AGE seminars highlight determination to overcome crisis

Friday 4th of September 2020

The opinions shared during the Australasian Gaming Expo seminars highlighted the industry’s collection determination to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 and get back to business, according to Chris Muir, CEO of the Gaming Technologies Association.

The conference and exhibition, like most others across the globe, was cancelled for this year and the seminar program were moved online.

"The digital seminar sessions provided the thoughts and opinions of some of our industry's leaders, and it showed our industry's collective determination to get to the other side of Covid ready and able to be back to business," Muir said.

"Last year I was feeling a little daunted about being responsible for the AGE for the first time; this year the challenge was taken to a whole new level," added Muir, who only took over the helm of GTA at the end of 2018. "Although not the seminar experience that we had expected to hold in 2020, I am delighted that we presented our industry with a quality offering with the online seminars."

The online seminar sessions, organized by Asia Gaming Brief, covered several topics of relevance to the industry, all reshaped to varying degrees by Covid-19. The analysts' perspective, the effect of the pandemic on the value of venues, and transforming foodservice were covered. An IMGL Masterclass and a discussion on online gambling continued the debate on regulation, and a keynote session inspired leadership.

Matt Ballesty, Executive General Manager of Gaming at SkyCity Entertainment Group, gave an exclusive inside tour into their Auckland flagship property. In the session, Ballesty and his team outlined the changes made in their gaming and non-gaming business, including challenges and lessons learned.

Greg Norman, Director of Forecast Australia, presented the initial results of the Australasian Gaming Survey, a research project run in conjunction with Asia Gaming Brief, providing valuable data insights for the industry.

"We're looking forward to seeing the innovation that has come about as a result of these challenging times," said Muir, "and we look forward to networking and meeting old friends and new."

With eleven months until doors are due to open for the 31st AGE, over 130 exhibitors are already preparing to share the best in new and innovative products and services.

Find out more at www.austgamingexpo.com, or follow the AGE on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

To access the results of the Australasian Gaming Survey, go to asiagamingdata.com.