G2E 2012 highlights and special events

G2E, organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, made its debut in fall 2001 as the first and only gaming trade show and conference event designed "by the industry, for the industry."

This year's highlights and special events include:

Welcome Reception: G2E's welcome reception was held poolside at The Venetian yesterday from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and provided attendees an opportunity to network while enjoying live entertainment, hors d'oeurves and cocktails. The reception was emceed by David Hasselhoff and featured musical entertainment from Them & Us and The Guess Who. The Welcome Reception was sponsored by AudioAir, featuring "Monday Night Football," and co-sponsored by Red Square Agency and Bunnyjuice. The official wine and spirits sponsor is Southern Wine & Spirits.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: G2E 2012 officially opens with its annual ribbon cutting ceremony today at 9:30 a.m. on the show floor, just inside the main exhibit hall. This year's ceremony will include several celebrity guests, including: Rick and Cory "Big Hoss" Harrison from the hit reality series Pawn Stars (with Bally Technologies), NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer (with Bally Technologies), Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS (with WMS Industries) and Oompa Loompas (with WMS Industries).

Food, Beverage & Hospitality (FB&H) and the Entertainment Arena: These popular G2E features showcase the broad range of products, technologies and services that help create amazing non-gaming experiences at casinos around the country. These specialty show floor areas are complemented by a number of special events and exhibits, such as: Ultra Lounge Uniform Fashion Show, sponsored by CINTAS, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (encore) in Hall D of the Exhibits in the Venetian Level 2.

- Entertainment Showcase Stage features live musical, comedy and entertainment acts on October 2 from 4:10 - 6 p.m. on the show floor adjacent to Food, Beverage & Hospitality exhibits. Attendees will be able to meet all of the artists after their performances in the meet and greet area adjacent to the stage.

Fremont Street Experience: Back by popular demand, the Fremont Street Experience on the show floor is a nod to classic Las Vegas and one of the most energetic and fun places in the city. There will be a number of exciting and interesting highlights, including afternoon snacks, entertainment, celebrity impersonators and contests that will take place on the Fremont Street aisle on the show floor October 2 and October 3 from 2 - 3 p.m.

Table Games Networking Lounge & Reception-NEW: This lounge and reception was created in response to requests from the industry for more networking options for table games executives. People can network and connect at a reception today from 3:30 - 5 p.m., and visit the Table Games Network Lounge during regular floor hours. This reception is open only to table games executives.

Young Gaming Professionals Reception-NEW: Up and coming young gaming professionals are invited to attend the first-ever G2E Young Gaming Professionals Reception to network with fellow casino operators who have been working in the industry for five years or less. The reception will take place tomorrow, October 3, from 3 - 4 p.m. in the Players Club Lounge.

Latin American Gaming Networking Lounge & Reception: Executives will be able to network and connect with Latin American operators at a reception on October 3 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and visit the Latin American Gaming Network Lounge during regular floor hours. A Spanish translator will be available in the lounge. This reception is open only to executives doing business in Latin America.

NIGA Lounge & Networking Reception: A reception with fellow tribal gaming executives will be held today from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. People can also visit the NIGA Lounge during regular show floor hours. This reception is open only to tribal gaming executives.

Global Gaming Women (GGW): Returning for the second year, GGW will host several events that will provide women from throughout the global gaming community with education, mentorship and networking opportunities. At noon on October 2, renowned BBC America journalist Katty Kay will be the featured speaker during an exclusive GGW luncheon; and on October 3 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., GGW will host a networking breakfast and roundtable discussion featuring some of the industry's top female executives. Both the breakfast and the luncheon events will take place in Galileo 901 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  GGW also will host a series of sessions during the broader G2E conference program. For more information about all GGW events, visit www.globalgamingwomen.org.

Casino Design Awards: The only honors that specifically recognize excellence in the field of casino resort design and construction, the Casino Design Awards will be presented during a cocktail reception today at 5:30 p.m. in Galileo 901. The Sarno Award for Lifetime Achievement in Casino Design also will be presented.

For more information on G2E 2012, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com and connect with G2E on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.