Preview: Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is entering its 37th year, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center for four days of networking and learning between April 8-11. The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) convention is the leading event for the Tribal gaming market, resulting in the largest gathering of Tribal leaders and casino executives from all over the country. The annual event is a meeting place for Tribal and gaming leaders to exchange industry-specific ideas and take part in a cultural celebration of success, innovation and independence. As the longest-running gaming tradeshow in history, the convention offers attendees the chance to meet industry leaders, access new technology and encounter exciting products. You don’t enter your 37th year as an event without developing some traditions, nor do you come this far without evolving alongside the industry and introducing new aspects too.

This year, attendees will experience both. In the name of tradition, the first day of the conference kicks off with the annual ‘Chairman’s Golf Classic,’ a fundraiser event to raise money for Tribal education throughout North America. Attendees are welcome to join the event at Tustin Ranch Golf Club, with businesses also able to make the most of sponsorship opportunities to show their support. Another highlight of the convention is the Chairman’s Leadership Awards luncheon, where Tribal and gaming leaders are recognized for their contribution to the industry. There is also a new element to the conference this year, offering a completely different dynamic to the show.

From April 10-11 attendees will be able to take part in the DigitalPlay Summit, a mini conference dedicated exclusively to the online world of iGaming and sports betting. The DigitalPlay Summit showcases new technology via exhibits and content sessions on the convention floor, covering everything from slots, esports, sportsbooks and payments. This includes a dedicated space on the show floor for networking as well as the first Consumer Protection Zone (CPZ), an interactive area displaying the most recent tools and technologies for safe gambling operations.

Those with a pass for the IGA convention also have access to the DigitalPlay Summit, so you’re in for a 2-in-1 deal this year. Historically, the IGA tradeshow has taken place in Las Vegas, San Diego and Anaheim, often changing locations between Nevada and California. After taking place at the San Diego Convention Center in 2023, the tradeshow returns to its 2022 location in Anaheim. Only a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, LA-based professionals have won the lucky dip this year. 2025 and 2026 are set to be back in San Diego, so LA and Orange County will have to make the most of its moment in the spotlight this time around. While the location has changed, the commitment of attendees remains the same. The convention is expected to welcome around 5,000 visitors over the four-day event.

The fusion of Tribal and commercial gaming extends beyond the US, with attendees not only representing the 50 states but 20 countries from around the world. Those heading in from outside the state will be lucky enough to soak up the southern Californian sunshine and take advantage of the West Coast’s warmer climate to get a jump start on their sun chasing for the year. The IGA show welcomes a wide range of attendees from the casino, sportsbook and online gaming industry. Senior professionals are expected to attend the conference, with a majority (51%) in C-level or director roles, followed by those in managerial positions (22%). Previous years have been dominated by the casino and gaming industry (29%), with only a small percentage of attendees from the iGaming (3%) and esports betting (5%) sectors. However, this year with the introduction of the DigitalPlay Summit, attendees from the iGaming and esports betting sectors could spike. This is especially likely considering the trend of Tribal operators expanding into the digital market over the past year.

 A brief glimpse at the schedule reveals a mix of educational conference sessions and product exhibits, with businesses across the industry expected to fill up the tradeshow floor. Attendees can expect to find gaming companies and new casino products lighting up the show floor among Native American arts, craft and jewelry booths. The exhibit hall also promises a variety of Indian gaming, iGaming, hospitality, sports betting and casino booths. Specific panel information is to follow, but with the DigitalPlay Summit bringing new offerings to an already established tradeshow, we have no doubt there will be a diverse range of topics and people to learn from. The conference promises 70+ hours of education across the four-day event, so if you’re in the mood for learning, you’re in the right place! IGA has a partnership with Clarion Events, which produces worldwide shows including the biggest B2B gambling event in the world, ICE.

So, the show is set to be a seamless opportunity for those in our industry to head to California and immerse themselves in the unique North American gaming market. Whether you’re staying in Anaheim or LA, the location of the conference offers a number of opportunities to continue networking after the close of the business day. Beyond the picturesque beauty of Orange County, attendees can head into LA to explore the City of Stars, renowned for its authentic Hollywood glitz and glamour. For the Disney adults among us – and for those who don’t know already – Anaheim is home to the original Disneyland Park, a historic landmark in itself. Finally, if you’re looking for a more low-key experience, avoid the big attractions and the big city by exploring Anaheim’s historic district featuring boutiques, record stores and independent coffee shops.

Overall, the IGA convention is looking set to be an educational and cultural industry event with its finger on the pulse of emerging technologies. The conference offers a unique opportunity for Tribal and gaming leaders to converge for several days of learning, networking and industry growth. In 2022, the Tribal gaming sector was a $40.9bn market, growing each year for the past decade and accounting for almost half the gaming revenue in the US, so this year’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention should definitely be on the radar of key industry executives and leaders. 

Sarah Chen

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