NEW YORK – (Press Release) --
Caribbean Gaming & Hospitality Conference 2002 opens this June in San Juan, Puerto Rico with an aggressive response to the economic setback of the past eight months linked to global recession, the war on terrorism, and the drop-off in tourism. Now in its fourth year, the Caribbean Gaming and Hospitality Conference (previously Caribbean Gaming and Tourism Conference) will return to the Caribe Hilton San Juan, June 11-12.
Acknowledging that economic losses have touched all businesses in the region's service sector, the Conference will focus management's attention on linkages designed to improve co-operation among gaming and hospitality partners and insure long-term growth. In addition, the conference will address many new subjects such as resort marketing, how to plan for recovery, money-laundering, business cash-flow disruptions, and business and casualty threats.
According to conference presenter Bruce Smith, president of WestVille Enterprises, Inc., the program is totally geared to rebuilding and strengthening the resort/casino. "The program will examine the macroeconomic issues that the Caribbean faces as well as day-to-day operational needs such as management, marketing, and security. "Our content," he said, "is as hands-on as you can get." Smith noted that Caribbean Gaming & Hospitality Conference is the only program of its kind that is close to home and solely devoted to the needs of the region.
This year's roster of speakers builds on the impressive tradition of the first three conferences where experts from the gaming, hospitality, tourism, and regulatory sectors have gathered for high-level presentations. This year's headliners include:
Guillermo Cabret, Gaming Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company;
Enrique Cruz, Regional Manager, the Caribbean, American Airlines;
Charles Guenther, Gaming Detection Associates;
David E. Lewis, Ph.D., Vice President, Manchester Trade Ltd.;
David Nichter, international security expert
Susan Sweeney, Internet marketing consultant and author of several
best-selling books on the Web.
Smith notes that all sessions will be presented in English and Spanish thanks to simultaneous translation services. Quality networking is also available with colleagues, seminar presenters, and exhibitors. This year's Exhibit Hall will feature several new products and services geared toward increased productivity and cost-efficiency. "One of the important things about the conference is that right from the beginning we designed it with input from the industry itself," said Smith. "All of this year's initiatives are the result of our close relationship with executives and managers throughout the Caribbean. They tell us what they need, and we do everything within our power to deliver."
According to Smith, the trade show will have more exhibitors than last year, and in light of these trying economic conditions, is indicative of the belief that suppliers have in the inherent strength of the Caribbean and Latin American markets. Some of the new exhibitors this year, representing a wide range of interests and technologies, include PDS Gaming, Otavian Gaming International, Caribbean Gaming Distributors, Digideal and Baccarat Plus.
Smith also acknowledged the broad industry support that the Caribbean Gaming & Hospitality Conference continues to receive. "We are very grateful to our sponsors and exhibitors," said Smith, "who believe in a unique venue and program for this region." Smith noted that Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., Las Vegas, NV, is once again the Conference's Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors include A.C. Coin & Slot and UNIDESA Gaming; Silver Sponsors are MIS International/USA, Puerto Rico Tourism Company; and WMS Gaming; Media Sponsors are Casino International, Casinos de Latinoamerica, and IGWB Magazine. ALAJA returns as Media and Association Sponsor.