NIGA Update

Highlighting the Economic Force in Indian Country

Over a year ago, the world as we knew it came to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting society’s social, physical, spiritual and economic impacts. Through it all, Indian Country and the Tribal leadership stayed firm in making our priorities fighting for the health and welfare of our Tribal citizens and communities. Today, as America gets vaccinated, Indian Country has set the positive example, prioritizing vaccination for the safety of all our communities.

Because of this, we can look to coming together once again. Indeed, it has been too long since Indian Country has gathered together and conducted business in person. This month, Tribal leaders, Indian gaming and industry experts will do just that.

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention has long established itself as the premier event for the Indian gaming industry and the figurative heartbeat of Native American economic success. Our mission is to protect and preserve the general welfare of Tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country. With this in mind, we are excited to be partnering with the National Center for American Indian Economic Development on July 19-22, 2021, at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Both organizations have one goal in mind, getting Indian Country back in business. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) will host the Reservation Economic Summit (RES), which features high-caliber networking, winning teaming opportunities, business development sessions and one-on-one consulting, all centered around American Indian Enterprise.

Our influential organizations have a long history of coming together to support one another. In this unique year, the joint venture helps coordinate our two shows in one venue and allows for the maximum amount of time for our attendees to secure vaccinations and safe travel. We are proud to be joining NCAIED. I am confident that this will be a fabulous opportunity for all of our Tribal enterprises to showcase their businesses and products.

Since the inception of Tribal government gaming, Tribes have successfully prioritized economic diversification – building beyond gaming to further economic self-sufficiency. Tribes have established a diverse portfolio of economic initiatives, always focusing on balancing out their revenue opportunities and the future of their Tribal citizens. Recognizing the successes will undoubtedly be a highlight during the gathering of these two events in Las Vegas.

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow Conference will present all essential aspects of the tradeshow that attendees have come to expect, including the annual membership meeting, workshops, the gaming commissioner certification series and the Chairman’s honoring luncheon. The conference sessions will be available for all attendees at multiple host venues, such as Bally’s, Caesars Forum and Paris Las Vegas. The particular emphasis this year will be placed on topics such as sports betting, online gambling, Tribal-State compacting, the cannabis industry, post-pandemic recovery, gaming operations and, of course, federal legislative advocacy. Each topic has been carefully chosen to provide the best perspectives, strategies and tactics from experts and thought leaders within the industry. Our focus is to help operators and vendors succeed in today’s ever-changing gaming landscape as Tribes reconfigure and adjust to new business models. With these new approaches in mind, we are excited to put on the first large gathering of Tribal leaders and casino executives in the country.

We look forward to seeing you this month! Please plan on joining us for both the 2021 National Indian Gaming Association’s Tradeshow and Convention, along with the National Center for American Indian Economic Development’s RES conference, and let’s get Indian Country back to business.

Ernie Stevens, Jr. 15 Articles
Ernie Stevens, Jr. is the Chairman and national spokesperson for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) NIGA