Tribal government gaming is one of the most important industries in Indian Country, but unfortunately many of the facilities are located far from gaming education. At this GHES session, held at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in California, hear about such important topics as the latest trends in slot machines, how non-gaming amenities can set you apart from your competitors, how finance and cash transactions are getting increased attention from state and federal governments, how investment in new technology will provide a dramatic return, and much more. Plus, panels featuring the leaders of Southern California casinos and tribes.
Welcome: Robert Martin, Chairman, Morongo Tribe
CEO Panel: Casino Leaders, Market Conditions
Running a tribal casino isn’t much different than running a commercial one. They all have slot machines, most have table games and some have sports betting, bingo and keno. Managing those diverse departments takes skill and experience. And adding on the next wave of non-gaming amenities means a CEO must have a diverse skill set and an elite staff. At this session, learn how managers of the tribal casinos set and reach their goals.
Moderator: Katherine A. Spilde, Ph.D., Director, Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming, San Diego State University
Speakers: Peter Arceo, General Manager, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Mark Birtha, President, Hard Rock Sacramento, John James, COO, Morongo Casino Resort; John Dinius, General Manager, Sycuan Casino Resort
Marketing Methods: What Works, What Doesn’t
Tribal casinos generally are stand-alone facilities, or part of a small number of gaming enterprises. So they lack the support of a large corporate structure and their marketing must be more innovative and authentic than commercial casinos. Marketing expert Mike Meczka will explain how to create marketing programs that not only succeed in bringing in customers, but create a brand that resonates.
Speaker: Michael Meczka, President, MM/R/C Inc.
Expand or Die: Non-Gaming Amenities
Opportunity and competition has heated up in Native American gaming. If your casino is not expanding or considering expanding, you’ll be left behind. And growing your gaming floor isn’t as important as adding additional food-and-beverage outlets, high-end rooms and suites, pools and spas, retail, meeting space and more. Hear from the experts about how to determine the best mix of gaming and non-gaming amenities.
Moderator: John Cannito, President, The PENTA Building Group
Speakers: Dike Bacon, Principal, HBG Group; John Dinius, General Manager, Sycuan Casino Resort; Mike Meyers, Senior Principal/Senior Project Director, Lifescapes International
Keynote Speech: James Siva, Vice Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Vice Chairman, Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Tribal Technology: Cutting Edge in Indian Country
Indian Country has won a well-deserved reputation as the place where innovative new technology debuts in the gaming industry. Forward-thinking tribal gaming leaders understand that new technology gives their properties the edge when it comes to increased competition and customer loyalty. At this session, technology providers will explain what’s on the horizon in hardware, software and unique customer service programs.
Moderator: Gene Johnson, Executive VP, Victor Strategies
Speakers: Tom Soukup, Sr. Vice President & Chief Systems Product Officer, Konami Gaming;
Angie Dobney, Vice President/Gaming and Casino Sales, Rainmaker,
Michael Minor, Executive Vice President, Global Payments Gaming Solutions
Rob Jacks, CIO, Agilysys
What Are The Odds: Sports Betting in Indian Country
The explosive growth of sports betting in the U.S. has thus far not been equaled in tribal casinos. While a few tribes have taken steps toward sports betting, others are taking a wait-and-see attitude while legal, political and technological issues get resolved. This session will review the status of sports betting in some of the largest tribal gaming states and discuss the issues facing tribes.
Moderator: Valerie Spicer, Founding Partner, Trilogy Group
Speakers: Max Bichsel, US Director, Kambi; Steve Bodmer, General Counsel, Pechanga Tribal Government; Vic Salerno, President, USBookmaking
Change Orders: Tribal Gaming of the Future
Tribal gaming is not immune to the changes sweeping through the commercial and online gaming industry. The games people play are evolving, tables games are becoming more popular and electronic, and mobile sports betting is spurring interest in online casinos. So how is a tribal gaming enterprise expected to compete? At this session, experts will peal back the curtain a bit to reveal the casino floor of the future, explain how tribes can remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry, and discuss the challenges-and opportunities-that accompany this change.
Moderator: Victor Rocha, President, Victor Strategies
Speakers: Jeffery Berns, Executive Director of Casino Operations, Morongo Casino Resort; Michael Capen, Director Client Services, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC; Rikki Tanenbaum, Chief Marketing Officer, San Manuel Casino
TITLE SPONSOR: Konami
EPISODE SPONSOR: PENTA
RECEPTION SPONSOR: Rainmaker
NETWORKING SPONSOR: Cognizant
LANYARD SPONSOR: Lifescapes
