Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | June 2009 12 G aming manufacturers and operators can’t change world economics on their own, but they can do something about maximising the appeal to customers of their game content and their casino real estate. Global Gaming Expo Asia 2009—better known as G2E Asia 2009—the trade show and conference at CotaiExpo™ on the Venetian Macao site between 2nd and 4th June, strives as previously tobe amust attend event for anyone in the Asia Pacific gaming industry. This year a focus is on dealing with current market challenges and turning them where possible to advantage. At the time Inside Asian Gaming went to press, more than 125 companies had signed up for the exhibition, including most of the world’s leading gaming equipment and systems manufacturers. This year the show’s floor space has been expanded to 23,000 square meters, guaranteeing exhibitors and delegates plenty of elbowroom. Here IAG gives an at-a-glance guide to what’s on offer at this year’s event. Listings were based on information available at the time IAG went to press. For the latest information please consult the event’s official website: www.g2easia. com or refer to the official printed schedule distributed by the organisers, the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, at the venue. One of the highlights of the conference will be an opening keynote address by Dr Stanley Ho, Chairman of SJM Holdings Ltd—rightly considered the father of Macau casino gaming in the modern era. Dr Ho will be presented with a G2E Asia Visionary Award at the event—only the second time the accolade has been given. The award recognises outstanding leaders who have contributed to the success and expansion of the Asian gaming entertainment market. The Ho dynasty is making G2E Asia a family affair this year. Dr Ho’s son Lawrence Ho, Co-Chairman and CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment, which is due to open its City of Dreams resort on Cotai only days after the conference, will be the guest at a special Keynote Luncheon. The event on Tuesday 2nd June is open only to participants in G2E Asia’s accompanying Gaming Management Certificate Program to be held during the show, and to registered conference attendees. G2E Asia is back in Macau with a packed schedule Stanley Ho Lawrence Ho Showtime 2009