OKLAHOMA CITY – Nearly 3,000 vendors, visitors and guest speakers are expected to attend the 2024 Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference and Trade Show next week in Oklahoma City.
Set to take place Aug. 12-14 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, this year marks the 29th conference also known as “the biggest little show in Indian Gaming.”
“The industry we have built together is strong. From humble bingo halls established more than 30 years ago, Oklahoma’s tribal gaming has – thanks to the visionary leadership and hard work of many – become a powerful economic driver and job provider for thousands of Oklahomans in big cities, small rural communities and everywhere in between. I am profoundly grateful for tribal gaming and proud of all the good it brings,” Matthew L. Morgan, OIGA chairman said in an interview with Native Oklahoma Magazine.
The conference swings into action with the already sold-out John Marley Scholarship Golf Tournament, which raises scholarship funds for families who work in the gaming industry. Conference registration begins at noon. Other events on Monday include a poker/blackjack tournament at Fassler Hall/Dust Bowl Lanes from 7-9 p.m. and a kickoff party from 8 p.m. until midnight in the same hall.
Tuesday’s agenda (Aug. 13) begins at 8:30 a.m. with keynote speaker Paul Speirs-Hernandez at 8:30 a.m. Speirs-Hernandez is a marketing and public relations consultant from Las Vegas, Nevada, and will present a 45-minute inspirational presentation designed to address how technology can be a time-eater and how refocusing can benefit potential success. Conference breakout sessions will be held throughout the day.
Two breakout sessions will follow and the trade floor will open at noon.
The first breakout session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. will offer a variety of topic choices, including “Responsible Gaming Programs and the Oklahoma Statewide Exclusion Program,” “Legal Update: Court Cases both National and Local” and “Branded F&B Offerings.
One of the topics, “AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Updates for Casinos” will discuss regulations affecting casinos who want to strengthen measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing within the gambling industry. This session will address some key updates.
The second breakout session on Tuesday from 10:45 to 11:45 will include a “Tribal Leaders Roundtable Discussion,” moderated by Ted Streuli, Executive Director, Oklahoma Watch and other panelists. Kendra Horn, former Oklahoma congresswoman and owner/founder of Paradigm 49 Strategies and Joe Dorman, CEO of Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy will present a session on “Voting Trends” and discuss what may be in store for Oklahoma at the state and federal levels.
A separate breakout session titled “C-Store, Truck Stops and Gas Stations” will explore the latest trends in gas stations, convenience stores, travel plazas and gasinos. The strengths and advantages of tribal convenience stores and fueling operations will be discussed, as well as the emerging challenges faced in Oklahoma and nationwide. In all, 16 morning breakout sessions will be offered.
On Wednesday, Aug. 14, a total of 24 breakout sessions will be offered, including the future of sports betting. A description of all the sessions can be viewed at oiga.org. The trade show floor will be open from noon to 3 p.m. before the conclusion of the conference. About 130 companies have currently registered for a booth on the trade floor. The prices for attendee tickets and/or booth registration is also available on the OIGA website.