Record-breaking growth expected for 2003 editions of
Bingo World, Southern Gaming Summit trade shows
LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2002) – Two regional trade shows operated by gaming media leader GEM Communications are on pace to break previous records for total number of exhibitors and total expo floor space occupied.
More than 60 percent of the exhibitors at Bingo World 2002 have already renewed their space for the 2003 show, March 11-13, 2003, at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, said GEM Director of Trade Shows Lesley Grashow.
The bingo industry remains strong, healthy and viable, and interest in bingo industry meetings is stronger than ever. More than 1,800 bingo executives, operators and vendors attended the 2002 Bingo World show, and that number is expected to top 2,000 for the upcoming show. And new this year, the gaming industry’s leading international trade show, G2E, will add a bingo pavilion to annual trade show September 17-19, 2002, in Las Vegas, which will feature more than 26 bingo vendors.
Joe Wildner, president of Kansas City-based Universal Manufacturing Co. Inc. is among the dozens of bingo vendors already signed up for Bingo World 2003, and he recently told The Kansas City Star that he applauds the American Gaming Association for recognizing the bingo industry by adding the bingo pavilion to its G2E show.
“I’ve already reserved a booth for Bingo World next year,” Wildner told The Star. “We always make Bingo World our premier event of the year.”
Southern Gaming Summit experiences major growth
GEM’s other major trade show, Southern Gaming Summit, experienced phenomenal growth in 2002 – the expo sold out for the first time. Expecting major growth again at the 10th Annual Southern Gaming Summit, May 7-8, 2003, GEM has increased the size expo floor by 30 percent. That newly expanded expo is already more than 50 percent sold.
“The Mississippi market is one of the hottest in the country,” said GEM’s Lesley Grashow. “Aside from G2E, it is the largest gaming conference and expo in the country, and we’re very optimistic that the show’s growth will continue in the milestone year.”
Bally Gaming’s vice president of marketing, Marcus Prater, explains the show’s unique appeal to vendors – its ability to mix a good business environment with good time.
“Southern Gaming Summit has consistently been a success for Bally Gaming and Systems, both as an exhibitor and a participant in the conference program. The show environment enables communication with all levels of decision-makers and the Gulf Coast Gaming Association and its members make the event particularly special with their Southern hospitality.”