AGA’s annual Las Vegas conference for gaming industry sets table for SiGMA Europe

G2E will happen in Las Vegas in October and organisers are counting on participation from Europe and Asia as part of the first worldwide industry gathering since COVID-19

By Buck Wargo – SiGMA US correspondent

The in-person educational conference and trade show that was rescheduled as the US dealt with the pandemic will include virtual components for those who aren’t ready or able to come in person. The conference will be held October 4 to 7 on the Las Vegas Strip with no limitations on crowd size since Las Vegas is now completely open.

“It’s no doubt that 2020 was the hardest year for our industry, and it’s important that that show comes back in person and reconnects all of the people who are used to seeing each other at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and doing business,” said Meredith Pallante, (seen left) vice president of global events for the American Gaming Association (AGA).

“I know the industry is excited about the opportunity and to do the business that’s so important for keeping it strong. This is a big deal.”

It’s a chance for people to learn during the educational sessions over four days and participate in the trade show that showcases the latest slot machines and other products. The staging comes as the industry is rebounding with commercial gaming in the US tied for the highest-grossing quarter ever at $11 billion, according to the AGA.

“There’s strong momentum,” Pallante said.

Bill Miller (AGA President and CEO) said he feels the second half of the year will be a resurgence of the gaming industry.

That was echoed by Nikki Fields, vice president of growth and strategy at SiGMA. She said the return of G2E to an in-person event signals the global gaming industry is energized and ready to reconnect.

“For SiGMA and our customers this means a great deal because we’ll be able to be face-to-face once again and create new business connections. But it also means, SiGMA Europe (November 16-18) marks one of the first gaming shows in Europe to return in-person, and we’re excited to be part of reuniting the gaming industry as well,” Fields said.

Some European companies have already signalled they won’t attend in Las Vegas because of visa and travel restrictions but will participate virtually.

GAN, a technology platform which provides solutions for online gaming and has offices in London, Bulgaria, Norway and Israel said it will be among those sending people to the US.

“It’s the first time that GAN will be showcasing our booth and products and services we have to offer, and it’s a perfect time for us to see the growth of the online space during the pandemic and accelerated growth that will continue in the marketplace over the next several months,” said Tim Aguiliar (seen right), director of marketing services and communications for GAN.

“We offer a social casino product — simulated gaming — as well as iCasino platform for real-money casinos and showcase our newly launched GAN Sports, a business-to-business offering in the United States.”

Historically, about 30,000 people attend G2E, but no one is predicting how many will come to Las Vegas this October.

“We know there are some people that aren’t able to come but will have ways to participate virtually,” said Korbi Carrison, the event director for G2E.

“We’re seeing a lot of excitement from our friends in Europe and Asia and Latin America about coming to G2E. But it’s a little early to say if people from outside the US are booking their flights at this moment.”

Registration won’t open until early July.