Macau-based marketing agency HOGO has launched a new program that will see Macau’s casino operators host Japanese business leaders to provide better education and understanding on the potential positive impacts that integrated resorts could have within Japan.
The program, titled Japan-Macau Executive Connection, has been developed in partnership with Osaka-Ishin no Kai founding member and former prefecture assembly member Yoshiaki Aono.
In a Wednesday announcement, HOGO said that the Japan-Macau Executive Connection was developed after a review of recent discussions between the Japanese government and integrated resort operators, which focused heavily on the need for further education of the Japanese public and efforts designed to positively impact the public’s opinion of the industry.
It added that Japanese business leaders could be influential and should be educated on the industry’s potential impacts, both positive and negative, within Japan.
The program will partner with Macau-based gaming operators for the purpose of offering fam-trip style tours of the properties, including both front and back of house. Executives from Japan will be given the opportunity to meet with key operator contacts, including senior procurement executives, to learn more about the business strategy of each organization.
The goal of the platform is to offer Japanese executives a chance to understand the breadth and scale of an integrated resort.
“This program will allow Japanese corporations to understand the integrated resort industry in depth and showcase opportunities to them both now and in the future,” said Aono.
“Additionally, it will be integral to collect and understand information that correlates the connection between the IR industry and economic growth for the local Japanese business communities. I look forward to this program becoming a bridge between local Japanese firms and global integrated resort operators, while exciting the business community about the promising futures the industry will bring to Japan.”
Chris Wieners, Managing Partner of HOGO, said, “As we continue to listen to the Japanese government and gaming operators focus on the need educate the public, we feel the need to develop programs that foster such education. We are happy to enter into an official partnership with Mr Aono – his ability to connect with Japanese corporations and his influence are the driving force behind the success of this program, as is the support of the individual IR operators who have been incredibly supportive and accommodating.”
HOGO said that it had launched a pilot of the program in March, bringing top executives from Japan’s largest telecommunications company, Suncrest Japan, as well as other influencers from Osaka to Macau.
