The three-day G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo opened yesterday, offering an extensive programme of events for its participants.
Organised by RX (Reed Exhibitions) and presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA), a formal opening ceremony was held for the joint event yesterday morning at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, where over 150 exhibitors are showcasing cutting-edge products and technology in the entertainment and travel industry.
“This week is all about innovation and growth”, AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in his opening speech yesterday, noting that over 10,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions are expected to attend.
Miller noted that the event is held at an “exciting moment for the global gaming economy and for gaming” and although there are various issues around foreign policy dynamics, tighter financial regulations, and evolving consumer behaviour, the industry continues to perform and evolve despite the pressures and challenges.
In Asia, Miller pointed out the recovery has “gained meaningful traction”, noting: “Renewed momentum in non-gaming investment is helping reshape the broader tourism economy and redefining what integrated resorts can offer”, also highlighting that the future is “taking shape in a number of promising markets”.
Miller concluded by highlighting the importance of continued collaboration: “Whether you’re a supplier, an operator, an investor, or an innovator, our shared success depends upon our continued collaboration. The conversations we will have this week and the insights that we share for the relationships we build will help drive our industry forward and shape our future”.
Moreover, Lua Sheng Join, Senior Vice President, Business Development, APAC, RX of Reed Exhibitions, noted in his speech that they have prepared “more than ever” for this edition, highlighting that the exhibition hall is larger and features an expanded range of offerings.
“As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, we are keeping pace with the shift, curating experiences that go beyond scale and focusing on quality, innovation, and relevance”, Lua said.
The joint event features various activities in its extensive programme, among which are 100 product launches in Asia; the debut of the Gaming Innovation Forum; networking events; and over 30 sessions with more than 100 speakers on related industry topics in both the G2E Asia conference and the Asian IR Summit, which is held concurrently at the Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC) in Cotai and ends today.
Target for 15 pct rise in int’l exhibitors: IPIM
Meanwhile, speaking with reporters on the sidelines of yesterday’s opening ceremony, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) President Vincent U U Sang said that the overall direction of the local MICE industry’s development includes marketisation, professionalisation and internationalisation, noting that a target of a 15 percent increase has been set for the number of international attendees to MICE events in Macau throughout the year.
U added, however, that IPIM does not rule out the possibility that some MICE events may not be aimed at international visitors, but IPIM was happy to see that the marketisation of the events has been very successful.
Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) President Vincent U U Sang poses before speaking with the media after yesterday’s opening ceremony at The Venetian Macao.
American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller (right) and Lua Sheng Join, Senior Vice President, Business Development, APAC, RX of Reed Exhibitions, pose after yesterday’s eye-dotting ceremony during the joint opening of G2E Asia and the Asian IR Expo at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
