Global Gaming Women (GGW) is proud to announce a dynamic event lineup for the 2025 Global Gaming Expo, offering a week of networking, education, celebration, and fundraising opportunities designed to uplift and empower women across the gaming industry.

Day Zero Celebration: Sunday, October 5
The week kicks off with the Day Zero Celebration, honoring the 10 Women Rising in Gaming: Class of 2025, in partnership with CDC Gaming. This invitation-only event will shine a spotlight on women making an impact in the gaming industry and set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

GGW Retreat: October 7–9
From Tuesday through Thursday, GGW invites G2E attendees to recharge at the GGW Retreat, located in Lido 3001-3102 on the third floor of the Venetian Expo. Open to all show attendees, the retreat will offer coffee, free updated professional headshots, GGW profile assistance, a chance to meet the hosts of the GGW Fair Game podcast and a quiet, relaxing space to take a break from the show floor. Hours for the space will be as follows:

• Tuesday, October 7: 9AM-5PM
• Wednesday, October 8: 9AM-5PM
• Thursday, October 9: 9AM-1PM

American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame: October 7
GGW will proudly celebrate the induction of founding member Ann Simmon Nicholson into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame. This historic honor recognizes her enduring contributions and passionate advocacy for women in gaming. This event is invitation only.

Sip & Social: October 8
GGW is excited to announce the return of the Sip & Social networking event, which will take place at 8:00-8:45AM in Venetian Ballroom F. Following, in partnership with the Global Gaming Expo, RX Global and the American Gaming Association, GGW will host G2E’s Wednesday main stage session at 9AM, free to attend for credentialed G2E attendees. Back with a powerful new format, this year’s session is titled Breaking the Stigma: An Honest Dialogue on Mental Health and will feature a fireside chat with Kendall Toole, top fitness instructor, community builder and mental health advocate. This conversation will change the way attendees think about wellness both at work and outside of the office.  Participants can expect to engage in networking opportunities and strengthen their industry connections all while gaining valuable insight about this important topic.

Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser: October 8
Join GGW at XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas for the 15^th Annual Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser, supporting the GGW Charitable Education Fund. The evening includes a tribute to Patty Becker, founder of the event, and honors recipients of the Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award.

“Global Gaming Women is proud to present a dynamic G2E schedule, from our rejuvenating retreat and meaningful celebrations to inspiring conversations and our premier fundraising event,” said Lauren Bates, President of Global Gaming Women. “Each of these experiences reflects our unwavering commitment empowering women and allies across the gaming industry and fostering inclusive opportunities for all to rise and thrive.”

Global Gaming Women (GGW) has appointed Cynthia Gonzalez as its new Education and Programs Manager.

Cynthia brings nearly 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, with a comprehensive background spanning business operations, marketing, and finance. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong aptitude for strategic planning, revenue forecasting, and the design and execution of high-impact initiatives that support both individual growth and organizational excellence.

In her new role at GGW, Cynthia will lead the development and implementation of the organization’s educational, mentorship, and membership programs, in addition to overseeing events and programming operations. Her strategic mindset, financial acumen, and passion for empowering women make her an outstanding addition to the GGW team.

“As Global Gaming Women continues its trajectory of growth and impact, Cynthia’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in elevating our programming and expanding our reach. Her commitment to innovation and inclusion aligns perfectly with our mission to support, educate, and advance women in the gaming industry,” said Pamela Buckley, Executive Vice President at Global Gaming Women.

Global Gaming Women (GGW) has announced the 14th Annual Kick Up Your Heels premier fundraising event to support the GGW Charitable Education Fund. The event supports scholarships and other development offerings for professional women in the gaming industry and celebrates honorees of the Patty Becker Pay It Forward award on Wednesday, October 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at XS Nightclub at Wynn, Las Vegas. Tickets are $200 per attendee, increasing to $300 on September 28.

GGW has also announced the return of Sip & Social with Guest Speakers Brittany Driscoll, co-founder and chief executive officer at Squeeze, and Hayley Paige, creative director and chief inspiration officer at SHE IS CHEVAL. This will take place on Thursday, October 10, from 8 to 10 a.m. inside The Venetian Ballroom on Level 2 of The Venetian Expo. Tickets are $52 per attendee, increasing to $60 on the week of the event. Registration is required. In addition, this event will also celebrate the honorees of CDC Gaming Reports’ “10 Women Rising in Gaming”, in partnership with Global Gaming Women.

Current and prospective GGW members, partners, and allies are invited to the G2E GGW Retreat, as a dedicated space for networking, podcasting, headshots, and swag, on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Venetian Conference Center, Lando 4201AB-4203, 4th Floor. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and a variety of snacks. Refresh at the glam station and take advantage of free professional headshots by Shannon Mason Photography, available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unwind with a leg and foot massage, recharge at the electronic charging stations, and reinspire yourself at the podcast booth, featuring industry leaders, legends, and the next generation of GGW trailblazers.

Directly prior to the opening of G2E on Sunday, October 6 at El Cortez Hotel & Casino, GGW will celebrate the official awards ceremony for 10 Women Rising in Gaming, presented in partnership with CDC Gaming Reports. All honorees will be recognized during this inaugural celebration event.

GGW leadership continues the essential pillar of work as the leading gaming industry non-profit dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and influencing the development of professional women, with participation in a series of educational panels during G2E with three distinctive panels.

“Global Gaming Women is leading an exciting lineup of educational programs at this year’s G2E. Starting with Monday’s sessions, followed by the 14th Annual Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser on Wednesday evening, and culminating in Thursday morning’s inspirational keynote at Sip & Social, we’re also thrilled to unveil the all-new GGW retreat—a dedicated space for our members to network and engage in exclusive experiences throughout the event. Thanks to the steadfast support of our generous sponsors, we can continue offering these enriching opportunities for connection, empowerment, and collaboration. Together, we’re advancing women’s success and enhancing our industry,” said Lauren Bates, President & Board Chair of Global Gaming Women.

A mix of high-profile sponsorship opportunities are available in support of Global Gaming Women’s event offering at G2E, including the Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser and the Sip & Social networking breakfast event. In addition, GGW’s mission is realized year-round by the support of sustaining sponsors.