The 1 October shootings were terrible and devastating to the country, Las Vegas and the gaming industry. But when October 2 dawned, the yearly gathering of the industry, Global Gaming Expo, opened.
Those of us who were in Las Vegas at the time, were shaken to our roots. It was hard to even imagine business as usual on the show floor and conference sessions at G2E. But the decision made by the American Gaming Association to continue with the show was a wise and correct choice. Instead of scattering to the four winds, the exhibitors and attendees at G2E could gather and discuss their experiences, reactions and hopes for the future. While it didn’t erase the horror of the day before, it did begin the process of healing.
So what does that teach us about G2E 2020, scheduled for October 5-8 at the Sands Expo Center. We just come out of months of a lockdown, and, with an abundance of caution, most casinos in the U.S. have reopened. Meetings and conventions, in most cases, were understandably cancelled or delayed during the lockdown. Is it time to get back to business at G2E? I believe it is.
On October 2, we knew the danger had passed, the shooter had expired. This October, Covid-19 will still be a factor in our everyday lives. But in some ways, the shooter will always be there, like Covid 19. Certainly, we take precautions against the spread of Covid-19, with hand washing, mask wearing, cleaning surfaces, practicing social distancing, but until there is a vaccine, the virus will be with us for quite some time. And they many never discover a vaccine for a constantly mutating virus.
We have flattened the curve, which has enabled the industry to open again. Yes, there have been and there will continue to be bumps in the road, but as we move forward and get more experienced in how to deal with the pandemic.
So how will G2E play a role in this recovery? Like the 1 October shooting, G2E can be a catalyst for an energetic opening of the overall industry. Remember, it wasn’t only operators impacted by the shutdown, it was manufacturers and suppliers alike. Their businesses ground to a halt at the same time, and like the operators, they are struggling to recover and reopen.
But this isn’t able sales or profits or brands. The traditional role of a trade show will be secondary as G2E becomes a rallying point—a reminder of what the industry is and what strives to become. G2E can be an important launch pad for an industry that needs a morale booster.
Gaming has always been resilient. We’ve proven it again and again. During the dark days of the 2007-08 recession, G2E carried on as a beacon that gaming will never go away, it will only get better. And it did. When G2E convenes in October it will remind all who participate—and some who can only join virtually—that gaming is strong and will come back better than ever.
And for Las Vegas operators, G2E will bring hope that the meetings and conventions business that has been the lifeblood of the Vegas industry will return. Certainly, this G2E will be different, but it will reflect on the best practices that the tourism executives believe will bring customers back to Las Vegas in a safe and healthy environment. A G2E Health & Safety Task Force has been established to ensure that all attendees are protected. G2E can become the blueprint for a revived meetings and conventions segment in Las Vegas and beyond.
Having been involved in G2E for 17 years, I can tell you that the dedication, sweat and effort that goes into the show is extraordinary. The staff at Reed and the AGA want to deliver the highest level of content along with most cutting edge games and products. But this year, they have another mission as well: Proving that gaming is not going anywhere and we’re coming back with talent, innovation and a joyful anticipation of the future.
So let’s get back to business in a safe, secure and healthy manner. G2E can be a signal to the world and to members of our own industry that we are strong. We are resilient. And we will not live our lives in fea
