OIGA Conference and Trade Show 2024

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The 2024 OIGA Conference and Trade Show brought vendors, experts, leaders, and guests to Oklahoma City to celebrate and advance the tribal gaming industry.

by Zoran Ristic

6 months ago 204

OIGA Conference and Trade Show 2024

The OIGA Conference and Trade Show 2024, known as ‘the biggest little show in Indian Gaming,’ was held from August 12-14 at the Convention Center, Oklahoma City. The trade show attracted nearly 3,000 vendors, visitors, and guest speakers to Oklahoma City to celebrate and advance the tribal gaming industry.

The OIGA Trade Show was a lively, fun, informative, high-energy assembly of some of the biggest names in the gaming and hospitality industries.

OIGA Conference and Trade Show 2024 Sessions

Reflecting on the 29th edition of the OIGA Conference and Trade Show, Matthew L. Morgan, OIGA chairman, commented:

“The industry we have built together is strong. From humble bingo halls established more than 30 years ago, Oklahoma’s tribal gaming has – thanks to the visionary leadership and hard work of many – become a powerful economic driver and job provider for thousands of Oklahomans in big cities, small rural communities and everywhere in between. I am profoundly grateful for tribal gaming and proud of all the good it brings.”

The OIGA Conference and Trade Show 2024 started on Monday, 12th August in a lively way with the annual Welcome Party at Fassler Hall in OKC’s high-energy Midtown District. The Welcome Party featured food and drinks, lots of fun, plus Poker and Blackjack tournaments. There was a shuttle for guests; for those in the mood, it was a pleasant walk from the conference hotel.

On the same day, the annual John Marley Golf Tournament was held at Lincoln Park Golf Course. This event raises scholarship funds for folks who work in the gaming industry and their dependents. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association established the John Marley Scholarship in 2008 to provide educational opportunities for OIGA member employees and their families.

The John Marley Scholarships are dedicated to the search for knowledge and providing scholarships for eligible individuals to attend accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools in Oklahoma or other states. Since 2014, OIGA has awarded 64 scholarships.

Tuesday morning was all about conference sessions, with educational offerings designed for people at every stage of their careers, from executive leadership to those just starting. Many session topics focused on technology, the latest trends, what’s happening at the legislative level, marketing, and much more..

The Trade Show floor was in time for a delicious, walk-around lunch buffet, and plenty of networking opportunities were open. Later that afternoon, the event honored recipients of our Chairman’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Gaming and Modern Day Warrior Awards at the stage on the Trade Show floor.

That evening, attendees enjoyed a relaxed cocktail reception on the floor, which proved to be a very popular way for people to get to know one another less formally.

Wednesday was filled with more informative sessions, fun on the Trade Show floor, and the Indian Gaming’s famous cash giveaways.

Experienced professionals in the gaming industry, particularly those with expertise in specialized areas, found value in the seminar entitled “What’s in Your Wallet,” which delved into various wallet options tailored to meet the diverse needs and preferences of players. Similarly, the session on “Sports Betting Analytics and Beyond” was well-received by individuals who either currently offer or are planning to incorporate sports betting into their entertainment offerings.

With six years of data now available for analysis, there is a wealth of information to inform decision-making processes. Additionally, the importance of safety within the industry was highlighted as another crucial topic of discussion.