LAS VEGAS, Nevada –(Press Release) --March 13, 2001 -- GEM Communications has announced plans for the 8th Annual Southern Gaming Summit. The Summit, which is the largest gaming conference held outside Las Vegas, has been scheduled for May 9 and 10 in Biloxi, Miss. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center will house the two-day trade show.
The Southern Gaming Summit is the only gaming conference devoted solely to the casino industry in the South and the Midwest and is the only conference endorsed by the entire Mississippi gaming industry.
``The explosive growth of gaming has literally transformed communities in the South, from economically struggling towns to thriving communities. The Southern Gaming Summit gives vendors the best and most convenient opportunity to meet with the decision-makers of the gaming industry in this important region,' said Peter D. Havens, Executive Vice President for GEM Communications U.S., Publications and Trade Show.
Last year, more than 5,000 people converged on the conference, which housed more than 120 exhibitors from across the gaming and hospitality spectrum. Organizers expect to surpass both of those figures this year.
``We cannot stress enough the importance of the Southern Gaming Summit,' Havens said. ``This show is the only place that brings together the presidents, CEOs and chairmen of the region's major casino companies, institutional investors of the gaming industry, along with resort owners and public officials for two incredible days of idea sharing and networking. Quite simply, this show is vitally important to the economic future of the entire region.'
This year's Summit is produced by the Gulf Coast Gaming Association, Casino Journal, GEM Communications, LLC, Beau Rivage Resort, Boomtown Casino, Casino Magic Bay St. Louis, Casino Magic Biloxi, Grand Casino Gulfport, Isle of Capri Casino, Palace Casino Resort, President Casino and Treasure Bay Casino.