"For the first time we will be using all three exhibition halls at the Venetian Macao,” said Josephine Lee, executive Vice President of Reed Exhibitions Greater China, in comments to GGRAsia. She was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference on Tuesday previewing the 2017 event, which will be held from May 16 to 18, at the Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.
According to a presentation by Ms Lee during the press preview, G2E Asia 2017 has already sold 11,000 square metres (118,403 sq feet) of net floor area – 20 percent more space than was sold for the entire 2016 event.
Reed is anticipating there will be 12,000 trade visitors from 90 countries and regions, with 30 percent of attendees expected to be senior decision makers.
The organisers expect 180 exhibitors, an increase of approximately 20 % on last year’s event. Around 50 of the exhibitors will be first-timers. The organiser added that there will be 400 on-site pre-arranged meetings. Attendees can also organise their meetings and contacts before, during and after the event via the G2E Asia Mobile App.
Praveen Choudhary, managing director and head of Asia gaming research at the banking group, said it was "an exciting time” for the sector, with growth returning to Macau casino gross gaming revenue for the past six months after "at least” two-and-half years of downturn; and an enabling bill passed in December to legalise casino gaming in Japan.
"It is probably going to take three to five years before the first casino will open there [Japan], and that’s a starting point,” the analyst said in his presentation. "We were at the same point in Macau 10 years or more ago,” he added, referring to the early years of Macau market expansion after six operators were allowed in the city following liberalisation in 2002.
The G2E Asia 2017 event will feature three new segments: the Integrated Resort Experience; the Parts and Components Pavilion; and the Future Technology and Leaders Get-together.
The Asia Gaming Awards, hosted by Asia Gaming Brief, will return after its inaugural edition last year, with the awards dinner this year expanded to cater for 500 guests.
Source: GMB / GGR Asia
