While attendance for the Global Gaming Exposition (G2E) has remained fairly stable over the last three years, exhibitor participation was down for the third year in a row. Held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in
Produced by the American Gaming Association and Reed Expositions, G2E is by far the largest tradeshow devoted to casino gaming and related activities in
In 2010, G2E logged about 25,000 attendees and 520 exhibitors, for a drop in exhibitors of 13 percent between 2010 and 2011. In 2009, the gaming event recorded about 26,000 attendees and 571 exhibitors, making for a 9 percent drop in exhibitor participation between 2009 and 2010, and an overall drop of 22 percent between 2009 and 2011.
“Obviously the economy is taking a toll and impacting our industry,” said Holly Wetzel, communications director for the American Gaming Association (AGA). “All of the big companies are here, and everyone seems to be pleased with the attendance. Overall, we are pleased with the turnout, and very pleased with the conference programs, which are quite full.”
More than 1,150 gaming industry professionals were surveyed about their experience at G2E 2011. Around 90 percent said that G2E makes them feel better about the industry’s outlook and 79 percent said they gained a new perspective about the gaming industry from attending the tradeshow and conference events.
“These survey results indicate that there are exciting times ahead for the gaming industry,” said Courtney Muller, senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions. “G2E is a show by the industry and for the industry, and we are encouraged by our attendees’ enthusiasm about their G2E experience and the future of the gaming industry.”
This was the first year G2E was held at the Sands. G2E had called the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) home since its inception 11 years ago. Wetzel said the association loved being at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but feedback from exhibitors and attendees indicated that its show dates, the week before Thanksgiving, were “challanging.” Not only because of the holiday, but because companies were setting their annual bugets earlier.
“Moving the show dates back gave companies more time to see products and make buying decisions,” said Wetzel. “Additionally, there are several gaming industry events worldwide about the same time, and our new dates give a bit more time between our shows and the others.”
When the AGA notified the LVCC of the new conference dates, the assocation was informed that the expo halls were booked for those dates, thus the move to the Sands.
“The Sands is the only other space in town that will accommodate an event of our size,” Wetzel added. “It is also easier for our attendees and exhibitors since all of the exhibits are in one hall.”
