by Danelle Dodds
The gaming universe is converging on the neon landscape of Las Vegas and its future is brighter than ever.
On October 10 – 13, approximately 27,000 attendees will descend on the Venetian Expo to embark on another revolutionary journey into the stratosphere of the entertainment gaming world. This isn’t the first show of its kind. But it is the first tradeshow and conference that is a “organized by the industry and for the industry.”
In October 2001, American Gaming Association (AGA) launched Global Gaming Expo, and the world of entertainment gaming has never been the same since. In a partnership with RX (Reed Exhibitions), they have united the most progressive visionaries of the global gaming community under one sky. And over four days, the show will celebrate the entire galaxy that is the entertainment gaming universe.
The show, and industry in general, was at its zenith in 2019 and was eagerly looking forward to 2020 as its largest show yet. The velocity the gaming and casino industry saw as it approached 2020 was significant. When the world imploded and casinos shuttered briefly, the resulting black hole could have destroyed them as it did so many others. But an interesting metamorphosis transpired out of that big bang. Instead of dissolving, from the amalgam sprang new lifeblood of iGaming and mobile sports betting. And the reopening of casinos returned the much-needed oxygen. So, when G2E announced 2021 dates, the industry looked toward the horizon with anticipation.
The show came back that year as a hybrid event. This time they were complete with both legacy brick-and-mortar betting companies orbiting alongside a handful of newly regulated iGaming/mobile betting agencies. However, the attendance was marred by post-pandemic international travel restrictions that were still in place.
While less attended than in years past, what 2019 did showcase was the hunger attendees had for the show’s return. Regardless of traditional gaming or iGaming trajectories, the show floor is where the organizers, exhibiters and educators align to create a global marketplace for the future of gaming entertainment. That face-to-face desire was palpable to the event organizers, and for its 22nd installment, they committed to making 2022 one for the record books.
“We are thrilled to be back with a fully in-person show for G2E 2022. After a hybrid event last year, our exhibitors, media and attendees have all shared how excited they are to be back on the show floor in just a few weeks,” says Korbi Carrison, G2E event vice president. “This year’s G2E will feel much more like 2019, where networking, education sessions, panel discussions and exhibitor displays are all happening in-person. While I don’t want to spoil any of the products or games being showcased this year, I can guarantee that exciting developments across the industry will all be on full display.”
G2E 2022 promises to go back to the future … the future of the industry as a whole. The floor plan of the coming show is laid out like a sophisticated space command central. Gridded channels funnel attendees past critical exhibitors housed at its core. The larger footprints on the motherboard are made up of some of the long-running exhibitors and sponsors. IGT, Aristocrat Technologies, Inc, Light & Wonder, Konami Gaming and Everi will light up the perimeter. Almost every inch of the 1.8 million square feet of expo space will be occupied by everything from traditional gaming to sports betting, cryptocurrency, tribal gaming, cashless gaming systems and more. The entire ecosystem and future of the industry will revolve together.
An anchoring hub will be the G2E Innovation Lab (found at booth #5320). This is where attendees will have their minds bent with the latest in technology, specialty and sponsored sessions, as well as engaging networking opportunities.
And because the show continues to have their finger on the pulse of the industry, attendees can anticipate that the educational experience will be nothing short of spectacular.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller will kick off the programming with opening remarks and a welcome address. CNBC’s Contessa Brewer will assume hosting duties, ushering in three distinct conversations for “Executive Outlook: Leaders Shaping the Future”:
- Craig Billings (Wynn Resorts CEO) and Derek Stevens (Circa Resort and Casino Owner and CEO) will discuss the trends and future of Las Vegas and the Nevada gaming market
- Soo Kim (Bally’s Corporation Chairman) and Jay Snowden (PENN Entertainment CEO and President) will give a glimpse into regional casino trends
- Amy Howe (FanDuel CEO) and Jason Robins (DraftKings co-founder and CEO) will educate on the future of iGaming and sports betting
These titans in the world of entertainment gaming will contribute to a platform of roughly 70 educational sessions that will foster collaborative discussions on the future of gaming in both domestic and international markets.
“We look forward to once again leading important discussions at this year’s show that will drive innovation and propel our industry well after G2E concludes,” says Miller.
The imprint that G2E 2022 will leave will be indelible. The supergiant will have an estimated economic impact of more than $42 million to the local atmosphere. It is a welcome star to the already bright Las Vegas sky, and it promises to continue its guiding light. It’s certainly is one worth betting and wishing on for the years to come.
