By Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association
As the world continues to adjust to the new normal of life, weaning the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of assessing our society as the pandemic lessens spread after two years to the day when our world came to a halt. Building back to this point throughout Indian Country is due to the continued commitment of the Tribal leaders. Even today, they continue standing firm to make the health and welfare of their Tribal citizens and communities a top priority by doing their part to lessen the spread of COVID-19. As Americans work to get vaccinations, Indian Country continues to set the example of successful vaccination efforts. More and more, we see Tribal communities safely coming together. All over Indian Country, we confidently return to the workplace and conduct business in-person after two years of working from home and by virtual meetings.
With that, this month, Tribal leaders, Indian gaming, and industry experts will do just that as our National Indian Gaming Association will once again present the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention on April 19-22, 2022, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
The Indian Gaming Tradeshow and 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.
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 these successes will undoubtedly be a highlight during the gathering in Anaheim.
As the largest gathering of Tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention is where Tribal and commercial gaming leaders come together to conduct business, learn and network. The Indian Gaming Tradeshow Conference will present all essential aspects of the tradeshow that attendees have come to expect, including access to gaming’s leading manufacturers and service providers and the newest products on the market on the tradeshow floor with 350+ exhibitors.
Conference highlights include the Chairman’s Welcome Reception, the Chairman’s Leadership Awards Luncheon Featuring Special Honoree, the Tribal Membership Annual Meeting, our always popular ribbon cutting event and an array of exciting options on the tradeshow floor, including the Chairman’s Lounge Presentations & Showcase Education Sessions, a show floor reception, the Chairman’s Lounge Tradeshow Floor Giveaway, and a whole lot more.
Our focus will be on the critical topics that will help operators and vendors succeed in today’s ever-changing gaming landscape as Tribes reconfigure and adjust to new business models. We will offer a comprehensive learning experience, and the 2022 program will feature hot topics of our Indian gaming industry.
Each topic has been carefully chosen to provide the best perspectives, strategies and tactics from experts and thought leaders within the sector, including conference tracks featuring Resort Operations (including Hospitality & Marketing), Enterprise Development, Sports Betting, Emerging Gaming, current Politics & Policy, Tribal Sovereignty, and more hot topics central to our industry.
We are committed to doing our part to ensure the safety of all exhibitors, attendees and staff at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention by following the guidelines issued by the CDC, state and local officials as we develop our health and safety plan. Additionally, we are working with our travel partners, venues, hotels, and convention centers to protect your health and provide you with a safe and productive environment to conduct business. With these approaches in mind, we will once again gather Tribal leaders and casino executives from around the country with safety at the forefront.
We look forward to seeing you in April! Please plan on joining us for the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2022 Tradeshow and Convention. For more information about the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention and our COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols, please go to our webpage – www.indiangaming.org.
