“We hope G2E 2015 to break the record for the most comprehensive convention in the industry"

The 15th edition of G2E is just around the corner. What's the biggest challenge of organizing such an event?

The challenging aspect of organizing G2E is how to create an all-encompassing event that will be beneficial to all attendees. This isn’t a niche event. G2E is the largest casino event in the world. People fly in from all corners of the map to see what the gaming industry has to offer. So it is our duty to make sure that whether it is a president of a multibillion dollar resort or a manager from a boutique gaming operation – that they both come away from the convention with valuable insight into ways they can grow and sustain financial success for their businesses.   

The slogan of the trade show is “By The Industry And For The Industry”. How have both G2E and the gambling industry evolved?

The gaming industry is constantly evolving. Back in 2001, slot machines mostly operated on wheels and took coins. Now they are computerized super machines equipped with some of the finest technology that exists. Offerings off the casino floor used to be more of an afterthought. Nowadays, restaurants, spas, meetings and nightclubs are vital to the business models for casinos around the world. G2E has mirrored that evolution by showcasing these new ideas and innovative technologies so to continue the growth of the gaming industry worldwide.

You have chosen skill-based slot machines, tribal gaming, security, integrated resort experience, sports betting, iGaming and daily fantasy sports to headline discussions at this year interactive seminars. What is the importance of each of these topics?

The seminar topics are not just driving the headlines within and outside our industry, but they are also vital subjects to discuss to ensure that our industry grows in a fashion that is beneficial to everyone. We want our seminars to be about the hot topics on everyone’s mind regardless of attendees’ individual opinions on the subject matter. We brought in the foremost experts to provide their insight and hopefully that will generate valuable discussions.

How are people responding to this year's CEO's Roundtable? What are the most remarkable facts of the careers of Mark Frissora, Gavin Isaacs and Greg Carlin?

The response has been phenomenal since announcing the CEO Roundtable. People are very excited about Mr. Frissora as this will be the first time many in the industry will hear from Caesars Entertainment’s new president. Joining him with two industry titans like Mr. Isaacs and Mr. Carlin sets the stage of an incredibly compelling discussion. The CEO Roundtable is an extension of a private event held earlier this year where executives and influencers debated the industry’s most pertinent issues. So, everyone is fascinated to hear what the leaders of our industry have to say. All three have such remarkable careers in business, it would be impossible to single out just one achievement for each.

G2E's leadership team has undergone significant changes. How will it impact on your organization?

G2E will continue to showcase the best products and brightest minds within the gaming industry. The only change attendees can expect is to see G2E expand to reflect changes in the marketplace and offer potential ideas to grow their businesses. For example, this will be the first year that the show floor will grow to also include the Integrated Resort Experience. It will embody a full spectrum of leading-edge technologies, products and services offering a complete solution for casino operators interested in corporate meeting business, longer hotel stays, greater profitability and loyalty through management systems, increased food and beverage spending, longer engagement and enhanced guest satisfaction.

What do you expect from this year's G2E?

We hope that the 2015 G2E breaks the record for the most comprehensive and beneficial convention the gaming industry has ever experienced.