FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2026
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DEBUT OF CULINARY MARKETPLACE AT G2E 2004 TO HIGHLIGHT GROWING ROLE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR IN CASINO RESORTS
F&B; at G2E to Include Trade Show Exhibits, Conference Sessions, Special Events
LAS VEGAS— In recent years, the food and beverage (F&B;) sector of the gaming industry has contributed an increasingly significant portion of overall revenues. To keep pace with this trend, organizers of Global Gaming Expo (G2E) today announced that F&B; at G2E, a culinary marketplace catering to this burgeoning sector of the gaming industry, will debut at G2E 2004, set for Oct. 5-7, 2004, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
As the world’s largest gaming industry trade show and conference, G2E is where the world’s gaming leaders come together to gain the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. With many casino visitors now considering dining and entertainment important parts of their gaming experience, the industry saw a need for an event at G2E to address this increasingly important industry sector.
“G2E is a comprehensive event designed to keep attendees on the cutting edge of what’s happening throughout our industry, and you can no longer have a meaningful discussion about gaming without including the food and beverage component,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “The addition of F&B; at G2E will give attendees unprecedented access to the new products and ideas that will move their casinos and resorts into the forefront in this area.”
On the Las Vegas Strip, the industry’s bellwether, spending on F&B; has grown faster than even gaming revenue, up 145 percent since 1992, according to the Nevada Gaming Abstract. Surveys by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority show the average trip expenditure for food and drink has risen 102 percent during the last decade. In addition, the Nevada Gaming Control Board reports that non-gaming revenue accounts for 57 percent of total revenue today compared to 43 percent 10 years ago. F&B; represented 18.9 percent of the Nevada gaming industry’s total revenues in fiscal year 2002, surpassing hotel room revenue.
Sponsored by the Epicurean Club of Las Vegas, whose members include the leading F&B; executives from major Las Vegas casinos, F&B; at G2E will be a unique event within G2E and will feature products ranging from gourmet food and beverage and food service equipment and supplies, to technology, décor and other items essential to the delivery of an outstanding culinary experience. F&B; at G2E will put vendors face to face with leading gaming industry F&B; executives and decision makers from across the country and around the world.
In addition, the exhibits on the show floor will be complemented by a new F&B; conference track focusing on the challenges of delivering superior F&B; service in the casino environment. Speakers will include chefs, F&B; vice presidents and other gaming industry leaders.
“This event is the first of its kind designed to specifically address the unique challenges facing the food and beverage industry in the casino market,” said Rino Armeni, the founder and first president of the Epicurean Club of Las Vegas. “Casino resort visitors have come to expect world-class dining and entertainment options as part of their guest experience, making this growing market especially lucrative and exceedingly competitive. G2E has a reputation for attracting the leading decision makers in the gaming industry, so there is no better opportunity to break into the casino market than to participate in F&B; at G2E.”
Approximately 22,700 gaming industry professionals attended G2E 2003. Participants represented 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as 94 different countries.
“The addition of F&B; at G2E is in step with our goal to give our attendees a competitive advantage in every facet of their business,” said Courtney Muller, vice president and show manager, Reed Exhibitions. “Food and beverage manufacturers and suppliers also gain a competitive advantage by participating in F&B; at G2E, as the consistently high quality of senior-level buyers who attend our event will put their products and services in front of the people who are in the position to shape the future of food and beverage delivery in the gaming industry.”
To register for G2E 2004 or to exhibit at F&B; at G2E, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com.
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G2E is the international gaming trade show and conference “by the industry and for the industry.” Organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, G2E made its debut in fall 2001, defining itself as the pre-eminent show for the gaming-entertainment industry.
The AGA represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.
Reed Exhibitions is a world leader in creating high profile, targeted industry events where buyers and suppliers come together to do business. Every year, Reed events bring together some 160,000 suppliers and over nine million buyers from around the world. Today, Reed events are held in 35 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia/Pacific, and are organized by 30 fully staffed offices. Reed’s portfolio of 470 events services 49 industries in 12 key sectors.
The Epicurean Club of Las Vegas is a non-profit association of Nevada hospitality executives formed to share knowledge and fellowship, provide educational opportunities and support the local community.
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