Special events at G2E celebrate gaming icons

Legends from Rock n’ Roll, Comedy, Sports and and other headline events will surround the biggest casino industry’s marquee show.

US.- From the biggest names in sports and entertainment to the most influential minds in business and the casino industry, Las Vegas will host a series of star-studded events taking place October 2-5 surrounding the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions.

Organisers revealed the schedule for this year’s event:

Monday, October 2

The Power of Networking for Game-Changing Career Growth

9 a.m. | Titian 2301

Roberta Perry, senior vice president of business development for Edwards Technologies, Inc. and president of Roberta Perry & Associates, will share why the end goal of networking is not collecting the most connections, but making the right moves to make meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.  Kick-off your morning with super-charged interactive workshop that will give new meaning to the networking hustle.

Global Gaming Awards Luncheon

Noon | Bellini 2101

Sponsored by Gambling Insider, this awards program spans the entire global gaming industry recognizing the best land-based and digital gaming communities. Companies are nominated based on their achievements over the past year. The winners, who will be announced at the luncheon, are selected by an independent judging panel comprised of 50 leading industry business men and women.

Tuesday, October 3

AGA: State of the Industry Address

8:45 a.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

AGA’s President and CEO Geoff Freeman will address the current state of gaming including new information on the industry’s growth, ongoing efforts to repeal the federal sports betting ban and more.

 Gaming Leaders: A View from the Top

9 a.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

The full spectrum of casino-gaming’s most influential executives will explore the most pertinent issues in gaming through a variety of industry perspectives, bringing together leaders from Tribal gaming, the supplier segment and commercial operations. The power-packed panel will feature Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Michael Rumbolz, president and CEO of Everi; and Craig Clark, General Manager, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

 G2E Welcome Reception

5 p.m. | Venetian Ballroom

Rock Icon Gene Simmons of KISS will kick off the week with an epic party brimming with cocktails, food and entertainment at the G2E Welcome Reception, sponsored by Novomatic.

Legendary Comedian George Lopez will perform a 10-15 minute set to get the night started.

Wednesday, October 4

Dave and Buster’s CEO Stephen King’s Keynote Address

9 a.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

Presented by Scientific Games, Dave and Buster’s CEO Stephen King will be interviewed by business-television personality and best-selling author, Carol Roth, to discuss how Dave and Buster’s serves as a successful model for casinos’ transition into an integrated resort experience, where guests of all generations can eat, drink and play in one place.

MGM Resorts Debuts GameSense Responsible Gaming Program

10:30 a.m. | Parlor Lounge at The Mirage

MGM Resorts International and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation will officially launch GameSense – an innovative, new Responsible Gambling program that represents a layer-focused approach to casino customer service. MGM Resorts is the first international casino company to fully adopt GameSense, the successful program initially developed and introduced by BCLC.  With the launch of GameSense, MGM Resorts transforms the guest experience, providing a program rooted in enhanced customer service, player education and leading academic research.

Cintas Fashion Show

1 p.m. and 3 p.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

The hottest uniform looks – from highly tailored chic at the front desk to vibrant, resort-coastal at the pool – will hit the catwalk during the annual Cintas Fashion Show. Designers devoted to the gaming industry have imagined nine new collections combining style with function and comfort, bringing a distinct energy to casino properties through fashion. Expect to see soft colors in this year’s trending styles along with new offerings in swimwear and pool attire for staff.

AGEM Awards

4 p.m. | AGEM Booth #3700

Join the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) in honoring the lasting impact of two gaming leaders with memorial awards created in their honor: the Jen Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, and the Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media and Communications.

 Emerging Leaders Networking Reception

5:30 p.m. | TAO at the Venetian

The Emerging Leaders program identifies and celebrates individuals who are on the path to executive management or have achieved this level already due to exemplary achievement within their role. The gaming industry consistently produces employees who are strong innovators, have a great work ethic despite constant challenges, and a commitment to the growth and health of the industry.

Casino Entertainment Awards

5:45 p.m. – Celebrity Red Carpet, 6 p.m. – Cocktail Reception, 7 p.m. – Awards Program

Vinyl Showroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Comedienne Rita Rudner and veteran casino entertainment executive Mark Prows will be awarded Casino Entertainment Legend Awards at this year’s event. The Casino Entertainment Awards recognize lifetime achievement in the casino entertainment industry, including artists, executives and venues. Complimentary tickets will be available to G2E attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Casino Entertainment Awards Booth #5938 Tuesday, October 3 and Wednesday October 4 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., subject to availability.

Thursday, October 5

Global Gaming Women Breakfast

9 a.m. | Casanova 502

This year’s Global Gaming Women summit focuses on the Power of Entertainment highlighted by keynote speaker Roberta Perry. The best-selling author and big-business leader will join other speakers from Global Gaming Women for a breakfast session to recap the week and discuss breaking the glass ceiling.

The Magic of Playing to Win

9 a.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson will share how he morphed into a business powerhouse, parlaying the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for successful business ventures. Johnson’s speech will be followed by a 15-minute conversation with Geoff Freeman covering his views on the future of sports betting legalization and the possibilities of it being accepted into the mainstream sports industry.

Maximize Brainomics: The Economic Gains From Advancing Innovative Thinking

12:45 p.m. | Special Events Stage at the Integrated Resort Experience (Exhibit Hall D)

Hear from Dee O’Neill, M.S., LPC, Program Manager for Corporate SMART, Brain Performance Institute at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas, who will outline how neuroscience has proven that your innovative thinking is pivotal to your business success. Even small incremental improvements to your innovative thinking can contribute to your bottom line. However, it is limited primarily by you. You can become an entrepreneur of creative, innovative ideas that will lead your company to additional success. Or you can let your imagination stall so that you are like the waking dead with less and less energy and innovative ideas day by day.