The two day Southern Gaming Summit starts tomorrow (May 4th) at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, and will feature over 80 top-level executives from the gaming industry as speakers and panelists. The relaxed atmosphere and warm Southern hospitality make the Summit a popular place to do business whilst still having time for fun. The conference seminars will follow three tracks: Gaming Trends, Gaming Operations and Tribal Gaming.

Gaming Trends
The seminars look at the issues and developments affecting the industry. The economy, industry image, technological advances, latest game options and the challenges of new jurisdictions will all be under the spotlight. One highly relevant subject to be examined by a panel of experts is the Morality of Gaming: Overcoming the Stereotypes and Myths and Getting the Industry’s Message Out. Commercial and tribal gaming are frequently misrepresented to the general public and the industry perhaps does insufficient to dispel the negative image. The panel will look at perceptions of gambling from morality to social issues.

Gaming Operations
An exploration of the best ways to make a gaming operation successful, including effective marketing practices, understanding customer needs, marketing opportunities and problem solving. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is one of the topics to be discussed, and understanding whether it is technology or a mindset could be the most important step to implementing CRM in casino operations. At another seminar, on Problem Gambling Management Techniques, a panel will talk about the latest treatment developments for compulsive gaming and potential steps that can be taken such as exclusion policies, referral programmes and other aid options.

Tribal Gaming
The challenges that come with the huge success of tribal gaming and in particular the more rigorous scrutiny to which Indian gaming is subjected when compared to commercial gaming. The legal, political and social issues faced by the tribes and the future of their business and their way of life are highlighted. Panelists will consider the nationwide tribal economy of goods and services in Beyond Gaming: Tribes Building Economic Independence.

Around 200 companies from all sectors of the gaming industry will be exhibiting at the Expo and over 5,000 visitors are expected to attend. The Southern Gaming Summit is organized by Ascend Media Gaming Group and Gulf Coast Gaming Association. Keynote speakers will be Don H Barden and The Honorable Ben Nighthorse Campbell. (E-05.03.05)

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