G2E 2008 Conference Sessions

Casino Design—NEW!

Wow! Casino Design That Stops You in Your Tracks
There are few volcanoes being built these days, but that doesn't mean a gaming project can't amaze and delight its customers. This session will review some of the more innovative projects and discuss the important elements of a truly striking property.

Building Excitement: A Review of Upcoming Gaming Projects
Every year, dozens of new gaming developments open with the hope of defining new ideas in casino design. This session will examine several of those properties, from the huge meta-casino resorts to the small and intimate clubs, and discuss take-away techniques from each. New construction and renovations also will be included in this comprehensive report.

Renovation & Reinvention: Keeping Your Casino Relevant
Whether you are in a competitive market or your casino is a virtual monopoly, you must always find ways to give customers a reason to come back. This session will examine ways to redevelop and renovate existing spaces, create flex spacing and use limited space efficiently, and how to determine what your customers really want.

Amenity Absolutes: What Every Casino Resort Must Have
Beyond the gaming floor is a plethora of profitable concepts that keep guests on property longer. This session will examine the most lucrative and desirable amenities today, what concepts will be attractive in the future and how to integrate them into new casino planning or retrofit them into existing facilities.

Indian Enlightenment: Native American Casino Design
The sophistication of Indian gaming has continued to grow and the design of Native American facilities has kept pace. During this session, experts will explain how the modern tribal gaming property must be designed to account for competition, expectations and innovation.

Making the Most: Efficient Architecture
Whether you have a huge plot of land or a small postage stamp, modern casino design requires that every square foot or meter be operated efficiently. This session will focus on how to accomplish that, especially in urban environments or other settings where space is limited and high density architecture is required.

Budget Busters: Construction Costs and Info Systems
The soaring cost of materials is attributable to things beyond the control of most architects, designers and builders. But there are ways to limit and control costs. This session will examine ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality, time and the bottom line.

Sleek Spaces: Interior Design in Gaming
Casino resorts could easily be viewed as only a slot barn, and many still are, without the special touches brought to a project by an experienced and knowledgeable interior design team. At this session, listen to experts explain what sets one casino apart from another and why customers respond to various aesthetics.

You may also be interested in:
The Green Revolution: Does It Work in the Gaming Industry? (Corporate Social Responsibility)
Bringing It All Together: F&B; Design (F&B;)
Retail 101: A Primer for the Non-Retail Executive (Retail)
Construction Security: The Build Process (Security & Surveillance)
Retail, Dining and Entertainment: Striking a Balance (Wild Card)

Compliance, Law & Regulation

SIGNATURE SERIES: The Hard Way: Lessons from Gaming's Most Challenging Political Environments
Despite the industry's proven track record as an engine of economic development and its popularity among customers, its political environment is rarely placid. This session take a look at lessons learned in jurisdictions where gaming may be most controversial and therefore most vulnerable to political and public pressures. Panelists will outline ways to manage difficult issues in all jurisdictions and maximize the industry's acceptability.

State Mandates: Complying With Employee Requirements
Most states and jurisdictions require businesses to comply with strict labor requirements covering such matter as unemployment, health benefits, family leave and the like. This session will examine a variety of existing regulations and the according options available to casino companies. Experts also will provide useful, tactical and strategic suggestions for addressing issues of suspected abuse.

Testing, Testing: Setting Up a Public Slot Lab
Testing new slot machines and gaming systems has become something of an art and a science. This session will bring together a group of regulators to discuss the logistics of setting up a public lab, the goals of testing and methods to assure a quick and efficient review of submitted games and systems.

Expanding Licensing: When Sovereigns Join the Game
Investment in the gaming industry comes from many different sources. This session will examine the issues faced by gaming regulatory agencies when sovereigns enter gaming markets as licensees. Whether it is Indian tribes that go outside of Indian Country as a market participant in a commercial gaming jurisdiction or foreign governments that seek to invest in U.S. gaming activities, sovereign wealth fund participation in gaming is complicated from a regulatory perspective; learn why.

Online Access: Compliance and Internet Gaming
The success of Internet gaming will hinge on integrity issues that can only be solved by transparency. This session will focus on how compliance issues are dealt with in the iGaming industry, including how matters relating to licensing, money laundering, underage and problem gaming are tackled by online operators.

Intellectual Property in the 21st Century: Staying Ahead of the Game
A lack of effective planning in procuring, protecting and understanding your intellectual property rights could result in catastrophic financial consequences. Regardless of which aspect of the gaming business you are in, intellectual property no doubt plays a huge role. Planning is critical and will prevent you from having to rely on luck to protect your organization's most valuable assets. Learn more from experts in the field.

Up In Smoke: How Bans are Hurting Business
It's beyond debate now: Smoking bans in any jurisdiction results in an average revenue decline of 20 percent, taking a minimum of two years to rebound. This session will examine the current impact and future possibilities of bans in gaming jurisdictions. Experts will discuss how to mitigate the impact and the possibility for national bans that will level the playing field for all businesses.

Capitol File: Update and Outlook from Washington, D.C.
Hot off the heels of an exciting election season, hear some of Washington's top gaming lobbyists discuss what the new administration could mean for all segments of the industry. Potential issues on the rise and updates on pending legislation relevant to commercial and Indian gaming also will be discussed.

Ethics in Gaming: A Handbook for Casino Executives
Integrity is perhaps the most important aspect of any gaming operation. From the games operation to the back of the house, casinos have nothing if they don't have integrity. During this session, attorneys, operators and manufacturers alike will explain why ethical behavior likely is more important in the casino industry than any other and how to ensure that all members of your organization adhere to company standards.

Information Please: Protecting Player Privacy
In the near future, casino pits will have 100 percent accurate information about gamblers' activities, including buy-ins, betting habits, cash-outs, win and loss records, financial data and more. The privacy implications surrounding these issues will have an enormous impact on the casino's relationships with both their guests and regulatory agencies. This panel will discuss these delicate issues and predict what the future may have in store.

Copy Cats: Protecting Your Technology
With millions spent in R&D;, gaming manufacturers must take all the steps necessary to protect their investment. This session will examine the procedures for successful protection of gaming technology, including slot, video, table games, shufflers, and security systems. No matter the organization size, to remain competitive you must ensure your gaming technology innovations are protected around the world.

You may also be interested in:
NCRG at G2E - The Verdict's Still Out: Updates on Problem Gambling Regulations and Litigation (Corporate Social Responsibility)
Online Revolution: An iGaming update (Global Gaming & Development)
Strange Bedfellows: Labor Relations and Gaming Management (Human Resources)
Tribal Labor Relations: Union Organizing At Tribal Casinos (Indian Gaming)
IGRA's Impact: 20 Years of Federal Oversight of Indian Gaming (Indian Gaming)
NIGC Roundtable: The Commission View (Indian Gaming)
Tribal Commissioners: Protectors of the Industry (Indian Gaming)
Security Operations: Detention and Holding Rooms (Security & Surveillance)
Funny Fluctuations: Conducting Table Games Investigations (Security & Surveillance)
Purchasing Investigations: A Fraud Case Study (Security & Surveillance)
Covert Cameras: The Basics of Internal Investigations (Security & Surveillance)
Litigation Avoidance: Preparing for Major Incidents (Security & Surveillance)
Americans with Disabilities: Compliance and Issues for Security & Surveillance (Security & Surveillance)

Corporate Social Responsibility

SIGNATURE SERIES: NCRG at G2E - Working Together: Responsible Gaming in Indian Country

NCRG at G2E - The Verdict's Still Out: Updates on Problem Gambling Regulations and Litigation

NCRG at G2E - Analyzing the Costs and Benefits of Gambling: Cultural, Historical and Economic Perspectives

NCRG at G2E - Common Cause: How HR Departments and EAPs Address Gambling Disorders in the Workforce (NCRG)

Building Relationships: Working Together for the Common Good
Many casino companies and gaming tribes invest great effort into being good community citizens. This session will emphasize the necessity of casinos working together, whether tribal or commercial, the importance of a jurisdictional gaming association, the benefit of membership on state and local councils and strategies for getting employees involved in order to foster positive community feedback.

The Proactive Approach: Why Using the EMERGE Program Makes Sense
Responsible gaming is one of the most important areas of training in the gaming industry. No one wants a customer who can't enjoy the product we offer or an employee who doesn't understand the importance of this issue. Learn about the industry-standard Executive, Management and Employee Responsible Gaming Education (EMERGE) program, developed by researchers and based on peer-reviewed findings from the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders, during this session.

Learning From Others: Successful CSR Programs That Work
Gaming isn't the only industry that considers corporate social responsibility essential for success. Many of the world's largest companies have made CSR a bedrock of their corporate culture. In this session, hear representatives of some of the most successful companies explain the benefits and challenges of CSR.

The Green Revolution: Does It Work in the Gaming Industry?

All for One: Making the Most of Your Diversity Spending Power
Most gaming businesses now make it a priority to spend their purchasing dollars with Minority, Women and Disadvantaged -Owned Business Enterprises (MWDBEs), but are they looking at the bigger picture? Are your suppliers making the same effort? Learn about the importance of working with your vendors to develop their relationships with MWDBEs to increase the impact of your diversity purchasing power.

Charity Begins At Work: Why Giving Is Good Business
Charitable donations, community involvement, political activism and citizenship, in general, are considered a necessity, good business and the morally right thing to encourage in your workforce. In this seminar learn how to strike a balance between these three dynamics while optimizing your company's objectives.

Power Up: Energy Solutions for the Casino Industry
Anyone who has filled their car with gas understands the impact of spiraling energy costs. At this session, experts will discuss strategies to control and even reduce these expenses in new and existing casinos, using innovative technologies, alternate fuels and renewable energy.

You may also be interested in:
Ethics in Gaming: A Handbook for Casino Executives (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Information Please: Protecting Player Privacy (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Copy Cats: Protecting Your Technology (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Ace in the Hole: A Formally Educated Gaming Workforce (Human Resources)
Proactive Partnerships: Tribal Governments and Universities Join Forces (Indian Gaming)
Arcades and Game Rooms: Protecting Young Patrons (Security & Surveillance)

Entertainment

SIGNATURE SERIES: Non-Traditional Entertainment: Authors, Celebrities & Speakers
Best-selling authors, tabloid celebrities, actors and even a former Soviet premier have drawn crowds to casinos. How can you book high-profile personalities for your venue? What's involved and how do you market such attractions? Come here the answers to these questions and others, as well as a discussion about the effectiveness of targeting a younger demographic with celebrity appearances at ultra lounges.

Casino Entertainment Marketing: Branding Your Casino Event
Whether your market is senior citizens, baby boomers or Generations X, Y or Z, marketing your entertainment is crucial. At this session, marketing gurus will explain how to most effectively brand and market your casino entertainment events using the latest in alternative media, celebrity icons and word of mouth.

Booking the Best: The Art and Science of Casino Talent Buying
Successful entertainment in a casino environment means more than just filling seats. At this session, learn how to fill them with the right people, how to get the acts you target for that purpose, and how to work with talent agents and artist management to negotiate deals. The pros and cons of outsourcing these responsibilities also will be discussed.

Something Different: Performing Arts and Game Shows in Casinos
Performing arts and live television game show attractions have increased play at many casinos. Learn how to book these shows as well as whether they may be cost-effective for your entertainment schedule and ultimately beneficial to your property.

Mix and Match: Casinos and Sporting Events
From boxing and mixed martial arts matches to golf tournaments and other professional league events, sports can be big business for casinos. Learn the benefits, pitfalls and unique operational nuances of these events as well as how to market them to your best customers and other target demographics.

Casino Entertainment 101: Step by Step Strategies for All Venues
Make no mistake, it's called "casino entertainment." Modern casinos provide multiple live entertainment options in a variety of venues and these offerings can play a key role in supporting your brand or adding value to your guest experience. The "Four Wall" is increasingly becoming the preferred arrangement for buyers - what is it and exactly how does the arrangement work? Learn strategies for making the right deal and marketing your entertainment offerings to ensure the best possible ROI. This session is for entertainment buyers and sellers alike.

Event Planning: Casino Event Production
What does it take to plan and produce a successful casino event? At this session, discover the myriad of details that must be addressed when planning these types of events, including budgeting, design, marketing, staffing and the technical considerations that pull it all together. Seasoned production veterans will share their expertise and help you better understand how to produce unforgettable events for your guests.

You may also be interested in:
Amenity Absolutes: What Every Casino Resort Must Have (Casino Design)
Nightclubs & Ultra-Lounges: The Expansion of a Phenomenon (F&B;)
Fun & Games: Nightclub Security in Gaming Environments (Security & Surveillance)

F&B;

SIGNATURE SERIES: Star Power: The Celebrity Chef Experience
Celebrity chefs now have been a part of the casino experience for more than 10 years. Has a playbook then been developed for successfully forging these relationships and securing the appropriate culinarian for your property? Experts will discuss the ins and outs of this process, learned over a decade of experience, including its potential impact on your clientele. From small tribal gaming facilities to riverboats or casino resorts, the power and appeal of the celebrity chef and signature restaurant has an application in all.

Refresh & Reposition: Changing Your F&B; Options to Address Market Demand
From mega-casino resorts to locals operations, casino executives are maximizing return on investment by renovating and retrofitting their F&B; offerings to reposition their properties and meet changing market demand. Repackaged and redesigned restaurants can have a major impact on the repositioning of an overall resort. The panel will discuss dynamic tools, ranging from menu controls to celebrity chefs, that can help operators create a new identify while still making the best use of current facilities.

Nightclubs & Ultra-Lounges: The Expansion of a Phenomenon
Learn from a panel of operators and brand/concept consultants how to make these highly successful Las Vegas phenomena work in your venue. Experts also will discuss how to morph the basic concepts for different market segments and demand drivers, in case the Las Vegas model is not a perfect fit for your operation.

Servant or Partner: The Relationship of F&B; and Casino
The historical role of F&B; in the casino has changed over the past few years. F&B; outlets are still capable of acting in their traditional role as a promotional tool for invited guests, but they also are capable of becoming a magnet to attract new customer segments, create competitive differentiation for your property and, in some cases, even rival the casino as a profit contributor. Learn how to formulate the F&B; strategy best suited to your property, market and competitive dynamics.

Restaurants 101: From Food & Beverage Theory to Operation
It's decision time. Do you own and operate your F&B; outlet or lease to a third-party operator? Do you license a concept or incorporate a management contract? Do you feature celebrity chefs or offer a price-value restaurant? Open buffets or multi-cuisine coffee shops? This session will explain how to choose among the alternatives, evaluate the risks and execute the plan.

Bringing It All Together: F&B; Design
Restaurant design is the newest frontier in further defining the F&B; experience. This session will examine the entire process of creating a world-class F&B; attraction, including formulating the concept, developing the menu and pricing, creating the design, and building the reputation and ambiance of a world class restaurant. Experts will discuss how to better understand your respective market in order to match the perfect concept with the right clientele.

Cutting-edge Technology: Driving F&B; Results with Performance Management Software Solutions
Experienced F&B; operators understand that along with providing good food and service, they must understand their customers. Progressive restaurateurs and chefs rely on performance management products and services to optimize their return on investment. Learn how to turn business intelligence insights into operational best practices to recover lost revenue, ensure consistent guest dining experiences and enrich your F&B; culture.

Food and Finance: How to Run a Profitable F&B; Operation
Efficient kitchen design, system and control standards, food and labor percentages, pricing, menu design and purchasing can all contribute to the ultimate success or failure of a food service operation. Learn more about these and other important topics to consider when launching your next F&B; venue. Experts in the field will share the wealth of lessons they have learned along the way during this information session.

Nectar of the Gods: Using Wine to Drive F&B; Business
Five-star restaurants always include a fantastic wine list. While an extensive wine list may overwhelm some patrons, it also can serve to create allure and a profit center unlike any other. During this session, master sommeliers will explain how to set up a wine cellar, how to market it to your best customers and why it makes sense if you're going to offer gourmet restaurants.

You may also be interested in:
Amenity Absolutes: What Every Casino Resort Must Have (Casino Design)
Fun & Games: Nightclub Security in Gaming Environments (Security & Surveillance)
Retail, Dining and Entertainment: Striking a Balance (Wild Card)

Finance—NEW!

Track Sponsored by:

SIGNATURE SERIES: State of the Economy: Gaming CFO Roundtable
With a negative economy having a worldwide impact, this session will examine how gaming companies, large and small, are reacting to fiscal uncertainty. Members of the companies' financial teams will talk about containing costs, expansion plans, corporate valuations and more.

Structuring Deals: Developing in International Markets
A panel of development experts will discuss the commonalities and idiosyncrasies of development around the world. The session will cover such topics as tax rates, fees and hidden costs; finding the real government decision-makers; creating enforceable agreements and imposing development conditions; customs and immigration concerns; multi-cultural and multi-language issues; and preparedness of the workforce.

State of the Markets: Impact on Gaming
A panel of gaming analysts will discuss the downturn in the economy and how it affects gaming. Discussions will include growing demand in different parts of the world, increasingly oppressive tax rates, non-gaming revenue, public vs. private companies, spin-offs and more.

Finding Financing: Capital and Funding For Mid-Market Companies
In today's credit crunch major companies still seem to be able to find capital, if at a higher than historical price; but what about the mid-market companies? A panel of experts will explore funding options for projects needing less than a billion dollars from traditional sources, as well as the opportunity to find funding from new sources or use creative structuring approaches.

Money, Money, Money: A Private Capital and Licensing Update

You may also be interested in:
Challenge or Opportunity? Critical Issues Facing Global Development (Global Gaming & Development)
Show me the Money: Investors on Native American Gaming (Indian Gaming)
Outside the Box: Alternative Sources of Capital for Tribal Financing (Indian Gaming)
Changing Times: Tribal Financing in Today's Market (Indian Gaming)
Changing Landscape: Has the Market Affected Today's Tribal Gaming Environment? (Indian Gaming)

Gaming Technology

SIGNATURE SERIES: CRM Part II: Technology and Applications
Data is the core of CRM. Whether you obtain that data through surveys, focus groups or electronic means, collection is only the first step of the process. In this panel, experts will explain how to gather the data, how to manage it and, most importantly, how to interpret it for the good of your casino's bottom line by engendering loyalty and repeat visitation independent of or along with gaming.

The Next Protocol Phase: Moving from SAS to G2S and S2S

Thumbs Up: The Importance of GSA-Certified Products

Brave New World: Emerging Games and Alternative Technologies
Things are changing rapidly on the slot floor. New products are demanding more powerful computers and advanced technologies. This session will address such issues as 3-D slots, community-style gaming, skill-based gaming, mobile gaming, surface technology and much more.

Server-Based Gaming: Beginning to Begin
While it may still be unclear when and how server-based gaming will be introduced widely across the industry and to the consumer, the question of if it will is no longer. The technology has been in beta testing at several operations for many months, so it's really only a matter of time. Vendors on this panel will discuss how they plan to manage the introduction of server-based gaming and operators involved in the beta testing will offer insight on how to prepare for it at your own property.

Harnessing the Market: The Potential of Server-Based Gaming
For many consumers the introduction of server-based games will be intentionally transparent-many may not notice a difference at all. However, the potential to catalyze entirely new approaches to your current games offering is so great that operators and vendors undoubtedly will work hard to create competitive advantages. This panel will explore the full range of marketing issues and consequences in a server-based gaming environment.

Evolution or Revolution? The Impact of Server-Based Gaming on Operations
What is server-based gaming and how does it work? What are its implications on the way you currently do things? What new obligations does it require? What new tools will it provide? These and other operational issues will be discussed by operators and vendors during an informative panel discussion.

Value Proposition: Creating Consumer Value and ROI with Server-Based Gaming
Ultimately, vendors suggest they are offering operators much more than merely a linked gaming environment with server-based gaming; but how do the benefits stack up against the costs? This panel will discuss potential capital costs and pricing structures, then compare those costs to such benefits as better player experience, increased time on device, ability to niche the competition, serving the same number of customers with fewer games, enhanced marketing efficiency and more.

Compared to What? Central Determination Systems vs. Server-Based Gaming
During this session, these two comparable approaches to game delivery will be evaluated according to their similarities and differences relative to various legal and regulatory issues, Native American Class II and Class III applications, convergence with lottery and casino gaming, as well as their use at kiosks and on hand-held devices. Potential new worldwide opportunities spurned by the evolution of these technologies will also be discussed.

Measuring Up: Data Analytics and Revenue Management, Part 1

Measuring Up: Data Analytics and Revenue Management, Part 2

Slot Appeal: Applying New Technologies
Slot manufacturers all aim to create unique products that will attract and retain players. While brand licensing, game design and the underlying math all remain important to that goal, new technologies also are playing an increasingly important role in differentiating products today. This session will examine recent successes in this area, review the full scope of offerings and discuss ideas for the next generation of technology.

Bonusing: New Interactive System Options
The infamous "second screen" has been expanded to reward players many different ways. This session will discuss a variety of new bonusing features, including how they can be used to develop carded slot play or interact with and entertain customers, be flexible to casino operators and increase casino floor participation.

Patron Rating: The New Definition of Customer Value
Is the customer value determined by your CRM system valid? Learn from vendors and operators alike how to determine the true value of your customers, including the math for revenue, profits and risk; a cost-accounting approach to capturing all expenses; and the best ways to determine valid "This Trip," "Annual" and "Lifetime" valuations as well as the incentives they deserve for each.

Multiplayer Games: Efficiencies, Comparisons of Operation and Player Perspective
Electronic table games are growing more sophisticated and gaining greater acceptance on the casino floor. Experts on this panel will explain the attraction for both operators and players. Whether it's cost reduction for the operators or ease of play for customers, electronic table games can add a new and exciting element to your casino.

Cultural Attitudes: Technology in International Gaming Environments
The choices in gaming technology are numerous. How to evaluate gaming technology that works in venues other than where it was developed, is adaptive to a given country's gaming idiosyncrasies, is multi-lingual and culturally sensitive, and is cost-effective. Learn from vendors and operators who have dealt with this issue in various international situations.

Handy Handhelds: Wireless Betting and Gaming
Leading lottery organizations and regional wireless carriers are very successful at acquiring new customers and selling core products and services, but have limited resources and experience providing real time wireless betting and gaming applications. This session will discuss regulations and jurisdictional licensing as well as the development and deployment of wireless betting products and services.

Content is King: Developing the Games
Good games have always been the bedrock of the gaming entertainment industry. At this session, learn how companies are now developing content in light of the emergence of server-based gaming, changing regulations, wireless gaming, player preferences, content lifecycles, emerging market segments and other factors. You will also hear about revolutionary vs. evolutionary impacts and how they are causing a fundamental shift in the development of content.

You may also be interested in:
Testing, Testing: Setting Up a Public Slot Lab (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Cutting-edge Technology: Driving F&B; Results with Performance Management Software Solutions (F&B;)
Digging Deep: Player Demographics and Market Research (Marketing)
Retail Gambling: Boondoggle or the Next Great Boom? (Marketing) Signature Series: Total Customer Value: More than Just Gaming (Finance)
Network Nuance: Fraud and Vulnerabilities in the System Environment (Security & Surveillance)
Hotel Security: Protecting Guest Rooms and Corridors (Security & Surveillance)

Global Gaming & Development

SIGNATURE SERIES: G2E Asia Future Watch: The Continued Growth of the Australasian Market
At this session, find out what insiders from the Australasian industry believe is in store for their market when results from the first ever G2E Asia Future Watch Series installment - conducted last May for G2E Asia in Macau - are presented. This original research piece examines the opinions of influential gaming executives from around the world on everything from the potential for gaming and non-gaming growth to tourism and economic development in current and prospective gaming markets in and around Asia.

Online Revolution: An iGaming update
The past year has been challenging for iGaming, but are changes on the rise? Enforcement of the UIEGA has been spotty at best and the U.S. Congress is asking if it's worth it. Several smaller nations are reaping the benefits of legally regulating and promoting the activity, while others continue to consider it, and wireless wagering is making iGaming one of the hottest issues in the industry. Learn about all this and more during this informative session.

Special Zones: The Russian Gaming Revolution
The combined gaming industry of Russia, including satellite countries and former Russian states, constitutes a formidable economic force. As previously announced, the Russian section of this jurisdiction will soon be consolidated into four relatively remote gaming zones. What does this means for optimizing profit opportunities in the Russian market of today and tomorrow, and how will development of the greater market be affected? A panel of expert operators, vendors and market observers will discuss.

Shifting Focus: Hot Casino Markets in Asia
For all intensive purposes, both Singapore and Macau will be closed to new development for the foreseeable future, but Asia is still the most underserved, under penetrated gaming market in the world. Hear a country-by-country review of the development issues, risks, and long term potential of emerging Asian gaming jurisdiction, including South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Marianas Islands, Mongolia and possible Russian gaming zones that could serve Asia.

Latin America: Sorting It Out
Outstanding fundamentals continue to increase the prospects for future gaming growth in this region, thus promising to add more fuel to the supply-side phenomenon, which has seen varying degrees of control and guidance from the public sector in countries throughout the region. This panel will deconstruct the most recent legislative happenings in key markets across Latin America and discuss the implications on existing and future players, as well as progress in efforts to implement responsible gaming programs.

Challenge or Opportunity? Critical Issues Facing Global Development
Never before has there been so much potential for worldwide growth in gaming, nor so many challenges facing it. A panel of experts will discuss and dissect such concerns as funding, finding qualified management and labor, the need for infrastructure, overcoming intensely competitive market segments, money laundering, the risk of building too much too fast and much more.

Land of Opportunity? How Foreign Companies Can Do Business in the United States
Tough licensing standards, detailed regulations, competitive environments, publicly traded companies, idiosyncrasies of the Native American market, entrenched U.S. operators and vendors, and other concerns make the U.S. a difficult country for foreign entrants. This seminar will review the idiosyncrasies of the U.S. gaming environment and discuss how to enter it most quickly and efficiently.

Alive and Well: The Growth of the European Gaming Industry
The United Kingdom, Western Europe and the Iberian Peninsula have all had gaming for some time, but with a variety of new destination resort casinos in the works and consolidation on the rise, as well as the entry of several new operators, is Europe in the midst of a gaming renaissance? Experts will discuss the notion and outline the potential opportunities it may provide.

You may also be interested in:
Expanding Licensing: When Sovereigns Join the Game (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Online Access: Compliance and Internet Gaming (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Structuring Deals: Developing in International Markets (Finance)
Cultural Attitudes: Technology in International Gaming Environments (Gaming Technology)
All for One: Building Executive Teams (Human Resources)
Combined Strength: Corporate and Property Marketing (Marketing)
A Safe Bet? The Racino Proposition (Racino)
State of the Industry: Racinos (Racino)
Keeping Pace: Cheating Around the World (Security & Surveillance)
Blackjack vs. Baccarat: The World's Most Popular Games (Table Games)

Human Resources

SIGNATURE SERIES: Strange Bedfellows: Labor Relations and Gaming Management
While the key competencies necessary to lead and manage a union or non-union workforce are essentially the same, there are some unique and sensitive differences under a collective bargaining agreement. This session will outline how to create a proactive training and development strategy to help your games managers and supervisors be prepared for this change.

The People Factor: How to Manage Your Human Capital to Achieve a Competitive Advantage
Capital is currently tight and expensive. Marketing programs are stale and repetitive. The time is right to refocus on our human capital, the point at which our business touches our customers. Learn how to recruit, orientate, train, supervise, lead and motivate your employees at all levels as well as how to leverage them as marketing tools. The Industry's next defining value differentiator may be right in front of our eyes. The importance of workforce diversity as an essential ingredient to the company's overall financial success in the 21st century also will be discussed.

Succession Planning in the Gaming Industry: Master Plan for Turnover and Longevity
Buildings are built to last for 30 years or more. Why not be the architect of an organization that is built to last? Experts will discuss how to create a sustainable employee and organizational plan that will survive competitive challenges, deter and mitigate turnover, and create an employee work environment whose centrifugal force retains the best employees at all levels because it makes them want to stay and excel.

Happy Campers: The Importance of Employee Satisfaction and Morale
In today's economy, job cuts are practically as common as gas price hikes. How do you keep your employees' morale high when they see unemployment on the rise and layoffs happening around them? And when that's not a concern, how do you keep productive employees happy? Do you reward employees who go the extra mile? This session will discuss the importance of job satisfaction and employee morale in general, as well as the implementation of rewards programs that will get the most from your employees. Learn how employee satisfaction truly impacts customer experience and financial performance.

Ace in the Hole: A Formally Educated Gaming Workforce
Experience counts in the casino business, but formal higher education has begun to play an increasingly important role in preparing the gaming leaders of tomorrow. Experts will discuss which colleges and universities are introducing gaming-related courses and programs and how to recruit new talent from these institutions. They also will discuss the value of other degrees and majors in helping leaders broaden their perspective, as well as the growing number of continuing education programs available to current professionals who need to adapt to the changing times.

Talent Management: Making Communication Effective
Attracting and maintaining talent for your organization is one of the greatest challenges for top executives. This session will explain unique retention programs that promote keeping executives for the long term. Learn how effective communication can spur increased productivity, higher market value and shareholder returns, improved employee satisfaction and engagement, reduced turnover and more.

All for One: Building Executive Teams
Putting together the right management team can shape your future casino's success and profitability. This session will explain the importance of recruiting, evaluating talent, considering organizational structure and operation style, and navigating through the waters of corporate or tribal management in constructing a winning group.

Rules of Engagement: More Than Lip Service
Many organizations in the gaming industry are realizing that the war for talent isn’t just between companies, but also between employees and how engaged they are with their work.  Engaged employees are passionate, energetic and driven employees, who will deliver better service to the customer and, therefore, better results to your bottom line.  At this session, industry experts and speakers from the G2E Leadership Academy will provide practical advice based on the hard facts of employee engagement and a thought-provoking gaming industry case-study.

Marketing Talent: Hiring and Retaining for Marketing Excellence
These days, senior casino marketing executives have an average employment lifecycle of 26 months. Limited resources and ambiguous expectations are two potential culprits of short tenures. What does it really take to attract and retain top talent in this business? Hear from HR experts in the industry as they discuss this hot topic.

You may also be interested in:
State Mandates: Complying With Employee Requirements (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
NCRG at G2E - Common Cause: How HR Departments and EAPs Address Gambling Disorders in the Workforce (NCRG) (Corporate Social Responsibility)
The Slot Host: Managing and Marketing (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
Security Training Programs: How Much Is Enough? (Security & Surveillance)
Workplace Violence: Casino Incidents (Security & Surveillance)
Table Game Leadership: Managing Table Games in the 21st Century (Table Games)

Indian Gaming

Track Sponsored by:

SIGNATURE SERIES: IGRA's Impact: 20 Years of Federal Oversight of Indian Gaming
It¹s been 20 years since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The first half of this session will examine the history and impact of this seminal piece of tribal gaming legislation featuring some of the framers of the legislation. In part two, IGRA¹s much debated future will be discussed. What do recent court rulings on state compacts and revenue distribution mean; what are the continuing legislative challenges to the law? And is IGRA an intrusive tool of the federal government or a gateway to progress? Hear representative from both sides weigh in on this important moment in Indian gaming history.

Class II Gaming: Where Do Tribes Go Now?
Although the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has backed off onerous standards for Class II gaming machines, the issue is far from resolved. At this session, hear from experts, operators and attorneys who have first-hand experience in this field. Understand why the NIGC regulations would have spelled disaster for Indian Country and if the new regulations will really work.

What Downturn? Growth and Opportunity in Tribal Economics
Some Native American tribes have never experienced this kind of recent economic growth, others never have been so primed to expand and still more never so ready to develop untapped opportunities. As a result, tribes now are entering in to joint ventures, selling and leasing assets, and using traditional debt or equity sources. Find out how to refinance what you have or fund what you want at the lowest cost and best terms.

Tribal Labor Relations: Union Organizing At Tribal Casinos
At one time, Native Americans thought tribal sovereignty allowed them to establish their own labor laws on the reservation. Today that assumption is being attacked more frequently and union activity is on the rise in tribal gaming facilities across the country. Expert panelists will outline the state of the legal argument, possible strategies for dealing with unionization efforts and the importance of creating a healthy relationship with your tribal workforce.

Proactive Partnerships: Tribal Governments and Universities Join Forces
Educating new and future leaders of the Indian gaming industry has become a goal of many tribes. As a result, several have created joint ventures with colleges and universities to provide in-depth programs specifically designed for Indian gaming. Experts at this session will describe the challenges, solutions and goals of these programs and explain how they benefit all parties.

Land into Trust: The Next Generation of Tribal-State Compacts
The Department of Interior has published new guidelines and regulations for land into trust applications and "off-reservation" gaming applications. This session will examine how these regulations may impact pending off-reservation gaming applications, taking non-gaming land into trust and other issues.

NIGC Roundtable: The Commission View
Several important issues have been considered in the past year by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). During this session, commissioners will provide an update on where they stand on Class II gaming, minimum internal control standards, management contracts, and other issues in Indian gaming.

Tribal Commissioners: Protectors of the Industry
Tribal gaming officials are the frontline monitors of Indian gaming. They ensure that Indian gaming is well-regulated and serve as the first line of defense against new threats and concerns. This panel will explore the challenges tribal gaming commissions face every day, from cheaters and scams to the regulatory challenges of Congress and the NIGC.

Review and Analysis of the 2008 Election: The Impact on Indian Country
The 2008 elections certainly will impact Indian Country, but how? This session, less than two weeks after one of the most important national elections in years, will examine the winners and discuss the developing new political views concerning Indian Country. This bi-partisan panel will come prepared to predict and analyze the future of Indian gaming based on the outcome of the 2008 elections.

Show me the Money: Investors on Native American Gaming
During this session, some of the biggest financiers in Native American gaming - both bond and bank investors - will discuss how they think about credit and what they are looking for in their evaluation of a deal. Why do they invest in some tribal deals and not others, what type of returns are they looking to achieve and what factors are important to them as they think about taking risk? These and other questions will be answered.

Outside the Box: Alternative Sources of Capital for Tribal Financing
In addition to seeking financing from traditional commercial banks and bond investors, new sources are emerging in the tribal financing market. Who are these people, what deals have they done and what are they looking for? Do they really have money to put to work? Representatives from several alternative funding sources will offer their perspective and stories.

G2E Future Watch: Opportunities for Indian Gaming
Twenty years ago, the passage of the landmark Indian Gaming Regulatory Act presented Native American nations with opportunities and challenges. What successes did IGRA ultimately afford today's booming tribal gaming market? Attendees will hear a panel of experts discuss the current condition and future of Indian gaming. As in years past, results from a survey on this topic distributed to a wide range of key industry stakeholders also will be presented.

Changing Landscape: Has the Market Affected Today's Tribal Gaming Environment?
Operating performance is showing weakness across the country in both commercial gaming properties and most Native American casinos. This session will examine how the weak economy has impacted Indian gaming and what innovative programs tribal casinos are using to reverse this trend.

Changing Times: Tribal Financing in Today's Market
The past year has been a very tough one in the financial markets worldwide. The proverbial credit crunch has taken its victims and Native American gaming has not been immune to the impacts. This panel will examine the causes of the situation and discuss where to go from here. Will this environment last? What will the markets require of tribal gaming deals going forward? How can tribes prepare if they are contemplating a financing deal in these markets?

You may also be interested in:
Indian Enlightenment: Native American Casino Design (Casino Design)
Expanding Licensing: When Sovereigns Join the Game (Compliance, Law & Regulation)
Building Relationships: Working Together for the Common Good (Corporate Social Responsibility)
Strange Bedfellows: Labor Relations and Gaming Management (Human Resources)
Making Smaller Bigger: Retail in Native American Properties and Regional Operators (Retail)
Marketing

Marketing

SIGNATURE SERIES: What's in a Name? Managing Your Casino Brand
The benefits of a successful brand have become increasingly evident in today's competitive gaming environment. This session will explore the concept of celebrity versus mass market brands, the top-line revenue impact of brands, capital responsibility and deal structures around branding, and return on investment - including when to consider branding concepts for internal amenities such as F&B; and entertainment.

Marketing to Tourists: When, Where and How
Existing regional and local casinos are looking for overnight tourists to expand saturated day trip markets while many new gaming venues are opening in tourist dominated markets. In this session, learn how to identify and categorize market segments, develop focused marketing programs, build loyalty and grow market share among overnight tourists.

Web Marketing: Channels and Online Approaches
Gamblers are using the Web increasingly more often to select their casino for play and stays. It's also a good bet that your competition is already using it to attract your players. This session will examine the various technical aspects of this marketing tool, such as search engine optimization, CRM solutions and ecommerce, and discuss the importance of your own Web site as well as the powerful sales and analysis tools that can be derived from building an online community.

Social Networking: Implications for Casinos
Social networking can be a double-edged sword; this session will explain how to join the worlds of social media and viral marketing without losing control. Media plans rarely consider these powerful tools, but products like blogs, podcasts, YouTube, Facebook, handheld portals and other online offerings are crucial to understand this day and age. Learn how to manage these tools before your competitor does.

Retail Lessons: How to Market during a Market Downturn
Retail chains are similar to casinos in their reliance on high levels of visitation and customer loyalty to succeed. This session will examine the marketing tactics that have helped major retailers succeed in a soft economy in the past and discuss how certain approaches can be effectively deployed to benefit your casino today.

Market Research: A Top-Down or Bottom-Up Approach?
Market research can be used to validate top-down strategies developed in the boardroom by going to the marketplace and testing whether those tactics work. Alternatively, taking a bottom-up approach, market research can survey the market and determine from your current and potential future visitors what they want and conceptualize a program around their input. This panel will show you how to do both.

Combined Strength: Corporate and Property Marketing
There is often an inherent tension between corporate marketing seeking to develop brand, build a national database and leverage resources for greater efficiency, and property marketing fighting for customized programs, more personal approaches and control over their own budget. This seminar will examine how to strike a balance and take advantage of each group's strengths.

Free Stuff: Why Publicity Can Work for Your Casino
Public relations is an often misunderstood and underappreciated division within gaming companies. During these days of tight marketing budgets and even tighter player wallets, learn how publicity can drive customers to your casino. The advantages and disadvantages of using independent PR firms or the in-house professional also will be discussed.

Digging Deep: Player Demographics and Market Research
In today's competitive climate and changing market composition, casinos need every edge they can get. This panel will delve into the various cutting edge methods of identifying, categorizing, measuring, predicting future behavior and optimizing the effectiveness of marketing programs through database analyses.

Retail Gambling: Boondoggle or the Next Great Boom?
Today, casino guests now can purchase a fixed amount of wagers and play for a discounted rate at many casinos. This approach to table games is a hotly debated concept, however, that few operators and marketing managers agree upon. During this session, a panel of experts will explore how this approach could substantially increase the universe of recreational gamblers and significantly add to your bottom line.

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Casino Entertainment Marketing: Branding Your Casino Event (Entertainment)
Non-Traditional Entertainment: Authors, Celebrities & Speakers (Entertainment)
Mix and Match: Casinos and Sporting Events (Entertainment)
Nightclubs & Ultra-Lounges: The Expansion of a Phenomenon (F&B;)
Nectar of the Gods: Using Wine to Drive F&B; Business (F&B;)
Signature Series: Total Customer Value: More than Just Gaming (Finance)
Harnessing the Market: The Potential of Server-Based Gaming (Gaming Technology)
CRM Part I: Gauging the True Value of Your Patrons (Gaming Technology)
CRM Part II: Technology and Applications (Gaming Technology)
Marketing Talent: Hiring and Retaining for Marketing Excellence (Human Resources)
Stand Up to Stand Out: Creating Effective Loyalty Programs (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
Tiers without Tears: Advanced Player Club Structuring (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
How Much Is Too Much? Budgeting and the Acquisition Quest for Players Clubs (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
Chance of a Lifetime: How to Increase the Value of Your Players (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
From Launch to Maturity: Developing a New Player's Club (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
The Slot Host: Managing and Marketing (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
Instant Incentives: Pushing the Envelope during Hard Times (Players' Clubs & Incentives)
Retail 101: A Primer for the Non-Retail Executive (Retail)
Buying Habits: New Trends in Retail (Retail)
Friend or Foe? The Independent Marketing Rep (Table Games)
Poker Power: Using the Game to Promote Your Casino (Table Games)

Player's Clubs & Incentives

Stand Up to Stand Out: Creating Effective Loyalty Programs
This panel will discuss ways to make your loyalty program stand out among the throngs of many. Go beyond the fundamentals, get more sophisticated in gathering data, make it more accurate, and evaluate your database. Learn how to effectively structure your awards and rewards, better focus your communication, and use your competitors' actions to find opportunity niches.

Tiers without Tears: Advanced Player Club Structuring
Players' clubs that reward greater player activity with ever increasing perks and rewards have been proven successful around the world. Learn how to provide entry portals for new players, add benefits properly aligned with earning potential and provide incentives for up-and-coming players to move up the ladder.

Signature Series: Total Customer Value: More than Just Gaming
While casino floors are the bedrock of this industry, non-gaming activities can often generate greater profits too. In fact, non-gaming revenues continue to increase across the industry and in many cases now exceeds those generated by gaming. Can you afford not to track and reward both in that case? Learn how to track, monitor and reward non-gaming activity in order to engender loyalty and repeat visitation independent of or along with gaming.

How Much Is Too Much? Budgeting and the Acquisition Quest for Players Clubs
Players' clubs are comprised of cash, comps and service rewards. How much should each one cost? This seminar will discuss cost-benefit, risk-reward structuring of perquisites, cash, comps, special events and other motivators needed to attract, keep, and nurture players in your loyalty based players' clubs yet, in the process, not disenfranchise your current customer base.

Chance of a Lifetime: How to Increase the Value of Your Players
According to some studies, a mere five percent increase in customer retention can lead to a 25 to 85 percent increase in profitability. The lifetime value of each casino player is critical to that kind of success. During this session, learn how to keep players coming back by implementing effective loyalty tactics. Players will not only play more, but will increase in-house spending overall.

From Launch to Maturity: Developing a New Player's Club
New casinos have one inherent problem: a limited database. This session will walk you through the process of building a database, interpreting the information, establishing procedures and taking it to the next level. Experts will discuss the basics and how to introduce a tiered card system.

The Slot Host: Managing and Marketing
With all the electronic rating in modern casinos, slot hosts can be viewed as superfluous. This session will help casino executives evaluate their hosting programs, determine how much it should cost, discuss comp exceptions and the explain how to create host incentive programs that will bring your best customers back again and again.

Instant Incentives: Pushing the Envelope during Hard Times
When it becomes more difficult to attract customers because of economic woes and travel costs, it takes innovative ideas to stand out. At this session, learn how these ideas are formulated and why items such as gas cards, travel vouchers and mortgage-payoff sweepstakes can make the difference between staying at home and going to the casino.

You may also be interested in:
Marketing Talent: Hiring and Retaining for Marketing Excellence (Human Resources)
Free Stuff: Why Publicity Can Work for Your Casino (Marketing)
Digging Deep: Player Demographics and Market Research (Marketing)
Buying Habits: New Trends in Retail (Retail)

Racino—NEW!

SIGNATURE SERIES: State of the Industry: Racinos
With explosive growth in Pennsylvania and Florida, it would seem racinos are on a roll; but looks can be deceiving. This session will examine these new jurisdictions, as well as established states such as Iowa, Delaware and others. Possible future expansion in from Massachusetts to Mexico also will be considered.

A Safe Bet? The Racino Proposition
The racing industry continues to experience negative trends, but the introduction of casino gaming has reinvigorated the segment by reigniting interest, developing new players and increasing purses. This session will examine whether racinos have proven to be a good long term bet for racetrack owners, racino operators, horsemen and investors alike, or whether increased competition from commercial and Native American casino expansion have made them a riskier proposition in the end.

More Is Better: Additional Revenue Sources
Given high tax rates and low racing attendance, it's imperative that racino operators take advantage of every available revenue opportunity. This session will examine adding or strengthening such operations as domestic and international simulcast betting, automatic wagering machines, poker and other games. Experts also will discuss how to market these additional amenities.

The Flip Side: The Racetrack at a Racino
The racing side of a racino has an often overlooked, but important economic impact on a state's local and regional economies. The success of the gaming side of a racino and its contribution to a state's economy depend on the economics of the market in which it must compete. In this session, results of a study of the economic contribution of the racing side of a racino will be presented, along with real-life reports from several racino executives.

Retail—NEW!

SIGNATURE SERIES: Retail 101: A Primer for the Non-Retail Executive
Retail has become a powerful component of the modern hotel casino resort product. Not only is it a fantastic product differentiator, it provides a casino operator with competitive advantages and marketing appeal. Executives and managers trained specifically in gaming learn little about retail along the way. Yet retail can drive volumes of new visitors to the door and be a highly profitable amenity to offer. In this session, such topics as required space, retail design, tenant mix, leasing and fees, and product pricing will be discussed. Panelists also will suggest how best to manage your retail activity in order to maximize profit and how to synergize retail with other property activities.

Buying Habits: New Trends in Retail
Like gaming, retail is continually evolving in terms of product, pricing and presentation. This session will examine some of the latest trends in the retail experience and how they apply to shopping at casino resorts. Whether its brands and product segments, boutique versus big box, matching customer demographics of gamers and shoppers, marketing and loyalty program opportunities, or the availability of cutting edge products, experts will explain what's hot in the shops.

Making Smaller Bigger: Retail in Native American Properties and Regional Operators
It isn't just the massive casino resorts that can benefit from shopping. Small regional properties, riverboats and Indian casinos can join in the fun. Learn why adding retail outlets to an existing property can enhance the experience for your guests and the bottom line for you. Experts will discuss the benefits and challenges of working with a large scale retail partner or doing it yourself and help you decide what is best for your operation.

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Retail Lessons: How to Market during a Market Downturn (Marketing)

Security & Surveillance

Security Operations: Detention and Holding Rooms
What are the protocols and proper methods to detain suspects? Do you have a holding cell? Do they have the right to call an attorney? This session deals with the use of holding rooms, police contact and delays in response, methods of using restraints, CCTV coverage, courtesies extended, medical attention and the legal liability considerations any casino operation needs to know.

Fun & Games: Nightclub Security in Gaming Environments
Nightclub environments have become standard in casinos around the world. Unfortunately, the increased number of these establishments has corresponded with an increased number of incidents and litigation, causing casino executives to evaluate the security functions inside nightclub operations. Decisions on reporting relationships, incident procedures, CCTV coverage and uniforming or managing security personnel inside and at the door are crucial to the overall success of any nightclub.

Funny Fluctuations: Conducting Table Games Investigations
As the revenue numbers fluctuate in table game environments, the surveillance operation is typically required to investigate anomalies and variances to ensure procedures are in place and internal or external theft has not occurred. This session covers the basics of conducting an investigation into the potential theft or procedure violations that cause revenue losses and fluctuations in table games.

Purchasing Investigations: A Fraud Case Study
The purchasing department is vital to any organization. Purchasing is a key player in authorization of a casino's use of its capital and cash. As such, a corrupt purchasing department can put a company at risk. At this session, learn how a purchasing department can go bad and why it happens. Learn about establishing controls, best practices and detection techniques that can mean the difference for your property.

Covert Cameras: The Basics of Internal Investigations

It is common practice for surveillance departments to be asked to conduct internal investigations of employees. Learn how new covert technology like pinhole cameras, wireless DVR units and computer interfaces make internal investigations clandestine and can significantly increase the detection rate of employee related incidents. In this presentation, you will learn the importance and benefits of utilizing covert cameras during investigations, the proper placement and installation of covert cameras and the liabilities associated with these types of investigations.

Defending the Game: How to Catch the Elusive Card Counter
Card counters can be difficult to identify. During this session, an expert will explain how to ensure a suspected player really is counting cards. Attendees will learn easy and simple methods for tracking a customer's blackjack play, guaranteeing that you can safely confirm or reject whether or not the customer has a long-term edge over your casino.

Security Training Progams: How Much Is Enough?
This session, conducted by an internationally recognized security training and research professional, will explore methods for developing comprehensive and court-defensible training programs for security personnel in the gaming and hospitality environment. With the specter of national standards and guidelines looming on the horizon, this expert will discuss measures that should be taken immediately, including the development of long range plans to minimize department liability.

Perimeter Security: Utilizing Bike Patrols
Patrolling the parking lots and garages of a gaming facility can become a challenge to the security operation. Bike patrols have become the most efficient and safe method for operations without severe weather conditions. At this session, security professionals will present the pros and cons of implementing a bike patrol program to include equipment, uniforms, training and scheduling. They also will discuss the arming of security personnel in exterior environments.

Litigation Avoidance: Preparing for Major Incidents
Is your property prepared for a shooting incident, a major fire or evacuation, tour bus crash or any other significant incident? Preparation for these events goes beyond emergency operations planning and should include foresight into reduction of liability exposure. An internationally recognized security expert will present suggested preventative planning to avoid litigation after a major incident.

Active Shooter: Developing a Plan
Unfortunately, reports of shootings in public environments are all too common. These events have sometimes included casinos and hotels. This session deals with identifying an "Active Shooter" and developing policies and procedures in the gaming environment. An expert speaker with hands-on experience in both security and law enforcement will share his lessons learned.

Speak Up: Communication Between Surveillance & Top Executives
During stressful times impacting revenues, the top executives often look to surveillance for answers. If not handled properly, these situations can lead both to management second guessing surveillance and the surveillance team second guessing itself. This presentation will explain how to develop a mutually beneficial framework for such communication and suggest standardized responses to consider during times of revenue decline.

Construction Security: The Build Process
As gaming venues continue to expand, the construction of attached hotels and parking areas becomes a security risk that has to be addressed. This panel of security executives, including directors of current construction or recently completed projects in the Las Vegas market, will discuss issues such as dealing with construction workers, safety and theft of materials. If your employer is planning an expansion or ground-up project, this session is a must.

Stop & Shop: Retail Loss Prevention in the Casino Environment
The casino industry has embraced retail by offering high-end options to its customers on a very large scale. While many casinos lease space to well-known brands, some casinos choose to open their own stores. Casino properties that decide to create their own retail offerings will face a certain amount of risk when it comes to the operation of these venues. This session will examine the subtle differences between traditional and casino retail, and the challenges facing security and surveillance as a result.

Network Nuance: Fraud and Vulnerabilities in the System Environment
Today's casino environment is made up of several system networks designed to give operations a multitude of tools to help manage day-to-day functions as well as better identify and service customers. This session will examine some of the risks and vulnerabilities associated with these networked environments and types of fraud that are being committed as a result of breaches.

Hotel Security: Protecting Guest Rooms and Corridors
This panel of ASIS International Hospitality Council members will present on methods and best practices for securing transient room areas within a gaming operation. They will discuss industry trends, dealing with high-rise hotel towers, patrols and security hardware to protect these soft targets.

Keeping Pace: Cheating Around the World
They say cheaters are either one step ahead or behind of the best casino defense. This panel of international surveillance professionals will discuss cheating methods and defenses being utilized in various countries and jurisdictions around the globe. Find out what is new or on the horizon for the gaming surveillance world.

Americans with Disabilities: Compliance and Issues for Security & Surveillance
Handicapped parking, restroom accessibility, slot machine and table games accessibility, and wheelchair use in a casino are just some of the topics that will be covered in this session. What should a property do to be in compliance with federal law and what are some of the courtesies that can enhance an operation for this growing number of customers worldwide?

Workplace Violence: Casino Incidents
Prevention of workplace violence has taken on a new face in today's world. This session, conducted by a retired Las Vegas Metro Police officer, will cover the issues that surround workplace violence incidents in casinos and what can be done to limit these types of negative events from occurring.

Sharing and Networking: Associations and Trading Information
As gaming expands around the world, the need for communication between properties and jurisdictions also increases. Changes in the methods of information sharing as well as the companies that provide these services have forced surveillance operations to form associations and groups that share basic information. This panel of surveillance professionals will present best practices for developing networks and sharing appropriate information.

High Tech Hackers: Safety in Cyberspace
As computers become the primary form of data collection and confidential information, is your casino ready to defend against external fraud? Hackers have the ability to attack your IP systems, player tracking and other sensitive data. This session will discuss the different types of high-tech fraud and internet attacks to which your company may be vulnerable.

Arcades and Game Rooms: Protecting Young Patrons
Many operators now bar unaccompanied minors from their property, but some resorts remain open. This session will focus on dealing with juvenile activities at your operation. Experts will discuss best practices for dealing with unattended children as well as how to draw up and enforce policies related to minors.

Interviewing and Investigation: Successful Techniques and Resolution
In the event of a crime or a suspected crime, the investigation, reports and interview can be key to the prosecution of a criminal, the recovery of damages and loss, and to minimizing or eliminating an employer's liability. This presentation will display proven interview techniques that will benefit employee relations, human resources, operations, risk management, and surveillance and security directors.

Table Games

SIGNATURE SERIES: Deal with It: Learning to Love Electronic Table Games
Electronic table games are becoming an increasingly important part of the casino floor. In some parts of the world, electronic table games either replace or compliment their human dealt counterparts with some great results. Learn how to determine how many electronic table games to offer and how to integrate these games into your live games, player's club and overall marketing effort. 

Rules and Regs: The Impact of Discounts and the Effect of Rules on Table Games
In today's competitive markets, both destination resorts and local casinos are vying to capture the premium guest. This panel will explore the validity of offering loss rebates and what the true impact is on casino operations. During this lively session, panelists will debate the issues while trying to determine what rules and policies actually make a casino the most money.

Friend or Foe? The Independent Marketing Rep
Table game operators worldwide have long relied on independent player representatives to fill their casinos with premium guests, but these junket representatives come with both good and bad elements. This panel will explore the raw economics of using third parties, commission structures, loss rebates, other incentives, in-house versus third party marketing trade-offs and what it takes to structure a well-balanced, profitable program.

Table Game Leadership: Managing Table Games in the 21st Century
To manage the current labor pool, management and supervisors alike need to understand communication, socialization and psychology, and have a thorough understanding of the latest management and leadership techniques. This session will discuss the tools needed to most effectively lead, manage and motivate the table games workforce.

Tech Talk: State-of-the-Art Table Game Technology
Electronic player tracking, shuffle machines, RFID chips, smart tables and more. This session will define the most current iterations of table game tracking and game protection technologies and attempt to accurately predict when a fully technical table will be available to the modern table games manager.

Blackjack vs. Baccarat: The World's Most Popular Games
Two games stand head and shoulders above all other casino games. What can be learned from the popularity of blackjack and baccarat around the world? Expert operators and vendors will explain what creates this popularity and how these attributes can be brought to your property and market segments.

Poker Power: Using the Game to Promote Your Casino
While the poker trend has waned a bit from its high of a couple of years ago, it does still remain one of the most popular games in a casino. Learn how to use poker to draw customers to your property and how to use the game to create profitable opportunities for other games and amenities.

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Retail Gambling: Boondoggle or the Next Great Boom? (Marketing)
Defending the Game: How to Catch the Elusive Card Counter (Security & Surveillance)

Wild Card

Risk Management: Understanding and Predicting
Given human fallibility and unpredictability, how do you manage uncertainty? Can you afford not to have risk management programs in place in fast changing markets? Learn how to identify risk, understand what drives that risk, quantify potential upside/downside outcomes, develop countermeasures to mitigate risk and make rational risk-adjusted decisions.

Retail, Dining and Entertainment: Striking a Balance
While some venues seem to have pushed retail, dining and entertainment (RDE) almost to its limits relative to quantity, price and quality; others have been slow to grasp and harness the full potential of these amenities. Experts will discuss how to identify and design a mix of RDE activities that can be independently successful but also combine to make your casino more appealing, competitive and profitable.

Sponsorships: Finding Additional Revenue Streams During Tough Economic Times
As consumer disposable income decreases and unemployment rates climb, the looming recession is impacting everyone. Casinos, too, will soon be forced to seek additional revenue streams.  In this session, a panel of experts will share trends and best practices that can help your operation increase revenue through the powerful medium of sponsorships.   Learn how sponsorships can be leveraged to drive more visitors to your property and enhance their overall experience.