Caribbean Gaming & Tourism conference features economic outlook, The Cuba Factor, Inplact of Internet Gaming

New York, 
January 17, 2001

    Prospects for growth in gaming and tourism throughout the Caribbean  Basin will focus the attention of industry executives and investors at the  third annual Caribbean Gaming & Tourism Conference, June 12-14  at the Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    This year's program includes new seminars and three general sessions for an expanded look at economic opportunity, regulatory issues, and key management topics, notably slot marketing.  The exhibit area has also expanded to accommodate the latest products and services.

    According to Bruce R. Smith, President of WestVille Enterprises, Inc., conference presenter, the sessions will focus on building management skills through direct access to industry professionals.  "Our keynoters will not only provide useful insights and forecasting tools," says Smith, "but they will address specific needs that our attendees raise during question-and-answer periods."

The three keynote addresses will include:

• A five-year economic forecast based on current and planned expansion, the competition for capital, and market conditions outside the Caribbean that will impact tourism and spending patterns.
• An assessment of the Caribbean's sleeping giant, Cuba, and how hospitality and tourism developments there will affect the region. 
• A look at the competitive impact of Caribbean-based Internet gaming and why Caribbean governments have issued more Internet gaming licenses to date than all other parts of the world combined.

    Additional topics include slot marketing, casino and hotel design, web-based marketing, and surveillance and security.  Smith said that all sessions will have simultaneous English-Spanish translation.

    Conference participants represent every gaming jurisdiction in the region plus Central and South America.  Delegates range from Chairmen of the Board to slot directors, CFOs, and security specialists to pit bosses.

    Corporate sponsorship has also expanded in 2001.  Aristocrat Leisure Industries, Sydney, Australia, is once again the Conference's Platinum Sponsor.  AC Coin & Slot, Atlantic City, NJ, and UNIDESA Gaming, Barcelona, Spain, will return as Gold Sponsors.  Gaming Systems International, Las Vegas, NV, and WMS Gaming, Chicago, IL, have taken advantage of a new sponsorship opportunity as Silver Sponsor.  Media
sponsors include IGWB and Casino International Magazines.  Additional sponsorships are also available.
 

For information on Caribbean Gaming & Tourism Conference 2001, go to www.caribbeangaming.net, 

or contact

Bruce Smith, 914-337-1246; 
via fax: 914-337-1147
bsmith7823@aol.com.