On the heels of a challenging economic year for the gaming industry, preliminary attendance numbers for the G2E 2009 show, held in Nov. 17-19 in Las Vegas, increased by 7.3 percent in exhibit hall attendance over last year’s event. The showing indicates a strong interest by industry buyers to discover new products and services that will contribute to the success of their businesses. G2E 2009 is the world’s premier tradeshow and conference event for the gaming industry.
“The strong exhibit hall attendance at this year’s event is a testament to the gaming industry’s resilience in the face of significant challenges, and to the confidence our key decision-makers have in the future as they look to create the unforgettable entertainment experiences our patrons have come to expect,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “As always, G2E 2009 provided the optimal environment for gaming professionals to procure the products and services, professional knowledge and contacts they need to stay ahead of the curve and at the forefront of new ideas.”
Overall event attendance for G2E 2009, which includes everyone who attended and exhibited at the show and conference event, was nearly 26,000, a slight decrease of approximately 3.5 percent from last year’s event, due primarily to fewer exhibitor personnel.
International attendees maintained a strong presence, with 4,249 individuals from 90 countries representing approximately 16.3 percent of the total attendees at this year’s event. G2E 2009 welcomed attendees from such diverse countries as Argentina, Australia, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
G2E’s international appeal also was apparent on the tradeshow floor with 91 exhibitors from 25 countries outside the U.S. represented. This year’s event attracted a total of 571 exhibitors who showcased their innovative products and services in 257,922 square feet of show floor space.
One standout area for growth on this year’s show floor was the Entertainment Arena at G2E in the North Hall, which saw a 40.6 percent increase in the number of exhibitors and a 29.9 percent increase in exhibition space.
Official, audited attendance numbers for G2E 2009 will be available in early 2010. G2E 2010 will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with the G2E Leadership Academy, G2E Advanced Gaming Institute, Casino Design and the Security and Surveillance Institute at G2E scheduled for Nov. 15.
