The AIGA EXPO theme, “Planting the Seeds of Prosperity,” celebrates and pays homage to the growth and success of the Arizona Gaming Industry and their tribal communities, the theme, brings a gathering of tribal leadership and gaming industry representatives together.
Bernadine Burnette, AIGA Chairperson and President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation said, “With improved economies, tribes are supporting their schools, hospitals, senior services, housing and much-needed infrastructures like water systems, roads and communication networks.
Burnette added, “We truly are a community. A community that comes together to encourage, preserve, teach, learn and grow and support Tribal Gaming. A community that fosters our gaming establishments and nurtures them into full-scale entertainment destinations. We are also a community that defends our sovereign right to gaming, and that protects against those trying to challenge that right.”
Attendees will hear National gaming updates from National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Vice Chairperson Kathryn Isom-Claus and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr at the opening general session. The three-day expo will present a vast selection of workshops session and discussion forums, including the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming – Executive Training Program.
Topics of discussions in the forums include, Economic Development: Exploring diversification efforts made possible by Tribal Gaming, Regulatory: Tribal Gaming, a highly regulated industry responsible for fostering growth and development for tribes, Public Affairs in Indian Country: Tribal gaming enterprises have emerged as major community players, employing thousands while donating time and resources to local causes, Sports Betting: In the news and in the courtroom, a Tribal Leaders Forum, where Tribal leaders assemble to reflect on the progress of tribes, made possible by Tribal Gaming. Equally important, leaders will share their ideas on how to plant seeds of prosperity for future generations and Industry Perspective: Industry experts delve into the current state of Tribal government gaming.
Judy Ferreira, AIGA Executive Director, shared, “We will hear from AIGA member tribes, partners and associate members about the importance of exploring new and innovative ways to broaden the economic base and continue the momentum we’ve achieved since the inception of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”
Highlights of the AIGA EXPO include the Desert Classic Golf Tournament and Luncheon, which will take place on Sunday, October 22 at the renowned We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and the EXPO exhibits and tradeshow, presented by the Ak-Chin Indian Community will featuring some 50 gaming, tribal organizations, enterprises and tribal business-related vendors.
Desert Diamond Casinos will present the 2017 Chefs Challenge, which will be held at the La Puesta del Sol, in Fort McDowell on Monday, October 23. The Chefs Challenge, a cuisine competition for tribal enterprise chefs, which celebrates the best of Arizona’s Casino dining.
The 2017 AIGA EXPO will conclude on Tuesday, October 24 with the Gathering Luncheon, hosted by We-Ko-Pa Resort & Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, featuring special entertainment by Tony Duncan Productions.
Sponsors include the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, Desert Diamond Casinos, Casino Del Sol Resort, Hensley Beverage Company , Bank of America, Yavapai-Apache Nation, BMM Test Labs, North American Video, Ainsworth Gaming Technology, IGT , Apache Gold, Denver Mattress, Bank of Arizona, VGT, Viz Explorer, Atrient, Wells Fargo, Lewis Rocha Rothgerber Christie, the Arizona Office of Tourism, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), , TFA Capital Partners, National Food Group, KlasRobinson QED,Everi, Konami Gaming, Kitchell Contractors. .
Arizona Indian Gaming Association represents 15 tribes representing Indian people living on reservations in Arizona. AIGA was established on November 21, 1994, by the Arizona tribal leaders. The association is committed to advancing the lives of Indian peoples – economically, socially and politically – so Indian Tribes of Arizona can achieve their goal of self-reliance.
For a complete AIGA EXPO agenda, go to https://www.azindiangaming.org/aiga-expo/2017/agenda/
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