Planning Continues for Indian Gaming Tradeshow in San Diego, March 24-27

We are only 13 days away from the National Indian Gaming Association’s Annual Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention. The National Indian Gaming Association has received daily inquiries to make sure the largest Indian Gaming Tradeshow remains on track and will open as scheduled on March 24th.

In conjunction with our exhibitors and in cooperation with the Governments of the City of San Diego and California, the National Indian Gaming Association continues to plan and move forward to provide our attendees with a safe and conductive Tradeshow environment so that we may showcase our great Tribal Nations who have developed one of the leading industries in this great Country.

Our National Indian Gaming Association staff is ready to answer any of your questions or concerns. We would also like to direct you to the California Department of Public Health and the San Diego Public Health Administrator. At this time:

  • The California Department of Public Health is not recommending the cancellation of public events. The health risk from COVID-19 to the general public remains low at this time.
  • The San Diego Public Health Officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, stated on March 08: “Closing large gatherings is not something that is prudent at this time.”
  • California state and local health officials are actively working to help protect the health of visitors to the great state of California.
  • The CDC is not recommending cancelation of community events at this time if no COVID-19 cases exist within the community.

Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., stated: “Our organization continues to closely monitor the Coronavirus outbreak in the United States and its impact on large gatherings. As of today, given the reassurances from local, State, and Federal, public health officials, and we are committed to providing a safe and entertaining venue to celebrate our Indian Gaming Industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected across the nation by this situation; however, we are looking forward to hosting a fantastic Tradeshow in two weeks.”

The deadline to book your hotel is Friday, March 13, so please plan accordingly. You can book your hotel through the National Indian Gaming Association official hotel company, CONNECTIONS Housing, at www.indiangaming.org/events.

We are excited to bring you a packed show in San Diego, where we will have four days of education, networking, the latest in gaming innovation, and of course, the latest policy updates impacting Indian Country.

In addition, this year, we have an expansive line-up that includes our Conference Sessions and Gaming Commissioner Certification program. We will have over 70 hours of classroom instruction and updates on hot topics such as Sports Betting, Casino Resort Operations, and our Hot Topics in Indian Gaming. Come learn about the latest in the Class II Industry and the new Consumer Privacy Laws that govern customer data information and consumer protection.

Finally, our Tradeshow will include ample entertainment options each evening. On Wednesday evening, the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) will host their 50th Anniversary Gala, “A Nation of Scholars.” The gala will honor the organization’s founders and alumni, with three prestigious Native alumni leaders being inducted into the inaugural American Indian Graduate Center Hall of Fame and a variety of other festivities including a silent auction, fine dining, live entertainment and more.

In addition, the Native American Comedy Slam will take place on Thursday night in San Diego, as well as all of your favorite vendor showcases each night in the city of San Diego. Please visit the National Indian Gaming Association website for more information.

Chairman Stevens added: “Our tradeshow team is working closely with the San Diego Convention and Tourism Authority, as well as local hotels, to ensure preventive measures are in place to keep our attendees safe and surrounded by the best sanitary conditions available.”

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego during what is a critical election year for Indian Country. Indian Country’s issues must be front and center for all of our politicians, and the Indian Gaming Tradeshow is one of the marquee events of the year to highlight these issues.

We plan on seeing you in San Diego at the largest Indian Gaming show in the world. Make your arrangements today!