Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association will host its 29th Conference and Trade Show at the Oklahoma City Convention Center Aug. 12-14. Nearly 3000 attendees, including tribal leadership, gaming executives and professionals, hospitality professionals and vendors, all coming together to do business, learn from one another, network and enjoy all downtown Oklahoma City has to offer.

“The industry we have built together is strong. From humble bingo halls established more than 30 years ago, Oklahoma’s tribal gaming has – thanks to the visionary leadership and hard work of many – become a powerful economic driver and job provider for thousands of Oklahomans in big cities, small rural communities and everywhere in between. I am profoundly grateful for tribal gaming and proud of all the good it brings,” said Matthew L. Morgan, OIGA chairman.

Long known affectionately as “the biggest little show in tribal gaming,” the Conference and Trade Show begins bright and early on Monday with the annual John Marley Golf Tournament at Lincoln Park Golf Course (sold out), an event which raises scholarship funds for folks who work in the gaming industry and their dependents. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association established the John Marley Scholarship in 2008 to provide educational opportunities for OIGA member employees and their families. The John Marley Scholarships are dedicated to the search for knowledge and providing scholarships for eligible individuals to attend accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools in Oklahoma or other states. Since 2014, OIGA has awarded 64 scholarships.

The conference begins Tuesday at 8:30 am with the keynote address given by Paul Speirs-Hernandez. His topic: “Look Up: 5 Benefits of Putting Down Your Phone and Picking Up Your Potential.” After that, the morning will be filled with more conference sessions, followed by the ribbon cutting and opening of the trade show floor at noon, with a buffet lunch served at several stations on the floor. At 1:00 pm, scholarships and awards including the Chairman’s Award and Modern-Day Warrior Awards will be given during a presentation on the trade show floor.

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Conference sessions have been strategically planned with topics and tracks for professionals in every facet of gaming and ancillary industries. Foundational subject matter ideal for younger professionals just starting their careers, or people new to gaming will include topics like “History of Oklahoma Tribal Gaming,” “Responsible Gaming,” and a roundtable forum discussion from tribal leaders.

More seasoned gaming professionals, or those in specialized areas of the industry will enjoy “What’s in Your Wallet,” an exploration of wallet options catering to the diverse needs and preferences of players; “Sports Betting Analytics and Beyond,” ideal for those who have already – or who plan to – add sports betting to their entertainment offerings. Now six years in, there is a large body of data available to analyze and use to aid in decision making. Another important topic area is safety.