G2E Podcasts » G2E 2009 Podcasts

NCRG at G2E: Demystifying Gaming Machines: Can a Slot Machine Cause Addiction?

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:12:30 +0000

Much has been made about the nature of slot machines – can a machine inherently cause addiction or is it merely a vehicle for the manifestation of an inherent addiction in the player? No one is more interested in answering that question than the industry itself. During this session, a researcher from the field joined key industry stakeholders to explore this hot-button issue.

Moderator:
Christine Reilly, Executive Director, Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling & Related Disorders, Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance

Speakers:
Connie Jones, Director of Responsible Gaming, International Game Technology (IGT)
Rohan Miller, Ph.D, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Sydney
Kevin Mullally, General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (GLI)

Employment Law: Gaming’s Unique Environment

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:09:15 +0000

Employment law is complicated to begin with, but when applied to the highly regulated gaming environment, it becomes truly unique. This session examines surveillance room issues, licensing issues with internal promotions, non-competes and non-solicits for player development employees, miscommunications by employees that give rise to slander and regulatory scrutiny, sexual harassment and more.

Moderator:
Russell Lichtenstein, Senior Partner, Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law

Speakers:
John P. Boggs, Employment Litigation Attorney, Fine, Boggs and Perkins, LLP
Phil Fortino, Partner, Global Work/Life Solutions
E. Fredrick Preis, Jr., Senior Partner-Attorney, Lemle & Kelleher, L.L.P.
Britt R. Singletary, Partner, Singletary & Thrash-Biloxi, PLLC

G2E Webinar Series: Thriving in a Crisis, Part V: Leveraging the Present to Build the Future

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:06:08 +0000

During this final session of G2E’s Webinar Series, panelists discuss how to ensure you are in the right place with your marketing strategy to optimize the future environment. Experts share their secrets for identifying when and how to make changes to your marketing strategy, goals and vision. During this era of optimization, panelists review the growth of marketing and emphasize the importance of maintaining a mindset for the future.

Moderator:
Randy Fine, Managing Director, The Fine Point Group

Speakers:
Steve Dahle, SVP, Relationship Marketing and Database Analytics Practice, The Fine Point Group
Scott Kreeger, Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations, Station Casinos, Inc.
Steve Marshall, Vice President of Marketing, Legends Gaming

G2E Webinar Series: Thriving in a Crisis, Part IV: Applying Analytics to Determine Business Levels

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:03:27 +0000

Analysis of data is an important function in today’s casino. During this session – Part IV of the G2E Webinar Series conducted online in advance of the show – speakers explain this importance and dive into actual analysis to show participants how to find the most important data in their own reports. The session uses the previously covered case study property to explore whether or not what they’re doing is best for the casino. What type of tweaks may need to be made? Together with the audience, speakers also examine whether or not the results are answering the company’s previously set goals and if sound business decisions are being made based on numbers rather than gut.

Moderator:
Randy Fine, Managing Director, The Fine Point Group

Speakers:
Chris Colwell, General Manager, Greektown Casino-Hotel, Senior Vice President, The Fine Point Group
Helen MacMillan, Executive Director, Marketing, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Marc Oppenheimer, Corporate Vice President of Relationship Marketing, Station Casinos

Tourism and Gaming: One Hand Washes the Other

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:00:43 +0000

Tourism boards typically use gaming to attract new visitors to their area, making them often unrecognized and underutilized champions of the industry. Just as casinos depend on tourism to drive their business, so too does tourism depend on casino operations and their related attractions in many jurisdictions around the world. During this session, learn how casino companies and tourism boards can support each others’ efforts vis-à-vis new business and government support. Executives from both sides of the equation are on hand to discuss their successful partnerships.

Moderator:
Judy Patterson, Senior Vice President & Executive Director, American Gaming Association (AGA)

Speakers:
Wes Ehrecke, President, Iowa Gaming Association
Rob O’Keefe, Director, Partnership Development, R&R Partners
Jeff Vasser, Executive Director, Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (ACCVA)

Food for Thought: Keeping Them in Their Seats

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:56:22 +0000

For more than 70 years, California card rooms have fed their guests while they gamble at poker tables. Asian casinos have long provided dining service at tables as well. At this session, experts examine how feeding guests on both table games and at gaming machines can increase time-on-device, trim complimentary costs, improve drop and win, modify F&B staffing needs and create unique marketing and service opportunities that will set the savvy regional casino operation apart from its competition.

Moderator:
Clark Hickey, Director of Food and Beverage, Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino

Speakers:
Joe Olivieri, Director of Gaming Operations, Viejas
Joe Wilcock, Vice President of Table Game Operations, Treasure Island, Las Vegas

Poker Possibilities: Operating a Profitable Room

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:45:56 +0000

While the poker boom has clearly peaked, there are still plenty of players looking for a shot at the big time. This session examines the state of the poker market and discuss new, more efficient operating models for your room. Speakers examine the setting of table limits and range of blinds, the number of tables, bad-beat jackpots, tournaments, comps and big events. Staffing, online sponsorship possibilities and poker room technology are also discussed.

Moderator:
Lisa Tenner, President, Tenner & Associates, Inc.

Speakers:
Doug Dalton, Director of Poker Operations, Bellagio Resort & Casino
Deb Giardiana, Executive Director of Poker Operations, Wynn Las Vegas
Andy Rich, Poker Room Manager, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Running the Numbers: Table Game Yield Management

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:43:20 +0000

Table game operations lose immeasurable revenue because of improper pricing strategies and poorly executed labor management. In this session, speakers examine how and when to move table minimums up or down, how to maximize revenues with no additional costs, how to manage staff for greatest efficiency and how to understand gamblers’ behaviors as they relate to table game minimum wagers.

Moderator:
Bill Zender, Gaming Consultant, Last Resort Consulting

Speakers:
Prem Gururajan, President, Tangam Systems
Jim Kilby, Gaming Consultant, OKIE International
Peter Klugsberger, Executive Director of Table Games, Great Blue Heron Casino
Joe Wilcock, Vice President of Table Game Operations, Treasure Island, Las Vegas

Chip Leaders: Table Game Tournaments that Work

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:37:00 +0000

A properly developed and well-executed table game tournament provides the savvy operator with surefire profits while building loyalty among the casino’s most valuable guests. During this session, participants learn how to determine the ideal ROI, how to identify and attract the most profitable target market, as well as what it takes to get guests in the door, how to keep them on the casino floor and how to exceed their expectations.

Moderator:
Rick Gianti, Table Games Supervisor, Bellagio Resort & Casino, Managing Partner, Magic 7 Enterprises LLC

Speakers:
Karen Delia-Mendoza, Director of Table Games Special Events and Game Development, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
Graciela Olson, Vice President of Table Games, Monte Carlo Resort
London Swinney, Executive Director of Casino Operations, New York New York Hotel and Casino

Don’t Do This: The Top 10 Table Game Blunders

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:32:45 +0000

The math is usually straightforward, so it’s often surprising that some casino operators ignore it to focus on their gut feelings – gut feelings that often end up costing your property money. But it’s not just the math that is overlooked; often customer relationship development is the most neglected part of the equation. At this session, enjoy a hilarious (and true) account of the 10 dumbest things table game operators often do. Max Rubin lampoons some bizarre and absurd practices while explaining how and why these illogical policies do nothing but cost casinos money. Come learn from other people’s mistakes!

Speaker:
Max Rubin, President, Max Rubin Enterprises

Getting in the Game: Table Game Operators Roundtable

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:30:25 +0000

The growth of table games has been greatly accelerated by the expansion of the Asian market, changes in tribal gaming regulations and legalization in some racino states. During this session, table game operators discuss the pros and cons of rapid growth and how to best manage it. A variety of new games, bonus features, rule changes and labor issues are also discussed.

Moderator:
Kathi Meci, Gaming Consultant, Kathi Meci, Consulting

Speakers:
Mike Cray, Director of Casino Operations, Isle of Capri Casino – Biloxi
Gabe Hunterton, Senior Vice President – Business Development, MGM GRAND Macau
Michael Patterson, Vice President of Table Games, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
Jimmy Wike, Vice President of Table Game Operations, Caesars Palace

Cheating the Game: Baccarat A to Z

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:27:01 +0000

Proactive surveillance of baccarat games is crucial for table game revenue management. This panel of experts discuss the crucial points in baccarat game protection. The session begins with a brief description of the math and volatility of the game, followed by video examples of false shuffles, off-set betting and other everyday vulnerabilities exploited by cheaters. Panelists also examine emerging counterfeiting trends from Asian markets that are likely to hit baccarat tables in North America soon.

Moderator:
Farzad Amedi, Corporate Director of Surveillance, Paragon Gaming

Speakers:
Jessie Beaudoin, Senior Director of Surveillance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Kevin Kelly, Surveillance Shift Manager/Trainer, Borgata Hotel Spa and Casino

You Can’t Hide: The Proactive Internal Fraud Risk Management Program

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:23:31 +0000

The current economic downturn has resulted in increased occupational fraud, as well as risk of fraud from outsiders. In this session, a noted criminologist discusses how your gaming operation can get proactive in searching for and mitigating internal fraud by implementing an internal fraud risk management program. Security plays a crucial role in the assessment process through development of relevant fraud schemes and scenarios, and helping to map those fraud schemes and scenarios to mitigating controls within the gaming operation.

Speaker:
Craig Greene, Founding Partner, McGovern & Greene LLP

Multimedia Incident Information Management: A New Line of Defense

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:20:55 +0000

Every year, liability claims, cheating and scams cost casinos millions of dollars. How can you mitigate your risks and protect your casino from expensive lawsuits and losses? Proactive security procedures and surveillance technology are an effective front-line defense, but what is useful after an incident has occurred? More often than not, the answers come from looking at multiple sources of information. The use of multimedia incident information management technology and best practices for using technology in investigations are discussed during this session.

Speakers:
Douglas Florence, Sr., CPP, Director, Gaming Sector, NiceVision ~ NICE Systems Inc.
Moti Shabtai, Executive VP, Business Development & Strategy, NICE Systems

Confidence Scams: Today’s Casino Environment

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:18:07 +0000

Card counters are now called “advantage players,” and comps are now called “player reinvestments.” Confidence scams are now called “social engineering techniques,” and these are any technique used to create a favorable outcome through manipulation of information. These scams or “techniques” can impact nearly every facet of today’s casino resort environment. This session examines a number of social engineering techniques that are used or can be used in the casino environment on a regular basis. Also discussed are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to several types of fraud associated with this activity.

Speaker:
Darrin Hoke, Director of Surveillance, L’Auberge Du Lac Hotel and Casino

Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Keno and Bingo Protection and Scams

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:16:09 +0000

Keno and bingo rarely attract the attention of loss prevention personnel that other casino games do. With less vulnerability, fewer controls and typically higher expectations for hold, why should they? This presentation goes beyond policy and procedure to review tactics used by customers, employees and sometimes the house to make sure they win. This is a must-have session for security and regulatory personnel hoping to gain a better understanding of protecting keno and bingo assets.

Speakers:
Abe Martin, Surveillance Manager, Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Dataveillance: The New Breed of Casino Surveillance

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:14:03 +0000

Through successful integration of third-party systems and the prevalence of analytics in gaming environments, video surveillance systems are evolving into video productivity solutions, which offer a new breed of “dataveillance.” Dataveillance is the convergence of video and third-party content to create a corporate-wide video area network (VAN) that extends productivity and financial returns beyond the surveillance department and across the entire organization. The ability to mine relevant data, tie it to video and present it in a way that allows security personnel to react quickly and appropriately to the most important events is becoming a vital function of well-designed surveillance systems. Learn more about this new technology and how to integrate it into existing networks during this cutting-edge session.

Moderator:,
Joseph McDonald, Chief Security Officer, Switch Communications Group

Speakers:
Jeff Baldi, Director of Systems Sales – Western Region, Aristocrat Technologies Inc.
Bob Cutting, Vice President, Product Management, ObjectVideo
Darrin Hoke, Director of Surveillance, L’Auberge Du Lac Hotel and Casino
John Katnic, Vice President & COO, Synectics Systems

Arrests on the Casino Floor: Managing Control and Restraint

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:10:34 +0000

This session presents best practices and insight on how to manage difficult arrests on the casino floor. Speakers discuss how to minimize injuries to employees and patrons, minimize liability exposure and deal with the public in these sometimes necessary arrests. Effective methods for avoiding “take downs” and “dog piles” will be offered, and a series of actual video clips of incidents are shown. Case discussions on applicable policies and procedures, training, reporting and liability exposure through trial are also presented.

Moderator:,
Alan Zajic, CSP, Security Consultant, AWZ Consulting Services

Speakers:
Tommy J. Burns, President, CPP, Security Consultant, Burns & Associates, Inc.
Steven Jaffe, Esq., Attorney, Hall Jaffe & Clayton

Card Sharks Beware: Perils of a Handheld Game

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:06:53 +0000

This session examines the rapidly evolving use of handheld games, including blackjack and carnival games, in casino environments. Attendees examine certain card cheating techniques through live demonstrations showing how peeks, flashes and false deals are perpetrated on the games, and how detection of dealer collusion scams are revealed. This demonstrative session is a must-see for any property contemplating or using handheld games.

Speakers:
Sal Piacente, President, UniverSal Game Protection Development, Inc.

Crime Signals: How to Recognize Behavioral Tells

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:04:14 +0000

How do you predict or anticipate a crime? David Givens, author of Crime Signals and a subject matter expert on investigations and interviewing for casino operations, discusses his findings with the audience. This presentation provides insight into the behavior signals that dishonest people display and actual interview techniques that will benefit employee relations, human resources, operations, risk management, surveillance and security directors alike.

Speakers:
Douglas Florence, Sr., CPP, Director, Gaming Sector, NiceVision ~ NICE Systems Inc.

Thinking Outside the Box: Casino Games Protection

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:01:33 +0000

During this interactive training session learn how to think outside the box, rather than consider the obvious, when observing casino play. An internationally renowned expert on cheating techniques and games security sets up specific game situations and scenarios for the attendees to study – live and on video – for an interactive learning experience. The goal of this first-of-its-kind training session is to determine what, if any, casino cheating, advantage play or procedural game violation has occurred.

Speaker:
George Joseph, Founder, Worldwide Casino Consulting

21st Century Terrorism: Lessons for Hotels, Casinos and Nightclubs

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:58:34 +0000

Incidents at the Taj Majal in Mumbai, five-star casinos in Egypt, and nightclubs in Bali and Tel Aviv show us that terrorism is not limited to government targets. Large tourist venues are increasingly becoming targets for terrorists. Learn necessary steps and precautions can be taken to reduce a property’s vulnerability to the threat of terrorism, and how do you respond effectively to terrorist incidents. This session examines past terrorist incidents and offer proactive steps security professionals can utilize to mitigate the threat.

Speaker:
Tommy J. Burns, CPP, Security Consultant, Burns & Associates, Inc.

Scams and Cheats: Current Cheating Methods and Trends

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:56:14 +0000

This panel of security and surveillance experts will discuss the current trends in scams and abuses affecting the gaming industry worldwide. Recent arrests, convictions and intelligence on criminal enterprises will be presented, including internal theft by employees in trusted positions. New techniques in advantage play, use of the iPhone, beating Spanish 21 and hole-carding shoe games are just a few of the topics these international gaming experts will cover.

Speakers:
Bill Zender, Gaming Consultant, Last Resort Consulting
Jessie Beaudoin, Senior Director of Surveillance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Cyber Threats: Hacking Slot Systems, Player Tracking and Other Applications

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:53:03 +0000

The advent of networked slots, player tracking, accounting, lodging and other applications represents a new threat to the security of any casino and hotel. In this session, learn how to stay out in front of the latest techniques to illegally enter these systems and, most importantly, to know when they have been compromised. Experts discuss the hardware and software necessary to perpetrate these crimes.

Speaker:
Darrin Hoke, Director of Surveillance, L’Auberge Du Lac Hotel and Casino

Less than Lethal Weapons: Arming a Security Department

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:50:58 +0000

An organization’s decision to provide weapons to its security staff is difficult and often controversial. Providing the security staff with the appropriate tools and training to respond to an incident can be costly, but failing to prepare your staff to respond to such an incident can be devastating. During this session, methodologies appropriate for various gaming environments are discussed, including the types of weapons available, training requirements, statutory requirements and assessments necessary to make an informed decision about the appropriate response capabilities for your property.

Speakers:
Steve Baker, Principal, VTI Associates
Matt Smith, Corporate Director of Security Training, Station Casinos, Inc.

Rampage Shooters and Insider Threats: What Perpetrators Can Teach Us about Casino Security

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:47:52 +0000

Dr. Marisa Reddy Randazzo, former chief research psychologist for the U.S. Secret Service, offers security professional in gaming operations lessons learned from rampage shooters, stalkers and malicious insiders. After spending time with these perpetrators in prison and dissecting their attacks, Randazzo and her colleagues have developed a process to assess threats and prevent violence and sabotage. Using case studies and anecdotes from her interviews, she presents practical tips for identifying, evaluating and stopping threats from employees, vendors and clients. Randazzo also discusses counter-surveillance considerations for identifying threats from the outside.

Speaker:
Marisa R. Randazzo, Ph.D., President, Threat Assessment Resources LLC

Slot Machines: New Cheats, Scams and Manipulation

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:45:40 +0000

In most cases, the slot department generates more revenue in gaming establishments than any other operation. While newer slot technology like Ticket-In-Ticket-Out, ticket redemption and bill breaker kiosks, wireless scanners and slot free play have been created to ease the operation, these technologies also bring with them some serious threats. Come learn about a new breed of cheaters and advantage players who know advanced methods in scamming and slot manipulation.

Speaker:
Jessie Beaudoin, Senior Director of Surveillance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

Major Incidents: Cohesive Cooperation between Security and Surveillance

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:43:30 +0000

Casino security and surveillance play a significant role in keeping a casino’s bottom line in check. This presentation looks at how these individual teams can work together to protect assets when loss or potential loss due to a major criminal event occurs. Speakers discuss how to effectively and systematically prepare, take action and perform post-incident activities.

Speakers:
Randy Boynton, Executive Director, Proactive Alliance
Anthony DiSalvatore, VP of Security & Transportation, Red Hawk Casino

Managing the Scam Factor: Casino Promotions

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:40:37 +0000

Gaming properties use a variety of marketing promotions—including guest comps, prizes, bonus points, free slot play and more—to encourage more visits to their casino. This session explains how some casinos are wasting or losing money due to programs that are purposefully mismanaged or attacked by dishonest employees and unscrupulous customers. Presenters discuss the basic components of a promotion protection plan, how to establish a protection committee and what the committee should review on a routine basis.

Moderator:
Derk Boss, CPP, CFE, CSP, Principal, DJ Boss and Associates

Speakers:
Jessie Beaudoin, Senior Director of Surveillance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
John Chuvala, CPP, Associate Professor, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Western Illinois University
Craig Greene, SFounding Partner, McGovern & Greene LLP
Abe Martin, Surveillance Manager, Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Soft Count: Theft and Embezzlement in the Count Room

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:37:32 +0000

The focus of surveillance agents on the soft count process is one of the most critical functions of internal control over revenues. This panel of surveillance experts present typical fraud and embezzlement schemes perpetrated by employees who count the money. Topics including soft count audits, special investigations, uniforms and searches, and motivating surveillance staff to monitor a typically boring process are discussed.

Moderator:
Bob Del Rossi, Tech Art Manager/Gaming Consultant

Speakers:
Steve Bobb, Director of Surveillance, Spirit Mountain Casino
Derk Boss, CPP, CFE, CSP, Principal, DJ Boss and Associates

Now for Something Completely Different: How to Create Out-Of-The Box Special Events

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:24:39 +0000

Today, many celebrities don’t perform, they appear. Whether they are actors, authors, celebrities or other noted individuals, the innovative casino executive can design a program around these appearances that will bring some of the casino’s best players to the property. Learn what works and what doesn’t. Also understand how different venues – from ballrooms to outdoor facilities – can create new and exciting experiences for your current and prospective players.

Moderator:
Mark Sparks, Vice President, Triangle Talent, Inc.

Speakers:
David Belenzon, President, David Belenzon Management, Inc.
Mike Esterman, Celebrity Agent, Esterman Entertainment
Dick Hardwick, Comedian

Creating Identity: Using F&B as a Marketing Tool

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:21:57 +0000

The modern food and beverage portfolio creates more than just a tool to feed your hungry guests. Learn why F&B directors should work closely with casino operations executives to maximize everyone’s revenue potential. Experts reveal effective ways to strategically couple your product offerings. Whether it is innovative comp programs, unique marketing opportunities, or creating casino F&B events featuring celebrity chef book signings or VIP dinners, a well-aligned F&B strategy will be a value-added proposition for the casino.

Moderator:
Michael Coldwell, Managing Partner, BRAINtrust Marketing + Communications

Speakers:
Mike Holtzman, President, Profitable Food Facilities
David Schwartz, Director, Center for Gaming Research, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Steve Weitman, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Wynn Las Vegas

Troubled Times: Does Retail and Gaming Still Make Sense?

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:18:33 +0000

When both the retail and gaming industries become individually affected by changes in the economy, does it make sense for the two to continue their strategic partnerships? This session focuses on how retail and gaming will emerge from these difficult economic times. Can the two create a synergy that will make them both stronger, or should a gaming property focus on its strengths and wait for retail to recover independently? What makes sense in the international arena? Experts discuss turnarounds and success stories.

Moderator:
Pamela Joy Ring, President, Ring Retail Advisory, LLC

Speakers:
Brent Pirosch, Director of Gaming Consulting Services, CB Richard Ellis
Eric Sinoway, VPresident, Axcess Luxury & Lifestyle
Frank Volk, Executive Vice President, Robert K. Futterman & Associates

Casinos and Celebrities: How to Market Your Casino with A-list Entertainment

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:15:35 +0000

Signing talent is only the first step. Casino executives must understand how to use each artist to the full extent, from pre-publicity and on-site meet-and-greets to post-show parties. This session explains how to prepare your casino and your staff for celebrity events, and how to get the most out of the many dollars you’ve spent to bring that artist to your venue.

Moderator:
John Raczka, Former General Manager of Entertainment & Advertising, Macao Studio City

Speakers:
Bruce Eskowitz, COO, Red Light Management
Jason Gastwirth, Vice President, Casino Marketing and Corporate Entertainment, Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Kell Houston, Talent Buyer, HOUSTON PRODUCTIONS
Brian Knaff, President & Owner, Talent Buyers Network

Workshop for the Non-Retail Executive: Steps to Developing a Retail Amenity

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:12:49 +0000

Many small- and medium-sized casinos have realized they need a retail component either to succeed or compete with their neighbors. During this interactive session, experts help you to determine the level of retail appropriate to your venue and market, including the number of stores, merchandise mix and placement. What terms must be in place to attract quality tenants, and how can you assess the return on your casino’s investment? Don’t miss this chance to gain knowledge from some of the industry’s most experienced executives.

Moderator:
Oliver Wharton, Principle, A Perfect Bite, Inc.

Speakers:
Joe Essa, President, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc.
Alexandre Gaudelet, Vice President F&B, MGM Grand
Patric Yumul, Vice President, Operations, Mina Group

F&B Innovations: Thinking Outside the Box

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:07:50 +0000

Some of the most exciting innovations are appearing in food and beverage operations. From revolutionary new high quality food courts and poolside ultra-clubs, to automated wine bars and “Iron Chef”-style live cooking exhibitions, the F&B experience continues to reinvent itself. Learn how to integrate service, product and design along with entertainment and technology. These F&B experts explore in detail the newest cutting-edge venues, groundbreaking opportunities and emerging trends.

Moderator:
Oliver Wharton, Principle, A Perfect Bite, Inc.

Speakers:
Joe Essa, President, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc.
Alexandre Gaudelet, Vice President F&B, MGM Grand
Patric Yumul, Vice President, Operations, Mina Group

The Value Proposition: What F&B Means to Your Property

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:05:53 +0000

Food and beverage is more than just an amenity in today’s hotel casino. For many operators, the well-thought-out F&B program becomes a product differentiator and a proven competitive advantage. Restaurants, lounges, bars, nightclubs, ultra-lounges and other venues are highly profitable and regularly attract new and different customers to the casino, as well as create PR and cross-marketing opportunities. Hear from an all-star panel of gaming resort executives about how to create a compelling F&B roster and enhance the overall success of your property.

Moderator:
David Rittvo, Director, Food and Beverage Division, The Innovation Group

Speakers:
Dennis Khanh, VP of Food and Beverage, Pechanga Casino
Jason Lapin, Partner, Elizabeth Blau & Associates
Buck Mathias, Director of Operations – Western Region, China Grill Management
Win Person, Corporate Vice President of Food and Beverage, Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

Entertainment 101: Negotiations, Contracts and Concepts

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:33 +0000

Unfortunately entertainment is not as simple as opening a showroom and hiring talent. This session will walk casino executives through the process of negotiating terms, including contracts and riders, artist relations and block booking. The unique issues of booking talent at small- and medium -sized casinos also will be discussed. Experts will reveal how to evaluate a show by judging the casino play, non-gaming buys and contribution to the brand.

Moderator:
Mark Sonder, CSEP, Chief Entertainment Officer, Mark Sonder Productions, Inc.

Speakers:
Charlie Davis, Senior Casino Agent, Paradise Artists
Stephen T. Gudis, Executive in Charge of Production, The Production Department, LLC
Michael Mina, Chef/Restauranteur, Mina Group, LLC
Carrie Moore-Reed, CEO, Third Coast Talent

The Sweet Spot: How to Manage F&B in a Down Economy

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:57:52 +0000

In one of the most challenging economic environments in recent history, casinos must redefine the food and beverage value proposition. How does an F&B or gaming executive develop an effective plan to deal with these high-pressure times? Furthermore, will these changes ultimately streamline us for the future or prove to be problematic in a stable economy? During this session, leading operators discuss how they are finding innovative ways to solve these problems, including managing labor and product costs, tweaking pricing strategies, menu engineering, focused marketing and harnessing technology.

Moderator:
John Curtas, Las Vegas Attorney, Restaurant Critic

Speakers:
Elizabeth Blau, Founder & CEO, Elizabeth Blau and Associates
Jeffrey Frederick, C.F.B.E., Regional Vice President of Food and Beverage, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.
Michael Mina, Chef/Restauranteur, Mina Group, LLC
Damian Mogavero, CEO & Founder, Avero

RD&E: The Expert Perspective

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:55:39 +0000

While casino operators have tempered their enthusiasm for non-gaming amenities, this panel of experts from the field will explain why retail, dining and entertainment are still critical to developing today’s modern casino resort. They explain the finer points of developing a strategic plan for incorporating these elements into your resort, discuss how the brand positioning of a property is crucial to potential partners and explain how to objectively analyze the results.

Moderator:
Chuck Bragitikos, President, Vibrant Development Group

Speakers:
Rex Hoover, VP of Development, Silverton Hotel and Casino
Allen Jakubauskas, Western Regional Director, WTS International
Mike Malin, Co-Owner, The Dolce Group
Pamela Joy Ring, President, Ring Retail Advisory, LLC

Marketing the Racino: Leveling the Playing Field

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:52:24 +0000

Some racinos are in remote locations, giving the facility a virtual monopoly. Others, however, are forced to compete for the same audience as traditional commercial and tribal facilities. In this session, learn how that disadvantage can be turned around and why marketing a racino can be appealing and creative when properly conducted. Understanding your customer, how to build relationships and how to devote scarce funds to marketing are also discussed.

Speaker:
James Rafferty, Principal, Rafferty & Associates

Table Games at Racinos: What are the Issues and How Have They Performed?

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:50:02 +0000

Table games first were added to racinos at Prairie Meadows in 2004, later they were brought to West Virginia, and today many other states are considering following suit. During this session, a panel of racino operators discuss the experience of adding table games to their existing operations. The results of economic analyses looking at the effect adding table games to a racino’s floor mix has on slot and total revenue are also presented.

Moderator:
Richard Thalheimer, Ph.D., President, Thalheimer Research Associates, Inc.

Speakers:
Bill Fasy, President, Delaware Park
Therrin Protze, Vice President Gaming Operations, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment
Jack Sours, President & General Manager, Mountaineer Park, Inc.

Racino Design: Beyond the Grandstands

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:47:35 +0000

The days of rows of slots under the grandstand are long gone. Today’s racinos are attractive, airy, contemporary and welcoming. During this session, operators and designers of modern racinos discuss how their projects are both similar and different than traditional casino design and how the design process is influenced by budget, the market and racino goals.

Moderator:
Don Dissinger, Senior Vice President, Ewing Cole

Speakers:
Brian Davis, AIA, LEED AP, Principal & Practice Director, Hospitality Design Group, JCJ Architecture
Bill Fasy, President, Delaware Park
Nory Hazaveh, Principal, SOSH Architects
Al Luciani, Principal, Luciani & Associates, LLC

State of the Racino Industry: Past, Present and Future

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:45:08 +0000

The addition of slots at racetracks, first begun more than a decade ago in Iowa, has spread to multiple states across the nation and in jurisdictions around the world. While initially designed to save the racing business, many racinos have become gaming resorts of their own. This session will feature leaders of the racino industry discussing issues that may confront its growth over the next five years.

Moderator:
Roger Gros, Publisher, Global Gaming Business

Speakers:
Robert Norton, Chief Operating Officer, MTR Gaming Group, Inc.
Bobby Soper, President & CEO, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
Ronald Sultemeier, Vice President Strategic Development, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment

Working the System: Is Marketing Technology Part of the Problem or the Solution?

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:41:32 +0000

Everyone hates their system; it’s just a fact of our business. Sometimes it is deserved, but often it isn’t – the difference is in how these systems are configured and how they get used. In this session, gaming leaders in marketing and IT share both the high and low points of getting their marketing technology to work for them.

Moderator:
Marlene Reyes, VSenior Vice President, Loyalty Marketing & Systems Architecture Practice, The Fine Point Group

Speakers:
John Acres, Founder & CEO, Acres-Fiore Inc.
Prem Gururajan, President, Tangam Systems
Scott Kreeger, Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations, Station Casinos, Inc.

All In: How to Reward Tracked Customers for Non-Gaming Spend

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:38:57 +0000

Everyone is talking about it—the right way to reward those customers that spend a lot at your property, but not necessarily on gaming. Over the past few years, a few enterprising companies have ventured into this new territory, offering points, incentives and other direct mail offerings based on non-gaming play. During this session, hear from three of those companies—what worked, what hasn’t and how they are planning now for version 2.0.

Moderator:
Derek Rohlffs, Vice President, Gaming, Maritz

Speakers:
Rick Campbell, Casino Marketing Consultant, SCA Gaming
Suzanne Clayton, Director of Hospitality, Gaming and Travel Solutions, SAS
Amanda Totaro, SVP, Branding Practice, The Fine Point Group

Rethink, Reform, Re-launch: Retrofitting Your Player’s Club for these Times

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:36:33 +0000

Execution is always the afterthought of the “brilliant” idea. But in this economy, where a single misstep can mean missing a quarter’s numbers, nailing a loyalty program redesign isn’t just a nice thing to do, it is simply critical to survive. Come learn the nuts and bolts from three player’s club leaders who have launched new clubs during the last 12 months. While ensuring costs were under control, how were these programs structured and launched? How did they account for a future economic recovery in their planning, and what did they learn in the process? Learn all this and more.

Moderator:
Alisa Mirabal, Director of Marketing, Marketing Results, Inc. (MRI)

Speakers:
Rom E. Hendler, Corporate Vice President Strategic Marketing, Las Vegas Sands, Inc.
Helen MacMillan, Executive Director, Marketing, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Sean Vestal, Assistant Director of Marketing, Lucky Eagle Casino

Partnership Marketing: One Makes the Other Better

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:30:58 +0000

In this hobbled economy, now more than ever, it is paramount for casino properties to form strategic alliances with like-minded partners, with like-sized customer databases, to create unique and exciting value-added, traffic-driving promotions. Learn how to identify those partners and discover the synergies that benefit both parties.

Moderator:
Jake Kahle, President, Something Gaming Partners, LLC

Speakers:
James Kratz, National Sales Account Executive, Advertise.com
Mike Wallis, Managing Director, International Casino Monitoring

SIGNATURE SERIES: Marketing ROI: Getting the Most Out of Your Casino Budget

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:28:52 +0000

During challenging economic times, marketing budgets are often the first to be reduced if not eliminated entirely. This session will explain how to evaluate the expenditure of marketing dollars and their direct impact on the bottom line. Learn how new techniques, new media and new forums can help casino marketers be more cost effective and lead to higher returns on investments.

Moderator:
Luigi Mastropietro, Vice President, Relationship Marketing, Global Cash Access, Inc.

Speakers:
Bob Brian, Vice President, Gaming Division, SCA Promotions
Steve Neely, Director of Marketing, Isleta Casino and Resort
Golly Prabhu, President, GT Advertising LLC
Stephen Szapor, President, The Innovation Group

Alternative Online Marketing: New Technologies To Bring Gaming To The Masses

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:26:05 +0000

Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, podcasts, blogs, SMS messaging and other emerging technologies have proven to be extremely popular modes of communication among the younger casino audience. Experts at this session explore the opportunities to be found within these social networking technologies and discuss how casinos can use them to bring new players with larger wallets to their properties. Speakers also address shifting the mindset of casino marketers who still heavily rely on advertising and direct mail.

Moderator:
Hunter Hillegas, Principal, Vegas Media Group

Speakers:
Brian Best, Corporate Director of E-Commerce, Boyd Gaming Corporation
Justin Cohen, Partner, Internet Marketing Inc.
Brandie Feuer, Director of Interactive Marketing, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Troy Simpson, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Barona Resort & Casino