Full Conference Programme

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Growth Stream: Asia Pacific Overview
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Naples 2703

A new casino in Sydney? Stability in Singapore? Vietnam open for business? Entertainment in Manila? Expansion in Cambodia? A Korean super city? Success in Japan? A breakaway story in Taiwan? These are all developments facing a rapidly changing gaming industry in the Asia Pacific region. Legalization is being considered in a number of nations, while established jurisdictions continue growth spurts and regulatory changes. At this session, understand what all these changes mean and how they will affect the region’s growth. Topics considered will be the market, finances, players and intangibles that always play a part in the Asian gaming industry.
• Discover if Asia will continue to be the primary driver of the global gaming industry
• Learn how to be a part of the region’s many development and growth opportunities
• Hear about the possibilities and timetables for gaming developments across the region

Solo Speaker: Praveen Choudhary, managing director, head of Asian Conglomerate / Gaming Research, Morgan Stanley

Finding the Philippines: Manila’s Entertainment City Debuts
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Naples 2703

When PAGCOR’s Entertainment City was proposed a decade ago, it was met with confusion and indifference. Through the years, however, the idea of a complex that would attract millions of tourists and gamblers to the Philippine capital of Manila has gained momentum. When the first integrated resort debuts this year, the concept will begin to unfold. At this session, learn about the challenges and opportunities that the development faces and what it will look like when it is completed. Hear about the Philippine market and the role that Entertainment City will play in it.
• Hear from government representatives and regulators about their plans for Entertainment City
• Learn about proposed infrastructure enhancements
• Discuss the challenges still facing the development and the potential impact from other emerging jurisdictions

Opening Keynote Remarks: Cristino L. Naguiat, Chairman & CEO, PAGCOR

Moderator: Ben Lee, managing partner, IGamiX Management & Consulting Ltd

Speaker: Francis Hernando, vice president, PAGCOR

Speaker: Benito C. Bengzon, Jr, Assistant Secretary, Philippines Department of Tourism

Speaker: Christopher Rey Tio, assistant vice president, PAGCOR

Conference Luncheon
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Sicily 2501

Free lunch and networking event exclusively for conference delegates.

Island Fever: Taiwan’s Steady Progress Toward Gaming
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Naples 2703

Efforts to legalize casino gaming on Taiwan’s outlying islands are almost four years old. When the Matsu islands approved casinos last year, the first potential site for casinos was identified. A bill outlining the rules and regulations has been submitted and development is ready to begin. At this session, experts will describe the process, examine the development plans, and outline possible other locations for Taiwanese casinos. Also considered will be the attitude of Mainland China in granting visas for its citizens to visit possible Taiwanese casinos and how that process will work.
• Get an update on the timeframe for the development of gaming regulations
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the proposed tax structures and investment requirements
• Discuss the offshore island gaming opportunities and how large the market could become

Moderator: Anita Chen, managing director, Park Strategies (Taiwan)

Speaker: Liu Day Yang, professor, Taiwan University of Science and Technology

Speaker: Jing Zhong Chen, Deputy Magistrate, Matsu County

Speaker: William Bryson, partner, Jones Day 

Macau Update, Part 1: The Final Phases of Development for Cotai
2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
Naples 2703

The transformation of what was once a watery wasteland into Asia’s most dynamic gaming destination is almost complete. The Macau government has granted site leases to all the gaming concessionaires, and each has planned huge integrated resorts on Cotai. This session will focus on each of those projects, describe how they will add to the non-gaming amenities found on Cotai, and examine the process of building and staffing them given the Macau government’s labor concerns. Infrastructure improvements such as roadways, light rail and airport expansion also will be discussed.
• Learn about the investment opportunities that will be created by these new developments
• Hear about the infrastructure business opportunities generated by the growth of Cotai
• Gain insights into each project’s key features and potential for success

Moderator: Grant Govertsen, managing partner, Union Gaming Research Macau

Speaker: Peter Caveny, vice president, investor relations, Galaxy

Speaker: Robert Drake, group chief financial officer, Galaxy Entertainment Group

Macau Update, Part 2: Hengqin Island and the Next Mass Market for Macau Tourism
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Naples 2703

The liberalization of Macau’s gaming industry was not done only to bring more players to the SAR – its long-term goal was to increase tourism. While the integrated resorts of Cotai have included many non-gaming amenities, Macau’s hope for pure tourism lies to the west on Hengqin Island, where no gaming is permitted. The 106-square kilometer island is home to only 7,000 people today, but with plans to develop tourism amenities like theme parks, oceanside resorts and family attractions, Hengqin Island could play a significant role in the future of Macau. Hear about the planned tourism developments, the introduction of other industries, and the role the gaming industry will play on Hengqin Island.
• Explore the investment opportunities available on Hengqin Island
• Understand the Zhuhai government’s goals and vision for the island
• Find out how Macau intends to leverage Zhuhai as its hinterland

Moderator: Ricardo Siu, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Business Economics, University of Macau

Meet the Press: Outside Views of the Asian Gaming Market
10:15 am – 11:15 am
Naples 2703

The image of the gaming industry is largely shaped by the mainstream media and how they report the issues. At this session, some of the top journalists covering gaming in Asia will discuss their views on the current gaming landscape and what the future holds for the world’s most rapidly expanding gaming markets. Topics discussed will include the size and shape of the market, challenges for current operations and future developments, the growth of the mass market and non-gaming attractions, exposure to non-Chinese markets and the general expansion of gaming in Asia. Don’t miss this dynamic session.
• Gain insight into what those who follow the industry see as the key challenges in Macau
• Hear the media’s thoughts on what the future will bring for gaming in the region
• Get outside opinions on how new developments will affect all jurisdictions

Moderator: Roger Gros, publisher, Global Gaming Business

Speaker: Luis Pereira, Publisher, Asia Gambling Brief

Speaker: Martin Williams, Editor, Gambling Compliance

Despite robust gaming revenues, the Macau gaming industry has attracted less than 1 percent of the Chinese market. With new transportation systems penetrating further into China and more efficient border crossings, the SAR has the opportunity to bring more visitors from the Mainland. At this session, experts will discuss what the Chinese consumer desires in his holiday and travel choices, how to capitalize on the growth of discretionary spending, and how to overcome barriers that discourage visits to Macau. The emergence of other gaming destinations and their potential impact on Macau also will be discussed.
• Discuss whether the mass Chinese traveler will tire of fad destinations, as the Japanese did
• Learn what new infrastructure facilities are being planned to support Macau
• Understand what facilities and amenities mass travelers look for when making travel decisions

Solo Speaker: Ben Cavender, Associate Principal, China Market Research

Conference Luncheon
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Sponsored by Bahamar:
Sicily 2501

Free lunch and networking event exclusively for conference delegates.

Show Me The Money: CFO Roundtable
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Naples 2703

The gaming revenues produced by the casinos in Macau and Singapore have astounded gaming industry financial analysts. Those revenues are directly impacted, however, by government policies, economic realities and competitive pressures. At this session, chief financial officers from some of Asia’s largest and most prominent gaming companies come together to discuss issues that impact the financial success of their resort properties. Hear them talk about the economic environment in China, the Macau gaming table cap, visa challenges, staff and labor shortages, the mass market versus the VIP segment, regulatory challenges and much more.
• Update on the impact of the partial smoking ban in Macau
• Examine the dynamics of gaming market segments and how they impact casino profitability
• Hear from executives about how political issues, such as local labor concerns, can affect operations

Moderator: Andrew Zarnett, managing director, Deutsche Bank Securities

Speaker: Ben Toh, chief financial officer, Sands China

Speaker: Hubert Wang, chief financial officer, MGM China Holdings Ltd

Speaker: Bob McBain, chief financial officer, SJM Holdings Ltd

Gaming Technology Innovations, Part 1: Traditional Tables & Electronic Games
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Naples 2703

Table games are the main source of gaming revenue in Asia. The appetite for tables, particularly the game of baccarat, is seemingly unquenchable. At this session, learn about the allure of tables and how casinos are utilizing technology to expand the games’ reach. Also learn about Asia’s role as a hotbed for innovations that have become global industry standards, such as the electronic baccarat score displays and electronic table games. Experts will discuss the curious rules in various jurisdictions and how different forms of the games are gaining acceptance. Electronic table games, an increasingly important segment of the market, also will be reviewed, along with the steady growth of slot machines.
• Discuss differences in table game regulation between the region’s markets
• Hear how the suppliers and vendors intend to use innovation to target the Asian market
• Learn how the various jurisdictional authorities are responding to the latest advancements

Moderator: Larry Xiao, managing director, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)

Speaker: Takahiro Usui, general manager, Aruze Gaming Macau Limited

Speaker: Cath Burns, chief executive officer, TCSJOHNHUXLEY

Speaker: David Punter, general manager Asia Pacific, Aristocrat (Macau) Pty Ltd

Gaming Technology Innovations, Part 2: CRM/Tracking Systems, Social Games, iGaming and Beyond
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Naples 2703

“Know your customer,” an adage that is accepted in casinos worldwide, is sometimes difficult to implement in Asia. Privacy concerns by players coupled with government regulations make player tracking a challenge for some Asian casinos. During this session, experts will describe how casino executives are utilizing innovative technology to understand their customers. Panelists also will review trends in social gaming and attitudes toward online gaming in various jurisdictions.
• Understand how the Asian online and social gaming models differ from the West
• Examine tracking systems and programs and evaluate their success
• Discuss the challenges and rewards of social media marketing in Asia as applied to the gaming market

Moderator: Tim Shepherd, Executive Director, Silver Hertiage Limited

Speaker: Rahul Nawab, co-founder , IQR (Data Analytics)

Speaker:Robert Melendres, executive vice president of emerging businesses, International Game Technology (IGT)

VIP vs. Premium Mass Market: Growing a Healthy Mix
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Naples 2703

During the past two years, the growth of the mass market segment in Macau has exceeded that of the VIP market for the first time, particularly in the premium mass market segment, even though the VIP segment is still dominant. At this session hear from experts on both sides of the equation how real this change is, and if the phenomenon translates into other Asian markets. Find out what is driving this trend and if the introduction of rolling commission to the mass market segment will affect operations, revenues and future marketing.
• Understand the premium mass market segment and how is varies across different Macau properties
• Learn about the new Promo Chip and Premium Mass Rolling Chip products and how they will impact the industry
• Examine the roles of VIP and mass market segments in jurisdictions outside Macau

Moderator: Tony Tong, co-founder, PacificnetVentures.com

Speaker: Yu Yio Hung, CCUE VIP Club

Speaker: Professor Peter Lok, Former Executive, SJM & Jimei

Building a Brand: What’s in a Name?
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Naples 2703

The days of opening a casino’s doors and having players flood in are over. Asian casinos today must work hard to attract players from diverse segments in different ways. During this session, experts will explain the value of a brand and how it connotes good luck and success to the Asian casino player. Learn what branding means and how to create a brand where one never existed. Also understand how to strengthen an existing brand, and how a brand can be created for an entire gaming market.

Speaker: Chris Wieners, managing director, Hogo Digital

Speaker: Janette Kendall, senior vice president, marketing, Galaxy Entertainment

Mining the Baccarat Bonanza: A Baccarat Master Speaks
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Naples 2703

The popularity of baccarat is nothing new for gaming executives, but the better they understand the game, the more profit can be gained from it. Baccarat master Quan Shi will use research to explain the popularity of baccarat and discuss the special compatibility of the game with the uniquely Chinese view of the world. Referencing Chinese methods of baccarat shoe tracking and trend analysis, Quan will describe how gaming operators can tap into the intense Chinese fascination with patterns to generate growth in baccarat revenues. Quan will conclude by suggesting how the Macau VIP baccarat junket system provides valuable insights for rapidly popularizing baccarat with mass market casino players worldwide.
• Learn about the growth of electronic forms of baccarat and the role they could play in markets throughout the region
• Take a close look at some little known variations and side plays such as Baccarat Insurance and Three Card Baccarat
• Discover new methods operators and suppliers are using to take advantage of the game’s popularity

Solo Speaker: Quan Shi, board member, Zuan Xin Lucky Dragon Gaming Pte Ltd

Produced in partnership with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and the UNLV Singapore Campus along with the University of Macau, G2E Asia Gaming Management Certificate Program is a full-day program designed to equip new and mid-level casino managers with the basic knowledge to advance their careers. With distinguished professors from all of the participating institutions, attendees participate in a thorough discussion of the subjects, with real-life experiences blended with academic excellence. The interactive nature of the program allows the attendees to hear from and provide feedback to the professors in an enlightened educational environment. Attendees will return to their jobs with state-of-the-art information, a desire to be more productive and a knowledge that given the right situation, they can make an impact on their companies. Don’t miss this dynamic program.

Produced with:

Yu Le Chang (娛樂場): The 3 Chinese Characters That Drive Macao’s Gaming Success
9:30 am – 10:45 am
Naples 2705

In 1997, Mainland Chinese visitors to Macao represented 8% of the 7 million arrivals. By 2012 it was 62% of the 27 million visitors. This has been done without the word ‘casino’ or casino images on marketing materials in China, which are strictly prohibited by Chinese authorities. This session documents some of the challenges, particularly in marketing, that faced Macao in building its gaming industry to what it is today and the lessons learned for other Asian jurisdictions

Facilitator: Dr. Glenn McCartney, Assistant Professor of Gaming and Hospitality Management, University of Macau

Introductory Track:
Asian Approach: How Do Gaming and Hospitality Change on the Pacific Rim?
11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Naples 2705

Like in Europe and North America, Asia hosts dozens of different nationalities and cultures, and they all have expectations and desires when visiting a casino resort or a hotel. At this session, Dr. Kurt Stahura of UNLV Singapore will discuss the approach to hospitality and gaming when hosting Asian customers. He will discuss the particular ways different cultures should be treated and what the implications are for customer service, as well as workplace harmony.
• Understand different Asian cultures
• Discuss guests’ expectations of hospitality and gaming
• Learn about how different attitudes are perceived

Facilitator: Dr. Kurt Stahura, UNLV Singapore

Advanced Track:
Power Play: Customer Loyalty and Segmentation of Players
11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Sicily 2505

The casino customer is a fickle player. Protective of his privacy, the player has specific habits when gambling. Whether it’s a favorite baccarat table or an expedition to the slot machines, luck and superstition often governs their behavior. So how does a casino create loyalty and recognize the more profitable players. UNLV Professor Dr. Stowe Shoemaker will reveal his research into players and describe what drives play based on personality and game attributes.
• Learn how to develop customer loyalty programs
• Discuss ways to get around ID reticence
• Examine how to identify better players

Facilitator: Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, UNLV

Introductory Track
The People Question: Managing Human Resources in Integrated Resorts
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Naples 2705

While there are unique recruitment and retention questions in an Asian integrated resort, operators are challenged with similar issues endemic in all large casino properties. How can you develop a people-centric and high performing organizational culture? Are you winning in the war for talent and effectively evaluating it during the interview process? How can I motivate employees and retain the best workers? How can you create a coaching culture while getting employees to follow you as a leader? University of Macau Professor William H. Mobley will answer those questions and more.
• Learn to evaluate talent during interview process
• Hear about how to motivate employees
• Discuss how to retain your the best workers

Facilitator: Professor William H. Mobley, University of Macau

Advanced Track
Getting the Edge: Strategic Management for Casinos
1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Sicily 2505

Competition plays a large role in the decisions made by casino executives in any jurisdiction, but what is behind those decisions? At this session, Professor Matthew Liu of the University of Macau will explain how casino operators formulate, implement and evaluate strategies to create competitive advantage. Understand the nature and dynamics of strategy formulation and implementation processes in the complex gaming industry; and see how tools like Ansoff’s Expansion and Porter’s 5 Force Analysis can help make those decisions.
• Investigate factors in decision-making
• Discuss how to get the upper hand
• Learn to evaluate a competitor’s strategy

Facilitator: Professor Matthew Liu of the University of Macau

Social Media and Word-of-Mouth: Practical Applications of Research on Hospitality and Gaming in Asia
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Naples 2705

During this interactive session, UNLV professors Dr. Stowe Shoemaker and Dr. Kurt Stahura will lead a discussion on social media in Asia and how it can influence the opinions of and about integrated resorts. Using case studies from China and Korea, the propensity of Asian cultures to use social media will be discussed and analysed. The powerful “word of mouth” phenomenon and how it relates to Asian casinos will be reviewed and class participants will be able to offer their views and opinions.
• Discuss how to use social media in Asia effectively
• Hear why word of mouth recommendations are so important
• Learn how to identify key influencers

Facilitators: Dr. Kurt Stahura, UNLV Singapore; Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, UNLV

Certificate Presentation & Group Photo
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Naples 2705

All speakers and topics are subject to change without prior notice.