Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2014 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 in Las Vegas is the premier international trade show and conference event for the gaming industry. Organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, G2E debuted in fall 2001 as the first and only gaming trade show and conference event designed “by the industry, for the industry.” The show floor at G2E 2014 features more than 485 exhibitors (including international exhibitors from 32 countries) in more than 294,000 square-feet of exhibit space – nearly 3 percent larger than last year’s show and the largest show floor since the Great Recession began in 2008. G2E 2014 is more than double the size of the inaugural event in 2001. The G2E 2014 Education Program will feature 175 speakers sharing their expert knowledge during 68 seminars. Highlights of day one included: a state of the Industry keynote with panelists Jim Murren (MGM Resorts International) and James Allen (Seminole Gaming, Hard Rock International); an update on the expansion of gaming in Japan and on integrated resorts legislation in Japan from the gaming industry participants looking to win gaming licenses and do business in the country with panelists Jan Jones Blackhurst (Caesars Entertainment Corporation) and Tom Nieman (JCM Global); and a seminar keynote from Stephen A. Wynn, chairman of Wynn Resorts, Ltd. Celebrity appearances and new themed slots included:Matthew Weiner, creator/executive producer/writer/director of “Mad Men”; IGT’s “Ellen DeGeneres Show” Video Slots with a performance by the Jabawockeez; and actress Lynda Carter (“Wonder Woman”), who introduced two Bally Technologies slot machines: Wonder Woman Wild and Wonder Woman Gold.
