Future Of Vegas On Display At Gaming Expo
Convention Business Rebounds From Slump
POSTED: 8:56 am PST November 17,
2009
UPDATED: 10:57 am PST November 17,
2009
LAS VEGAS -- Celebrity-themed slot machines, touch-screen technology and dealer-free gaming will be among the highlights at the 2009 Global Gaming Expo, beginning Tuesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.The annual event, showcasing the future of gaming, will feature more than 520 exhibitors from 26 countries.
Video: Inside 2009 Global Gaming ExpoWhile the technology is the main attraction, a handful of celebrities will also be on hand, including "Sex and the City" star Chris Noth and Playboy’s 2009 Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist. Both will be showcasing new slot machines based on the popular entertainment franchises.For Las Vegas, the return of the gaming expo is not about the exhibits, but rather the tourism revenue. Despite slumping gaming numbers, the city is experiencing a rebound in convention business.Survey: When Will Vegas Rebound From Recession?The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 12.2 percent convention boost in September, compared to the same month last year.Early in the year, convention organizers were reluctant to book trips to southern Nevada, especially in the wake of President Barack Obama’s comments that bailed-out companies shouldn’t schedule junkets to Las Vegas on the taxpayers’ dime.Obama was accused by some of “blacklisting” Las Vegas, although Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said some political opponents were purposely misinterpreting the comment.
Video: Inside 2009 Global Gaming ExpoWhile the technology is the main attraction, a handful of celebrities will also be on hand, including "Sex and the City" star Chris Noth and Playboy’s 2009 Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist. Both will be showcasing new slot machines based on the popular entertainment franchises.For Las Vegas, the return of the gaming expo is not about the exhibits, but rather the tourism revenue. Despite slumping gaming numbers, the city is experiencing a rebound in convention business.Survey: When Will Vegas Rebound From Recession?The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 12.2 percent convention boost in September, compared to the same month last year.Early in the year, convention organizers were reluctant to book trips to southern Nevada, especially in the wake of President Barack Obama’s comments that bailed-out companies shouldn’t schedule junkets to Las Vegas on the taxpayers’ dime.Obama was accused by some of “blacklisting” Las Vegas, although Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said some political opponents were purposely misinterpreting the comment. Copyright 2009 by KVVU.com. All rights reserved.
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