G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo open in Macao as IR sector looks to digital growth

G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo opened yesterday at The Venetian Macao, bringing together global leaders across gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts as digital innovation continues to reshape the industry’s next phase of growth.

Taking place from May 12-14, 2026, the co-located events are expected to welcome 8,000 industry professionals from over 90 countries and regions. Spanning more than 30,000 sqm, the exhibition features over 150 brands showcasing technologies, solutions, and digital infrastructure across the sector. 

Against the backdrop of an estimated ~8% annual growth trajectory in Asia’s integrated resorts sector, according to a 2025 report by Research and Markets, the event underscores the region’s accelerating role as a global growth engine, where technology innovation and rising demand are increasingly converging. 

Reflecting this shift, “Asia’s integrated resorts sector is entering a pivotal phase of transformation, as markets across the region continue to evolve with a broader mix of tourism, entertainment and lifestyle experiences,” said Yip Je Choong, Senior Vice President, Commercial, APAC, RX (Reed Exhibitions). 

“With G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo co-located, we are creating a platform that brings together stakeholders across the value chain to support innovation, collaboration, and long-term, sustainable growth.”

Industry figures mark opening ceremony 

The opening ceremony, held in the Expo Hall, officially marked the commencement of G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo 2026, with senior industry figures from across gaming, hospitality, and entertainment in attendance. 

Guests included:  

• Che Weng Keong, President of Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR
• Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of Macao Government Tourism Office
• Jackie Cheang, Acting Head of Gaming Inspection Department of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of the Macao SAR
• Zhao Su, Assistant of Economic Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR
• Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association
• J.B. Son, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, Reed Exhibitions
• Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd.
• Kenneth Feng, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited
• Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group
• Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts & Entertainment
• Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited
• Andy Lee, Chief Gaming Officer of SJM Resorts, S.A.
• Jay Chun, Chairman of Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association 

Conference programs led by global industry voices 

G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo each feature dedicated three-day programs led by senior industry figures addressing technologies, regulations, and market forces shaping the sector’s future. 

On Tuesday, May 12, Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., delivered the opening keynote for G2E Asia Conference and Asian IR Summit. 

On Thursday, May 14, Mario Yau Kwan Ho, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of NIP Group INC., and Co-owner of Boston Celtics, is set to present a keynote for Asian IR Summit, offering perspectives on global market shifts and the evolving integrated resorts landscape. 

Across both programs, speakers include: 

• Adrian Lee, Head of Sales, Google Customer Solutions, Hong Kong & Macau, Google
• AI Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Dataworks Group
• Alan Teo, Chief Executive Officer, Hoiana Resort & Golf
• Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director, Macao Government Tourism Office
• Gregory Hawkins, President and Chief Operating Officer, Solaire
• Joseph Bufalino, Executive Director of Responsible Gambling, Marina Bay Sands
• Kenneth Feng, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MGM China Holdings Limited
• Walt Power, Chief Executive Officer, The Grand Ho Tram 

Event highlights across May 12-14 

Across three days, the co-located event presents an ecosystem of exhibition, education, and industry networking experiences. The exhibition (May 12-14) covers innovation across gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts, with more than 150 brands spanning the full industry ecosystem.