- (480) 284-4034
- info@azindiangaming.org
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM      Registration & Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM – 7:45 AM      Welcome by AIGA
8:00 AM Tee Time
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM      Lunch, Awards, and Raffle
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM      AIGA Expo Welcome Reception @ Luxe Lounge
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM      AIGA Expo Bowling Tournament
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM      Tribal Leaders Breakfast with event Sponsors and AIGA Associate Members
                      (Location: Oak & Fork Restaurant) (invitation only)
                       Continental Breakfast for Attendees
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM     Opening General Session
                       (Location: B1/B2)
                       • Blessing
                       • Posting of Colors
                       • National Anthem
                       • Welcome by Judy Ferreira, Executive Director, Arizona Indian Gaming Association
                       • Welcome by Chairman Robert Miguel, Ak-Chin Indian Community, and Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA)
                       • Welcome by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)
                       • Welcome by the Indian Gaming Association (IGA)
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM     Break
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM     Breakout Session 1
3.  National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Training: Tips and Tricks on Building an
Audit Checklist Based on the Class III Minimum Internal Controls Guidance (Pt. 1 of 2)
Join us this session to learn about developing class III audit checklists utilizing the NIGC’s
Class III Minimum Internal Controls Guidance. We will guide you through discussion and
activities, providing you with practice on checklist formatting, understanding your audit
criteria, the process for developing an audit checklist, testing methods, and document
request listings. Attendees will gain the skills and knowledge needed to develop a class III
audit checklist and customize testing that meets the needs and risk mitigation of the tribe.
Trainers:
Gena Caviness, Supervisory Auditor, National Indian Gaming Commission
Steven Brewer, Training Manager, National Indian Gaming Commission
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM      Luncheon
                       (Location: B1/B2)
The Impact of Tribal Gaming Beyond the Gaming Floor
How has Tribal Gaming impacted Arizona communities? Panelists will delve into the
transformative impact of Tribal Government Gaming and its far-reaching significance.
Featured Speakers:
Lynnann Yazzie, Deputy Associate Superintendent, Office of Indian Education, Arizona
Department of Education
Jon Cooley, Tribal Liaison, Arizona Fish & Game Department
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM       Breakout Session 2
1. Tribal Digital Sovereignty & Economic Progress: Navigating the Future of Tribal Gaming
  (Location: B5/B6)
In the age of the internet and digital transformation, understanding the rights and roles of
Indigenous communities in the digital realm becomes crucial. As the digital era reshapes
global economies, it is essential to understand and respect the unique position of Indigenous
communities in the online space. This workshop will address Tribal Digital Sovereignty,
focusing on its implications for economic development and the evolving landscape of Tribal
gaming. Panelists will explore the synergy between traditional rights and contemporary
opportunities in the digital age.
Speakers:
Joe Valandra, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Tribal Ready, PBC.
Adam Geisler, President & Chief Operating Officer, Tribal Ready, PBC.
2. 2024 & Beyond: Forecasting the Legislative Landscape for Tribal Nations
  (Location: Meeting Room 1)Â
As the horizon of 2024 nears, it’s crucial to anticipate what lies ahead. The unique rights of
Tribal Gaming are continuously being tested. As non-Tribal entities seek to penetrate the
market and ongoing court cases emerge, the landscape becomes more complex. Dive into
an insightful session with a distinguished panel that will illuminate key topics to shape the
future of gaming among Tribal Nations. Panelists will offer a dual-lens view, covering both
state and national landscapes. Conversations will include the latest Supreme Court rulings
and will explore both present and potential challenges confronting the Tribal-State Compact
in Tribal Government Gaming.
Moderator:
Jaime A. Molera, Partner, Molera Alvarez
Panelists:
David Cook, Arizona State Representative
Mitzi Epstein, Minority Leader, Arizona Senate
3. National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Training: How to Conduct an EPHS
  Assessment for TGRA’s
  (Location: Meeting Room 2)
This session will prepare your TGRA to conduct an Environmental, Public Health and Safety
(EPHS) assessment through the 5 W’s (who, what, why, when, where) and proven tools such
as pre-assessment document preparation, creating a gaming facility-specific checklist, walk
through tools, conducting and documenting the walk through assessment, post assessment
review, all of which will assist in identifying gaps and trends for improving the overall EPHS
program in order to reduce injuries and hazards by creating a robust safety culture in your
workplace.
Trainers:
Eddie Ilko, Safety and Occupational Health Manager, National Indian Gaming Commission
Francisco Olea, Phoenix Region Director, National Indian Gaming Commission
2:15 – 2:30 PM          Break
2:30 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â AIGA Trade Show Ribbon Cutting
                        (Location: B3/B4)
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM       Trade Show
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM       AIGA Chefs Challenge
                        (Location: Oak & Fork Restaurant)
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM      Continental Breakfast on the Trade Show Floor
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM      General Session
                        (Location: B1/B2)
• Blessing
• Judy Ferreira, Executive Director, Arizona Indian Gaming Association
Featured Panel: Tribal Leaders Symposium on Gaming
Distinguished leaders from Tribal Nations and Communities come together for a meaningful
discussion surrounding Tribal Gaming. With years of invaluable experience, many of these
panelists have been at the forefront of pioneering moments in Tribal Gaming. Their insights and
contributions have been pivotal in molding and safeguarding Tribal Gaming in Arizona. Hear
their unique perspectives and narratives.
Moderator:
Councilman Jerold Altaha, White Mountain Apache Tribe
Panelists:
President Bernadine Burnette, Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation
Chairwoman Sherry Cordova, Cocopah Indian Tribe, and Arizonans for Tribal
Government Gaming
Chairman Verlon Jose, Tohono O’odham Nation
Chairwoman Ona Segundo, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM      Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM      1. Cybersecurity: The Evolving Battlefront
                          (Location: Meeting Room 1)
With the rise in ransomware incidents, sophisticated phone scams, and multifaceted
technology threats, the stakes have never been higher for IT management in the Casino
and Gaming sector. These emerging challenges underscore the imperative for a robust
and diverse team to shield the sensitive data patrons collaboratively and guests entrust to
Casinos. The panel of industry experts will walk through the journey from the initial detection
of cyber threats to their resolution recommendations, providing insights into the measures
essential for ensuring data integrity and security.
Moderator:
RJ Huskey, M.Eng., President & vCISO
Panelists:
Manjit Gombra Singh, Founder, DruvStar
Hannah Hoeflinger, National Cyber Risk Operations Leader, Lovitt & Touche / Marsh
McLennan Agency
2. The Evolution of Tribal Gaming Marketing in Arizona
   (Location: B5/B6)
Since its inception in 1993, Tribal Gaming has revolutionized the Arizona landscape,
introducing a new product dimension. Over the past thirty years, the marketing
strategies and approaches behind these gaming experiences have witnessed significant
transformations, including casino sponsorships, partnerships, and naming rights. Join us as
we journey through the evolution of casino marketing in Arizona, delving into its historical
progression and highlighting the contemporary trends reshaping the local market. Discover
the intricacies of this dynamic field and gain insights into its future trajectory.
Moderator:
Jason Coochwytewas, Chief Executive Officer, Urias Communications
Panelists:
Chris Archunde, Strategic Operations & Marketing Performance, Raving Consulting
Sheila Morago, Founding Partner/Chief Operating Officer, Trilogy Group
Ralph Marchetta, Senior Vice President, Phoenix Suns/Footprint Center
Karl Kim, Director Of Brand Management, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise
3. National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Training: Tips and Tricks on Building an
  Audit Checklist Based on the Class III Minimum Internal Controls Guidance (Pt. 2 of 2)
  (Location: Meeting Room 2)
Part 2 on developing class III audit checklists utilizing the NIGC’s Class III Minimum Internal
Controls Guidance. We will guide you through discussion and activities, providing you with
practice on checklist formatting, understanding your audit criteria, the process for developing
an audit checklist, testing methods, and document request listings. Attendees will gain the
skills and knowledge needed to develop a class III audit checklist and customize testing that
meets the needs and risk mitigation of the tribe.
Trainers:
Gena Caviness, Supervisory Auditor, National Indian Gaming Commission
Steven Brewer, Training Manager, National Indian Gaming Commission
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM       Luncheon
Presentation: 2023 Arizona Department of Gaming Update
Gain insight to the latest reporting and figures on Tribal Gaming in Arizona.
Featured Speaker:
Jackie Johnson, Executive Director, Arizona Department of Gaming
Presentation: Insights into Tribal Gaming in Arizona
In this engaging presentation, hear the results of extensive polling information that sheds light
on public perception, opinions, and experiences related to the Tribal gaming industry in Arizona.
Featured Speaker:
Mike Noble, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Noble Predictive Insights
Closing Remarks:
Chairwoman Sherry Cordova, Cocopah Indian Tribe and Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming (ATGG)
Arizona Indian Gaming Association represents nine tribes representing Indian People living on reservations in Arizona. While four tribes are located near urban areas, most tribal lands are located in rural areas of Arizona.
