Global Gaming Expo 2012 Back at Pre-recession Levels
October 7, 2012
By Anna Huddleston
Holographic card dealers, CSI-themed slots and a "Judge Judy" mock courtroom were just some of the dazzling offerings at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the premier trade show and conference for the gaming and entertainment industry that took place Oct. 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, the event is back to its 2008 numbers, with 413 exhibitors taking more than 259,000 square feet of exhibit space – an increase of about four percent, compared with the 2011 event.
The attendance numbers were pending audit, but were expected to be "on par or better" than last year, according to show organizers.
"This is the first time we've seen significant growth year-over-year since 2007, and we are extremely encouraged by the sales numbers and what they mean for the casino gaming industry," Courtney Muller, senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions, said in a statement.
She added, "Additionally, G2E's attendance numbers are tracking ahead of last year's event, indicating a strong interest by industry buyers to discover new products and services that will contribute to the success of their businesses."
Increasing gaming revenues for the first months of 2012 and strong interest in online gaming are among the factors contributing to the event's success this year, said Judy Patterson, senior vice president and executive director at AGA.
"The response we got across the boards has been overwhelmingly positive," she said, noting that exhibitors and attendees appreciated the consolidated layout of the show at the Sands.
Patterson added she hopes to see similar positive numbers at G2E Asia in Macao in May 2013, where exhibit sales already are "considerably up compared to same month-to-month sales for 2012."
The buzz on the showfloor was cautiously optimistic about the return of the replacement cycle where gaming operators would start changing out older games with new products. Several companies introduced games featuring rock bands, popular movies and NASCAR drivers.
"We are seeing a transition into more personal and immersive experiences that rely on technology," said David Henry, marketing manager for 3M Touch Systems that brought multi-touch displays, among other offerings, to the show.
Henry said he was pleased with the traffic and commented that gaming is one of the bullish market segments for his company at the moment, thanks also in part to new states allowing gaming. "Everyone's still a little tight on the budget though," he added.
Attendee Morgan O'Bryant, director of a recruiting firm cFour Partners Worldwide, noticed that more of his clients were holding meetings at this show, compared with 2011.
"As a whole, it's just starting to pick up a little,” O’Bryant said. “Bally's last quarter numbers were tremendous. Konami had a good quarter. Everything is trending upward."
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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