What were the original inspirations for the AGA at the very beginning of G2E and have they all been met over the preceding years?


Frank Fahrenkopf: When the AGA first created G2E, one of our driving motivations was for the gaming industry’s major trade show to directly benefit the gaming industry. We wanted to provide a forum for the industry to come together not only to showcase the newest, most innovative products, but also to examine the leading, cutting-edge trends that are shaping the industry and moving it forward. One way we are able to accomplish this is through Conference Advisory Boards, which are made up of leading industry experts that not only guide, but also create conference content. The positive reviews we have received from all sectors of the industry and the growth of the shows over the past decade are good signs that we have been able to achieve those original goals, but we are always looking to improve and the add value for attendees and exhibitors. The shows really are by the industry and for the industry, and the feedback we receive from participants is what drives all of the G2E shows.


Recent years have seen a ever increasing range of technical advances in slots but also multiplayers and the considerable growth in online gaming. How has the AGA reacted to these major changes and their effects on the industry?


Frank Fahrenkopf: The G2E family of events has always been the place to experience the latest technological innovations in the gaming industry –our exhibitors do that on the show floor and we strive to include a discussion of those same advancements as part of the conference program. This year’s iGaming Congress was a great example of that. Internet gambling is one place that our industry is going – there is no denying that – so we joined together with experts in the field to create a specialized conference event where gaming professionals from around the world could learn from industry leaders about the potential impact of Internet gambling legalization in the United States and how best to take advantage of new opportunities.


The AGA became part of the evolving Internet gambling landscape last year when it changed its position on the issue from one of neutrality. We now believe that our past concerns about the adequacy of technological safeguards to prevent money laundering, underage gambling, etc. have


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been eliminated, and the technology now exists to properly regulate Internet gambling with appropriate law enforcement oversight to provide appropriate consumer protections. This change in position was reflected by our support of Sen. Harry Reid’s efforts to legalized online poker in December.


During your time in Gaming what have in your opinion been the technological advances in gaming equipment that have most impacted Casinos and impressed you?


Frank Fahrenkopf: In the past decade, there have been countless innovations that have changed the face of the gaming industry. G2E has been at the forefront of these changes and played a major role in bringing these trends and products to the market. Non-gaming amenities are no longer just a key component of Las Vegas Strip properties – now they are vital to casinos of all sizes and in every jurisdiction; server-based gaming is poised to change the make-up of casino floors worldwide; and social media and handheld devices have the potential to change casino marketing forever.


However, ticket-in-ticket-out, with its elimination coins and streamlining of the way gaming machines pay customers, is the most impactful technological advancement that I’ve seen in the past decade. The coin-free slot system did more than reduce coin handling for casinos and make slots more convenient for customers; it enabled slot manufacturers to introduce games with lower denominations and more paylines. Additionally, TITO drove the rise of kiosks, which today serve as ticket redemption stations, ATMs and bill breaking machines – essentially, a one-stop unit for all of a player’s cash needs on the casino floor. TITO technology not only changed the slot machines themselves, but also casino marketing, the make- up of the casino floor and the role of the casino cage.


What qualities do you think are behind Reed Exhibitions success with hosting exhibitions?


Courtney Muller: There are a lot of factors that go into Reed’s success. I think first and foremost it is our singular focus on the customer and providing clear value to both exhibitors and attendees through excellent customer service and innovation.


Additionally, Reed runs shows that are important parts of the industries and local markets they serve and evolve as industries and industry needs evolve. We are always looking to the customer and


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