3-Day Conference Program

TUESDAY, 8 JUNE

Global Markets Forum
 
9:30am – 10:45am
Room: Sicily 2501
Singapore: Up and Running
Five years after casino gaming was approved in Singapore, the first phases of two integrated resorts open this year. With stronger regulations on VIP play and other controls set for local patronage, this session will outline the Singapore market and discuss its potential. Experts will review the bidding, construction and regulatory process, which led to the opening of these massive tourist attractions. Experts will review what has been learned from this process and how it can be applied in other international jurisdictions.
Moderator: Adam Rosenberg, managing director, global head of gaming group, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Speakers: Thomas Arasi, president and CEO, Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd.; Jonathan Galaviz, managing partner, Galaviz & Co; Gary Pinge, senior vice president, regional head of consumer & gaming research, Macquarie Securities; Ben Lee, managing partner, IGamiX Management & Consulting Ltd.

11:00am – 12:00pm
Room: Sicily 2501
Japan, Taiwan & Korea: The Promised Land?
Three countries – three entirely different markets – all of which have great potential to reap the benefits of their access to the mass market. While South Korea has had gaming for many years, it has only recently been legalized in Taiwan and remains under consideration in Japan. At this session, learn more about the Korean model, which offers several casinos to the foreigner market but opens only one to locals. Experts also will examine the new market in Taiwan, which currently finds itself homeless after the rejection of a gaming referendum in the Penghu Islands. What shape may the planned casinos now take and will Mainland Chinese be permitted to visit them? Learn more about ongoing efforts in the Japanese Diet to legalize casinos – what models and how many casinos are being considered, where will they be located and what is the potential market? These and other questions will be explored. 
Moderator: Paul Bromberg, chief operating officer, Spectrum OSO Asia Ltd.
Speakers: Michael H. Chen, president, Asia, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.;  Andy Jongsun Jeon, manager, Kangwonland Inc.; Benjamin Li, attorney, Lee and Li Attorneys-At-Law; Toru Mihara, director of center for Amusement Industries Studies, Osaka University of Commerce

12:15pm – 2:00pm
Room: Naples 2701
Conference Keynote Luncheon
This exclusive keynote luncheon will feature one of the industry's top leaders, who will share his vision on the future of gaming in Macau and beyond.  Open to all G2E Asia Gaming Management Certificate Program and conference attendees only 
Speaker: Mr. Francis Lui, deputy chairman, Galaxy Entertainment Group
 
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Room: Sicily 2501
Vietnam, Thailand & India: The Emerging Jurisdictions
While the first planned casino has opened in Vietnam, the future of this gaming jurisdiction more likely lies in several spectacular, integrated resorts now under construction in the region – what are their plans and how do these operators plan to compete in the global market? Enormous potential also lies in nearby India and Thailand. With three billion people, India has a rapidly growing middle class where a few states already have dipped their toes into the casino waters. Thailand sees many citizens crossing its borders into Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to gamble, so it can't be long until the government there considers the legalization of a safe, secure and potentially lucrative industry. During this session, experts will review and discuss the potential of these emerging jurisdictions.
Moderator: Jonathan Galaviz, managing partner, Galaviz & Co
Speakers: Sunder G. Advani, chairman & managing director, Advani Hotels & Resorts (India) Limited; Michael Gore, president & COO, Orient Pearl Entertainment & Management Ltd.; Sean Monaghan, senior director, CB Richard Ellis

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Room: Sicily 2501
The Philippines, Cambodia & Malaysia: The Established Jurisdictions
The most successful casino in the world is not located in Las Vegas or Macau, but in Malaysia at Genting Highlands.  This huge casino has fueled the growth of Genting Berhad and its ambitious international expansion plans.  At this session, experts will discuss this phenomenon alongside two other successful and growing jurisdictions in the region, the Philippines and Cambodia.  Hear about the well-run PAGCOR casinos across the Philippines and plans for a huge integrated resort development on Manila Bay.  A closer look at the Cambodia market, which hosts several casinos in Phnom Penh and many more on the bordrs with Thailand and Vietnam, also will be offered. 
Moderator: Fred Gushin, managing director, Spectrum Gaming Group
Speakers: Don Almeda, managing director, Bloombury Investment Holdings; Rafael Butch Francisco, president & COO, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR); Timothy McNally, chairman of the board, NagaCorp; Thuy Trinh, president & CEO, Resorts World Manila

WEDNESDAY, 9 JUNE

9:30am – 10:30am
Room: Naples 2701
G2E Asia Visionary Award Presentation with Opening Day Keynote
Speaker: Mr. Len Ainsworth, executive chairman, Ainsworth Game Technology
 
11:00am – 12:00pm
Room: Sicily 2503
Changing Partners: The Future of the VIP Market in Asia
For years, the most valuable players have arrived at the doors of Asian, Australian and many U.S. casinos accompanied by VIP operators—junket organizers who take a cut of their customers gambling dollars. While the Macau model always has differed from those in Las Vegas and now Singapore, changes are afoot the world over. Learn how Asian casinos are evolving their VIP junket operations in light of increased competition and marketing constraints.
Moderator: Roger Gros, publisher, Global Gaming Business
Speaker: Sean Monaghan, executive director, CB Richard Ellis; Dean Macomber, president, Macomber International, Inc.; Ricardo Siu, Ph.D., associate professor of business economics, University of Macau
 
11:00am – 12:30pm
Room: Sicily 2501
Evolution or Revolution: How Technology will Impact Asian Casinos
Technology has long been a catalyst in the gaming industry. From the evolution of reels to video, coins to cashless and now server-based gaming, it will continue to play an important part in revenues. And now software can anticipate what a customer wants even before they know they want it. At this session, learn how Asian casinos can use technology to grow their market, satisfy their customers and drive revenue to the bottom line.
Moderator: Roy Student, president, Applied Management Strategies
Speakers: Doug Bertinshaw, vice president, Global Product Planning and Strategy, Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.; Catherine Burns, vice president & managing director, Asia Pacific, Bally Technologies, Inc.; Neil Crossan, vice president-International Systems Business, International Game Technology (IGT); Jasbir Hsu, president, Jumbo Technology Co., Ltd.
 
12:15pm – 1:15pm
Room: Sicily 2503
Growing Macau: How Non-Gaming Amenities will Deliver the Mass Market
While VIP players are the most important revenue center for Macau casinos, their future depends on the mass market. At this session, learn how the government and gaming industry plan to diversify the offerings in Macau so that tourists, business travelers, shoppers and gamblers alike will increase their visitation. Among other topics, experts will discuss how to grow MICE business, why retail can be an important draw and how a better method of delivering visitors to Macau is an important element in the city's future.
Moderator: Paulo Azevedo, publisher and founder, Macau Business Magazine
Speakers: Peter Caveny, principal investor relations, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.; Andy Nazarechuk, Ed.D., dean, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Singapore Campus; Paul Steelman, CEO, Steelman Partners
 
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room: Sicily 2501
Table Tops: Generating Revenue By Playing Games
Unlike many other areas of the world, the Pacific Rim is dominated by table games. Revenue from the games far outweighs slot hold and it continues to hold steady, if not even grow across the region. At this session, experts will examine the game of baccarat and view it from the perspectives of both the VIP and the mass markets. Also covered will be other games like blackjack, craps, roulette and the specialty games that may or may not gain a foothold in Asia. And a discussion of electronic table games will also be included.
Moderator: Roger Gros, publisher, Global Gaming Business
Speakers: Michael Gore, president & COO, Orient Pearl Entertainment & Management Ltd.; Todd Haushalter, product director - Asia, Shuffle Master, Inc.; Pete Wu, general manager, vice president of operations, Sands Macao, Venetian Macau

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Room: Sicily 2503
Counting on Cotai: The Plans and Progress
When the Macau government reclaimed the land that is now home to several casino resorts in Cotai, the idea was to create a "Las Vegas Strip" for Asia. While the casinos already open are all-encompassing, renewed construction and future plans will truly make Cotai unique in the Asian gaming market. But what will Cotai mean to the Macau market as a whole and how will it impact the casinos on the peninsula and in Taipa? Experts will discuss this multi-faceted market and how it may all work together in the future.
Moderator: Anthony Lawrance, CEO, Intelligence Macau, Destination Macau
Speakers: Walt Power, COO, New Cotai Entertainment, LLC; Greg Hawkins, president, Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, City of Dreams; Kevin Clayton, executive vice president-marketing operations, Sands China Limited
 
4:15pm – 5:15pm
Room: Sicily 2503
Say My Name: The Application of Loyalty Programs in Asia
With billions of people climbing the economic ladder in Asia, increases in both disposable income and leisure time will make casino visits more possible and desirable. This combined with increased competition among Asian gaming jurisdictions means powerful mass marketing is more important than ever. At this session, experts will discuss the current state of loyalty programs in Asia. Has personal information become easier to collect? How are operators mining and storing player data? What reward programs have proven most successful? These and other questions will be explored.
Moderator: Sudhir Kale, Ph.D., professor of marketing, Bond University
Speakers: Jeff King, vice president, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Andrew Klebanow, principal, Gaming Market Advisors; Marilyn R. Ventenilla, events & marketing, Elixir Gaming Technologies
 
4:15pm – 5:15pm
Room: Sicily 2501
A Growing Game: Slot Operators Roundtable and Networking Reception
In many parts of the world, the slot machine is king. Guaranteed revenue, fast decisions and low upkeep make these devices attractive to players and operators alike. While table games remain popular, many gamblers are discovering the enjoyment of slots. At this session, slot managers from around the region will discuss the games and technology aimed at growing this market for years to come. Attendees are invited to continue the discussion during a networking reception immediately following this session.
Moderator: Marcus Prater, executive director, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)
Speakers: Darrin Carlson, slot manager-operations, Venetian Macao; Matt Hurst, vice president, Gaming Machines, City of Dreams; Peter Johns, director of slot operations, MGM GRAND Macau; Lindsay Stewart, vice president of Electronic Gaming, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM)
 
THURSDAY, 10 JUNE
 
10:30am – 12:30pm
Room: Sicily 2501
View From the Top: Chief Officers Series
Many of the most dynamic and innovative casino companies today are those with major gaming operations in Asia. With a rapidly expanding customer base, growing economies and a cultural connection to gaming, Asia presents opportunities—and challenges—for these operations. The new G2E Asia Chief Officers Series will offer attendees the opportunity to hear about these industry-leading companies from those leading the charge on the inside. Following individual company presentations, each executive will sit down with a top, international financial expert from Deutsche Bank to discuss the future of gaming in Asia, particularly as it relates to development, finance and operations, as well as the unique economic environment of Asian gaming jurisdictions.
Moderator: Andrew Zarnett, managing director, Deutsche Bank Securities
Speakers: Robert Drake, group chief financial officer, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Rafael Butch Francisco, president & COO, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR); Frank McFadden, president, joint venture & business developments, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A.
 
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*Conference program subject to change without notice.