The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) is gearing up to surpass its record-breaking 2023 attendance when its annual Tradeshow & Convention returns to San Diego. Scheduled from March 31 to April 3, 2024, the four-day event promises to delve into iGaming, sports betting, and the ever-changing gaming landscape.
A Packed Schedule in San Diego
This year’s event will commence on Monday, March 31, with a four-hour intensive session on a specific topic, continuing a well-established tradition. The main conference kicks off the following day with educational sessions running from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The San Diego Convention Center will host the conference, which culminates in a tradeshow spanning April 2 and 3. The tradeshow hours are set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, providing attendees with ample opportunities to explore exhibits and network with industry peers.
Although the full educational agenda is yet to be announced, attendees can expect sessions covering an array of topics, from emerging technologies to traditional business strategies.
Spotlight on iGaming and Sports Betting
A significant highlight of this year’s conference is the DigitalPlay Summit, designed to address the rapidly growing fields of iGaming and sports betting. Victor Rocha, Conference Chair, is focused on raising awareness about the transformative shift these innovations bring.
“For me, the big thing is looking at the next generation of gaming, which is online and sports betting, and getting the message across that there’s no time to wait. The time is now,” Rocha said.
Rocha stressed the importance of tribes adapting to changing consumer behaviours, noting that tribes that hesitate risk falling behind in a competitive industry.
The conference aims to address:
- The Business of Gaming: Exploring efficient operations, deal-making, and expansion strategies.
- Consumer Behaviour: Highlighting the growing demand for online gaming and sports betting.
- Regulatory Shifts: Discussing the U.S. Department of the Interior’s support for tribal online gaming with state approval.
- The Sweepstakes Challenge: Examining how sweepstakes pose potential threats to tribal gaming.
According to Rocha, “A big part of what we’ll be doing is forward-looking. Tribes need to understand the seriousness of this shift in consumer behaviour and position themselves to succeed.”
New Opportunities in Tribal Gaming
The approval for tribes to offer online gaming beyond reservation boundaries marks a significant turning point, enabling more tribes to enter the iGaming and sports betting markets.
Rocha noted that resistance to online gaming discussions in the past stemmed from a lack of feasibility. However, with evolving regulations and consumer preferences, tribes now view iGaming and sports betting as pivotal to their future success.
“The shift is very evident,” Rocha said. “It’s time for tribes to get in front of the issue instead of lagging behind it.”
San Diego: A Catalyst for Growth
Returning to San Diego is expected to drive record attendance for the IGA conference. The city has consistently proven a popular venue, offering a dynamic backdrop for networking and industry insights.
Efforts to attract global participation include promoting the conference at ICE Barcelona in January 2024. Last year’s event in Anaheim attracted 7,400 attendees, and organizers are optimistic about exceeding those numbers this year.
“The agenda of the new generation of gaming is exciting, and I think we will have record attendance,” Rocha stated.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
The IGA Tradeshow & Convention has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event for the gaming industry, blending traditional values with future-focused discussions. Whether it’s iGaming, sports betting, or operational excellence, the conference aims to equip tribes with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a shifting market.
With San Diego as the backdrop and a compelling agenda on deck, the 2024 conference promises to be a landmark event for tribal gaming.
