Letting Go: Global Gaming Expo G2E Officially Going Virtual For 2020
Published July 9, 2020 by Lee R
The facts on the ground have tabled another land-based event, as G2E turns to optimizing a virtual schedule.
An inevitable yet disappointing closure has been announced for the fall season.
G2E Goes Virtual
The American Gaming Association and Partners Reed Exhibitions announced cancellation of top international gaming industry event Global Gaming Expo G2E.
2020 Time Frame
This transforms the organizers' mission of facilitating economic, education, and networking opportunities into series of virtual G2E events for the remainder of 2020.
Resched
Originally scheduled to take place 5-8 October 2020; the next land-based G2E is now scheduled for 4-7 October 2021 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
AGA Leader Speaks
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller formalized the cancellation:
“In light of continued uncertainty around a viable marketplace at a physical G2E show, global travel restrictions, and currently unknown guidance on large public gatherings,
this fall, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we simply cannot hold an in-person G2E this year.”
Operational Priorities
Miller cited “health and safety" as the top priorities governing the decision due to "the uncertainty created by the
ongoing pandemic.”
Strong Tradition
The G2E has been rollicking in better times for two decades, having welcomed 30,000 international attendees annually over the last two decades,
including key industry partners representatives from the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, along with the world’s top casino operators; sports betting companies; FinTech and digital payments facilitators, and more diverse stakeholders.
Reed Rep Speaks
The decision was made with careful deliberation and assessment, according to Reed Exhibitions Americas President Hervé Sedky:
“We arrived at this decision after thoughtfully engaging with national, state, and local public health authorities, as well as exhibitors and buyers who have shared industry observations and priorities."
Protecting and Inspiring the Community
Sedky cited the priority of providing the safest possible experience to the G2E community of employees and customers in looking forward to convening at a future date, with event organizers preparing to announce plans for virtual events and education in the near future.
Outlook
While it comes as no surprise, the prospect of an engaging G2E series online followed by a safe undisrupted physical event next year still appears a realistic projection, which would translate to a nice victory.
