G2E Canceled, North America’s Largest Gaming Industry Trade Show Planning Virtual Events

Posted on: July 8, 2020, 01:29h. 

Last updated on: July 8, 2020, 03:11h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

G2E, the Global Gaming Expo, announced its cancellation today because of continued concerns regarding the coronavirus. The event was scheduled for October 5-8 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.

G2E tradeshow Las Vegas convention
G2E will not occur in 2020, as event organizers say the safer bet is to delay the gaming industry convention for a year. (Image: G2E)

 G2E organizers cited global travel restrictions and uncertain guidance as reasoning for the cancellation.

Health and safety have always been our top priority, and the uncertainty created by the ongoing pandemic makes this the prudent decision ahead of critical deadlines for exhibitors planning to participate,” said American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the presenting sponsor of G2E. The trade show is North America’s largest gaming industry exhibition. For the past 20 years, approximately 30,000 people invested in casino operations, gaming manufacturing, tribal casinos, and related industries have descended annually on Las Vegas for the expo.

G2E says it will announce virtual events in the coming weeks.

Economic Blow

Las Vegas is the gaming capital of the nation, but Southern Nevada relies heavily on conventions and exhibitions to support its economy.

Of the 42.5 million visitors who traveled to Las Vegas last year, 6.6 million were there for an exhibition. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) says convention visitor spending directly supports nearly 43,000 jobs, $1.9 billion in wagers, and an economic output of $6.3 billion.

The coronavirus has halted all conventions in Las Vegas. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) canceled its 2020 show that was planned for April. The convention typically attracts 90,000 attendees. JCK Las Vegas, a yearly jewelry expo, also canceled its May show. Annually, some 30,000 people attend the exhibition.

The biggest convention in Las Vegas is the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). CES remains scheduled for January 2021. More than 170,000 people attend the exhibition each year. Second is SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a show that attracts 160,000 people yearly. It’s slated for November 3-6.

Fashion show MAGIC has been postponed from August until September 30-October 2. During a normal year, the convention welcomes 85,000 attendees.   

Room Rates Plunge

Las Vegas Strip casinos were demanding high room rates for the week of G2E.

For bookings October 5-8 (Monday-Thursday), Sands’ Venetian and Palazzo standard rooms were going for $277, plus resort fees and taxes. Encore was charging $400 a night, Wynn $240, and Bellagio $233. The rates are higher than a typical weekday stay.

G2E Asia, one of the largest annual conventions in Macau, has been rescheduled from May to December. The three-day event is to be held at The Venetian Macau Cotai Expo.