Possibly the gaming industry’s favourite event starts tomorrow in Las Vegas. The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2009 gets started with over 520 exhibitors from 26 different countries and more than 100 conference sessions dedicated to every sector of the industry. The G2E exhibition officially opens with its annual ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, 17 November in the main lobby, adjacent to the G2E Exhibits Main Hall entrance.

The show floor features F&B at G2E, the Entertainment Arena, the Eye in the Sky Security & Surveillance pavilion, Technology pavilion, Casino Design and the Diversity Exhibitor Program. G2E also will include a special New Exhibitor pavilion featuring companies that are showcasing their products and services at G2E for the first time.

A few celebrities will be attending this year’s G2E. Chris Noth, of Sex and the City Fame, will be present during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and then will stop by IGT’s booth at 10:30 a.m. to pull the handle on the manufacturer’s new slot machine bearing the successful television series’ name. Playboy’s 2009 Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist will be posing for pictures and signing autographs at Bally Technologies’ booth from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and then making a special appearance from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Bringing together a unique combination of entertainment and industry insights, the keynote events at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2009 will provide attendees with exclusive access to speakers ranging from comedienne Rita Rudner to rising industry leaders to tribal gaming experts.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association says, “From evaluating which pressing issues could affect business success in the years to come, to hearing unique perspectives from world-class entertainers, the keynote events at G2E 2009 will provide a wide-angle lens for viewing today’s multifaceted gaming entertainment industry. As an event created by the industry, for the industry, G2E is proud to provide unique educational and entertainment experiences for gaming entertainment professionals.”

With the gaming industry continuing to face stiff economic challenges, Fahrenkopf will moderate a panel of rising industry leaders in Wednesday’s keynote session, “State of the Industry: Gaming’s New Guard.” The panel of multi-jurisdictional operators and manufacturers who have been at the cutting-edge of innovation will share their insights and fresh outlooks for the future of the industry. Panelists for the keynote session include: Guillermo E. Gabella, director of Boldt S.A; Nick Khin, president of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.; Virginia McDowell, president and COO of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.; and Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation.

On the final day of G2E 2009, National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens will welcome G2E attendees to a keynote session in which tribal gaming experts will participate in a “Meet the Press”-style roundtable keynote session moderated by Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business.

“Tribal Gaming Keynote: On the Record—Tribal Gaming Issues and Answers” will bring together federal officials and tribal gaming leaders to discuss current issues in Indian gaming and answer questions from a panel of tribal gaming journalists. From off-reservation gaming and land into trust, to the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Obama Administration, to Class II gaming and tribal-state compacts, a broad range of issues will be discussed in what promises to be a dynamic and exciting panel discussion. (E-11.16.09)

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