Discover All That Is Possible

Korbi Carrison, Event Director, Global Gaming Expo chats with Peter White

lease tell our readers about yourself,

Pinvolving your background and your

experience in the industry, and your role as event director of Global Gaming Expo?

I have lived in Las Vegas and worked in the gaming industry since the mid-90s and have been fortunate to develop countless close friendships and garner priceless mentors over the years. The people I have met and my experiences wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the incredible people in the gaming community.

Working for gaming technology developers, both large and small, gave me first-hand experience knowing what it’s like to be an exhibitor at G2E. Over the years, I have worked in marketing and promotions, conference development, trade show operations, and sales. What seemed like a random journey turned out to be a collection of experiences that uniquely prepared me for my current role overseeing G2E for RX.

I remain connected through long-time friendships, and I meet new people every day. I tap into these relationships with the entire RX team as we learn, collaborate, conceive and create the ever-evolving G2E that the industry knows and loves today.

G2E Las Vegas is a vitally important exhibition for the gaming industry, given the massive amount of business deals conducted during and post-show, so there must be a considerable pressure on RX and AGA to get this show back this year?

While there is some element of pressure, the overwhelming feeling is that of anticipation and excitement. This industry is strong, made up of passionate people that love what they do and are excited to reconvene in-person to reconnect and do

Korbi Carrison, Event Director, Global Gaming Expo

business at G2E.

The time that has elapsed since our last in-person G2E hasn’t been easy for anyone. But this time has illustrated gaming’s incredible resilience and highlights our recovery story. G2E will no doubt reflect our industry’s vitality and excitement for innovations to come.

What has been the process of evaluation that RX and the AGA have applied that has been involved in the decision to proceed with the in-person G2E Las Vegas show in 2021?

We understand the value of gathering together and sharing ideas – and we also appreciate that hosting a show in 2021 is much different than hosting a show in 2019. The G2E team, made up of RX and our show partner, the American Gaming Association (AGA), deployed a research study this spring to measure the attitudes of industry stakeholders. We didn’t know what that study would reveal, but when the findings were analyzed, we learned that the industry strongly supported the notion of holding an in-person event and that people would both attend and conduct business there. We then worked closely with key stakeholders, including veteran exhibitors, and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), among others, to discuss the possibility of hosting an in-person event in Las Vegas this year.

On June 1 we announced that G2E 2021 would be an in-person event with virtual components. The industry response to this announcement was overwhelmingly positive, and we have been full speed ahead with planning ever since.

Health and safety are critically important factors in hosting a safe show. We’re preparing to deliver on our promise of safely reconvening the global gaming industry and plan to hold the show as long as it’s permissible by local, state and federal guidelines.

This is going to be a very different G2E Las Vegas from previous shows. Can you provide details on the most significant changes visitors can expect to see at the year’s show?

The most significant difference you will notice is the implementation of the vaccine verification center and mask requirement, along with other health and safety enhancements. Once an attendee has their vaccine verification wristband and show badge, they can begin their G2E experience.

One of the more memorable parts of G2E is networking with other industry professionals. This year, G2E kicks off on Monday, October 4, with G2E Connects, a very different, collaborative session allowing attendees to participate and learn from each other by interacting through facilitated discussions about what is most relevant in their professional development. G2E Connects topics will include promoting inclusivity in the workforce, building careers through mentorship, and adapting to customers’ changing needs.

When the expo hall opens on Tuesday morning, attendees will notice that some of the booths may not be as large as in past years, but the energy and experience will be all they remember from previous G2Es.

While the show will have a slightly different look and feel, attendees expect to make meaningful connections and have deep conversations.

Will there be a virtual option for those unable to attend due to travel restrictions?

While we are thrilled to convene the industry in Las Vegas this year, we understand not everyone will be able to attend the show in person. We think it’s

important to still provide opportunities to connect with G2E, so we’ve incorporated virtual elements into the show. Attendees will be able to watch our keynotes, select education sessions, and have opportunities to connect with attendees and exhibitors through the G2E mobile app. After the in-person show concludes, the digital experience continues with an ongoing connection through G2E Insider Live and other G2E digital content.

Are you in a position to provide details on this year’s conference program?

Absolutely. We recently announced our keynote speaker line-up:

Tuesday, October 5

• AGA’s Bill Miller will kick off G2E at 8:45 a.m. PT with a welcome address reflecting gaming’s road to recovery. Following his remarks, Nevada Gov. Steve

Sisolak and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1) will speak on navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the dynamic role gaming plays across the state, and delivering for the state of Nevada.

• At 1:00 p.m. PT, G2E will debut an afternoon keynote session, Gaming & Diversity: Pushing the Industry Forward featuring MGM Resorts

International Chief People, Inclusion & Sustainability

Officer Jyoti Chopra, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

President and CEO Suzanne Clark, and Marriott

International Senior Vice President, Multicultural

Affairs, Social Impact, and Business Councils

Apoorva Gandhi. Moderated by CNBC’s Contessa

Brewer, Chopra, Clark and Gandhi will discuss how gaming companies can and should prioritize diversity at all levels to serve customers, employees, and communities better.

Wednesday, October 6

• At 9:00 a.m. PT, Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock

International, and CEO, Seminole Gaming; Bill

Hornbuckle, CEO, and President, MGM Resorts

International, and Matt Maddox, CEO, Wynn

Resorts, Ltd. will take the stage. NBC’s Contessa

Brewer will lead the discussion, Raising the Stakes:

Gaming Leaders Take on the Future of the Industry, asking these influential gaming CEOs on what will drive the industry forward.

• We’ll be making another announcement on the

Wednesday afternoon keynote shortly, which is also shaping up to be very exciting.

• Make sure to check out the “Schedule at a Glance” to help you plan the rest of your G2E experience.

Will this year’s conference and exhibitor floor see a greater level of involvement from organisations involved in sports betting?

G2E’s show floor is directly reflective of the industry’s trends and developments. The legal sports betting market has expanded rapidly since the last G2E. As such, you can’t miss content related to sports betting in all aspects of G2E, from the expo hall to the education program, in the keynote addresses and G2E’s Innovation Lab.

How are the numbers of booths being taken at this year’s G2E Las Vegas holding up in comparison with previous shows?

The pandemic has been a challenge for many gaming companies, and exhibitors have been balancing their business objectives with their commitment to participate in G2E. Having decided that G2E is an essential part of their success strategy, a few exhibitors opted to take smaller booths than in the past and we are pleased that the vast majority will join us again. We are forecasting over 270 exhibitors – and the current list is available.

Have you anything else you would like to add?

The support from the gaming community has been very encouraging as we plan this year’s show. A lot has happened since we last held G2E in person. Undoubtedly, 2020 was the most challenging year in our industry’s history – and each of us learned important lessons during that time. Reconvening is important, so gaming professionals can share their unique experiences, insight, and wisdom as we move forward on the road to recovery. We have adapted and learned, and we will likely continue to do business in a virtual setting. Still, there is no substitute for gathering together to connect and do business in person. We can’t wait to celebrate the resilience of the industry in Las Vegas with our colleagues from across the globe.

Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule for this interview.