Leading Gaming and Business Experts Headline at Arizona Indian Gaming Association EXPO Conference & Trade Show November 6-8, 2013

PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EXPO AIGA, the Southwest's Foremost Gaming & Business Summit and Trade Show, runs November 6-8, 2013 at Casino del Sol, Tucson, Arizona. A roster of national speakers will share their experiences and expertise doing business on and beyond Indian Country.

"There's no conference like this in Indian Country," said Valerie Spicer, Executive Director, AIGA.  "We know that Tribes want to spur more economic development, on and off their reservations, and many businesses want to learn how to partner with tribes. This forum connects Tribes and tribal enterprises with potential business partners to benefit everyone." 

EXPO AIGA features two tracks – Gaming and Business – with panels that are timely, informative and useful. The Business track's community relations panel, If You're Not at the Table, You're On the Menu— Food for Thought, focuses on successful outreach models for influencing policy and communicating values that affect public opinion.  Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and Kevin Allis, Executive Director, Native American Contractors Association (NACA) are two of the panelists for that session.  

"The Arizona Chamber played the leading role in the business community in securing passage of a landmark economic competitiveness package hailed as the most significant job creation legislation in a generation," said Glenn Hamer. "Arizona will benefit as Tribes go beyond their borders to build support and advocate for their economies.  We all benefit when we all grow jobs."

Said Allis, of NACA, "As tribes and tribal enterprises consider how to do business beyond borders internationally, or with newly formed partnerships, it's important to identify and take advantage of government contracting opportunities that exist because of the unique relationship between Native Americans and the federal government. We can enhance these opportunities by building alliances among our own members and with minority and non-minority organizations with similar goals."

Owner and editor of Pechanga.net, Victor Rocha, will moderate the Gaming track panel Internet Gaming: Making an Informed Decision. The discussion will streamline and clarify the overwhelming amount of information concerning internet gaming.  Explained Rocha, "As online gaming gains traction in the gaming industry, Indian Country needs to be prepared for the eventuality of online poker and possibly full-blown gambling.  I want us to see online gaming through the eyes of the entrepreneurs already profiting from it. Even if a tribe decides against going online, there will be plenty of business opportunities to pursue." 

Trends of Today, the Headlines for Tomorrow brings together a stellar panel of experts in public policy, economics and gaming who discuss the future of the entertainment dollar, how to get more market share and what this means for the gaming industry.

Explained Whitaker Asker, vice president, Government Affairs, American Gaming Association (AGA), "The AGA remains committed to future opportunities in the digital gaming marketplace, by working to remove unnecessary barriers and by establishing consistent minimum standards to ensure consumer protection. As we eye tomorrow's headlines, we look forward to partnering with the tribal gaming community to further strengthen such growth opportunities for the broader industry."

In addition to outstanding panelists, Paul Rodriguez, star of film, TV and concerts, will perform at the closing luncheon, Friday, November 8, a fun and entertaining close to an All Access Event.  Advance registration rates for the EXPO AIGA conference and trade show close October 31, 2103.

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association is producing EXPO AIGA with Red Note, Inc. AIGA has a membership of 17 tribes representing more than 90% of the Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. AIGA was established November 21, 1994 by Arizona tribal leaders.  The Association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so that Indian tribes in Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance.  Current membership includes:  Ak-Chin Indian Community, Cocopah Indian Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fort Mojave Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, Havasupai  Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab-Paiute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe,  Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Tohono O'odham Nation,  White Mountain Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, and Pueblo of Zuni.

CONTACT:  Pam Hait or Martha Hunter
Strateg!es (602) 952-0040

SOURCE Arizona Indian Gaming Association