the media and its impact on public opinion and political discourse from Washington, D.C. to Main Street USA. She also will provide insights on the state of the U.S. and global economies and discuss how public perception of each will play a critical role in the outcome of the race for the White House.

Wednesday's "State of the Industry" keynote session will feature a distinguished panel of industry experts who will discuss the present and future of gaming, as well as the industry's latest trends. Moderated by journalist Jon Ralston, known for hosting Nevada's public affairs program "Face to Face with Jon Ralston," the panel will feature six top executives from the industry's leading operators and suppliers, including: Walter Bugno, president and CEO of Spielo International; Brian R. Gamache, chairman and CEO of WMS Industries; Dick Haddrill, CEO and director of Bally Technologies, Patti Hart, CEO of IGT; Michael Leven, president and COO of Las Vegas Sands and James Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.

The G2E 2012 keynote events will conclude on Thursday with an address geared toward those interested in tribal government gaming. Donald "Del" Laverdure, acting assistant secretary of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, will review the current status of his department and the approach of the Obama administration when considering Indian Country.

The keynote addresses on Monday and Tuesday will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and Wednesday's address will take place from 11 a.m.-noon. All keynotes will be held in the Venetian Ballroom G-J and are open to all G2E attendees free of charge, with no advance registration required.

Additionally, Jim Ryan, co-CEO of bwin.party digital entertainment, will deliver the exclusive conference keynote address. Ryan is highly regarded for his knowledge of the Internet gaming industry and will speak about the growth in the industry and its future potential. His conference keynote address will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 3:15-4:15 p.m. in the Venetian Ballroom G-J and will be open to G2E 2012 conference delegates only.

G2E is attended by nearly 26,000 industry professionals from around the world. For more information on G2E 2012, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com and