Indian Gaming is without question one of the greatest success stories of our industry.
We’ve all heard the facts such as a growth rate three times that of traditional commercial gaming and the staggering revenues thought impossible just a decade ago. For me, it’s a feel good story too. When Indian Gaming prospers, it changes lives and destinies for many good folks who have been on the short end of opportunity throughout American history.
This month’s cover story gives an inside look at the progress, process, and challenges faced in Indian Country today, via a candid interview with the National Indian Gaming Association Chair, Ernie Stevens, Jr.
Also on tap for this month is the Great Women of Gaming Conference scheduled for Feb. 12 and 13 at Green Valley Ranch Resort at Spa in Las Vegas. CEM is extremely proud to bring you this event. We will celebrate the lives, careers, and accomplishments of ten of the most inspiring women in our industry. Each year going forward, CEM will host the Great Women of Gaming Conference and honor ten new women leaders from our industry. Our plan is to continue to bring you inspiring stories of the diverse
leaders in our midst.
Another great event we are proud to host this year is CasinoFest 3. Last year CEM embarked on a journey to bring regional training and education conferences to the industry that were different in every way that CEM is different. We set out to deliver a “no fluff” operations-based event that gave attendees more than they bargained for, and certainly more than they were used to getting.
CasinoFest 3 is May 14 through the 16 and we return to Mystic Lake Casino just outside Minneapolis, Minn. Again, we will have three full days of classroom training. This year, however, we have expanded our three-track schedule from last year’s Minnesota event to include two more.
Attendees can choose tracks focusing on Slot Operations Management, Systems and Technology, Table Games Management, Casino Marketing, or Gaming Law. Last year’s attendees, when surveyed, told us that we were indeed onto something different. Most everybody remarked on the event’s quality and tremendous content value. Well, we’re not stopping there. We think this year’s line-up will bring fresh material and more new ideas to help you make your casino run better, run smoother, and make more money.
Also, we have the honor to bring you an exciting story. Packaged along with CEM this month is a special supplement for our good friends at WMS Gaming. This company has a great story to tell, and when you flip through the pages of this custom-published project, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Peter Mead-Publisher