Over the past two years, people worldwide have faced the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid compelled all of us to assess and adjust to a new way of life, embrace a new normal, and work to defeat the devastating implications of a global pandemic.
Our world came to a sudden halt in March 2020. In Indian Country, the path back was due to the continued commitment of tribal leaders. They continue to stand firm to make the health and welfare of our tribal citizens and communities a top priority, with everyone doing their part to lessen the spread of Covid.
This pandemic will be forever ingrained in our stories. Like our ancestors before us, we will share the lessons learned with future generations, so they’re prepared to protect their communities. At the same time, we continue our work to strengthen our communities to guarantee that we’re even more resilient to deal with future threats.
Indian Country has set the example of successful vaccination efforts, and more and more, we see tribal communities safely coming together. Now, we confidently return to the workplace and conduct business in person after two years of working remotely, where virtual meetings were the norm.
This month, tribal leaders and industry experts will do just that as our National Indian Gaming Association once again brings the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention to the Anaheim Convention Center, April 19 – 22.
The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention has long established itself as the premier event for the Indian gaming industry, and is the figurative heartbeat of Native American economic success. Our mission is to protect and preserve the general welfare of tribes striving for self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises in Indian Country.
Since the inception of tribal government gaming, tribes have successfully prioritized economic diversification: building beyond gaming to further economic self-sufficiency. They have established a diverse portfolio of economic initiatives, always focusing on balancing out revenue opportunities and the future of tribal citizens.
As we gather for Indian Gaming 2022, our successes will undoubtedly be center stage at the gathering. We have much to celebrate—and new challenges and opportunities to address—to ensure that Indian gaming continues to build through the new normal, while protecting and strengthening Native communities.
The past two years have affirmed our resilience and shown what’s possible when Indian Country unites behind a common purpose: working together to build a better place for all generations to come.
The success of Indian gaming through the worst of this pandemic is a credit to the creativity and flexibility of so many experts on the ground, who have constantly adjusted to protect the health and safety of our people while maintaining the highest quality gaming experience. Everyone from gaming industry executives and staff to gaming regulators and commissioners to front-line staff everywhere did their part to keep the doors open to patrons.
Thanks to their work, Indian gaming operations far surpassed early projections. We limited the pandemic’s economic impacts in 2020, generating $28 billion in revenue for tribal governments, exceeding the forecasts.
While we have much to be proud of, we must be committed to building on that success. Our membership agenda will set the path towards this effort, with discussions centered around the legislative and industry order of business. I look forward to coming together, united in our vision for tribal communities, rolling up our sleeves, ready to do the work to bring our industry back to its fullest potential.
We will also pay tribute and honor those who led before us. At the Chairman’s Leadership Luncheon on Wednesday, April 20, we will honor Chief Oren Lyons, Faith Keeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation in New York, with the Indian Gaming Lifetime Achievement Award. Also on Wednesday evening, we will present the Rick Hill/Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award to former Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Chairman Anthony Pico during the annual cultural event.
The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Conference will also include all essential aspects of the trade show that attendees expect, including access to gaming’s leading manufacturers and service providers and the newest products on the market on the trade show floor, with 350-plus exhibitors.
As the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is where tribal and commercial gaming leaders come together to conduct business, learn and network. Our workshops and tracks focus on critical topics that will help operators and vendors succeed in today’s ever-changing gaming landscape. The 2022 program will offer a comprehensive learning experience, featuring hot topics in Indian gaming.
Of course, conference highlights also include the Chairman’s Welcome Reception, the Chairman’s Leadership Awards Luncheon featuring this year’s special honoree, the Tribal Membership Annual Meeting, our always-popular ribbon-cutting event, and an array of exciting options on the trade show floor, including the Chairman’s Lounge Presentations and Showcase Education Sessions, a show floor reception, the Chairman’s Lounge Tradeshow Floor Giveaway, and a whole lot more.
It seems the pandemic may be closer to being behind us, but we must continue in our resolve to do our part to defeat it. We’re committed to ensuring the safety of all exhibitors, attendees and staff at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention by following the guidelines issued by the CDC, state and local officials.
We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim. For more information about the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention and our Covid-19 health and safety protocols, please visit indiangaming.org.
