NZ Gaming Expo Highlights
Auckland, New Zealand – 7 March 2008: Gaming machine manufacturers this week saw a series of highlights during the New
Zealand Gaming Expo, held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre.
“This year’s Expo saw highlight after highlight, with both the Exhibition and the Conference providing real impact and
highly relevant content” said Ross Ferrar, Executive Officer of the Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers
Association (AGMMA).
“From the opening address by Minister of Internal Affairs the Hon. Rick Barker MP through 2 full days of thought
provoking conference sessions and the spectacle of new products on display, the Expo confirmed its place as a focal
event for Hospitality professionals interested in gaming” Ferrar said.
“The Minister strongly stated that the future of the industry is largely in its own hands.” Ferrar said. “Mr Barker’s
call for gambling operators to be responsible corporate citizens who willingly comply with the letter and spirit of the
law, was followed up perfectly by SKYCITY Chairman Rod McGeoch, who gave practical, real world examples of what must be
done to accomplish the Minister’s brief.”
The theme of responsible citizenship was repeatedly discussed during the event, with Hospitality Association CEO Bruce
Robertson and Charity Gaming Association CEO Francis Wevers providing the audience with chilling statistics on current
public perceptions and what must be done to address them. Gambling operators enjoy a “social licence to operate”
according to Mr Wevers and the statistics reveal a “clearer picture than ever before” which requires the industry to
make positive constructive change.
Along with the theme of responsible corporate and community citizenship, memorable presentations were provided by Sir
Richard Hadlee, legendary fast bowler – and million-selling author Allan Pease, whose observations on communication, the
sexes and life experiences are being talked about well after the event. “Add the gaming machine manufacturers panel
session, which provided an honest and open assessment of likely conditions over the next few years and all up it was an
entertaining program memorable for all the right reasons” said Ferrar. “We will refer to these sessions in future
years.”
A novel new innovation was deployed during the conference, where each audience members was provided with a handheld
device enabling them to vote in real time on questions presented. For example, 62% of the audience found the conference
content “excellent” or “better than average” while 76% thought that the conference organisation was “excellent” or
“better than average”.
The trade exhibition was also memorable for a wide array of the latest in products and services for gaming operations.
“This year’s range of exhibitors and products was broader than previous years, which added quite a lot of colour and
variety” said Ferrar. “Exhibitors indicated that the show went well for them, which means that the event was worthwhile
for all concerned.”
ENDS
AGMMA is a not-for-profit industry association whose members provide technology and equipment to hospitality venues in
over 250 jurisdictions around the world.
AGMMA’s members: Ainsworth, Aristocrat, Aruze, Global, IGT, Konami and Stargames.
AGMMA hosts and operates the Australasian Gaming Expo and New Zealand Gaming Expo.