New Casino security seminar added to lineup at World Gaming Congress and Expo

Las Vegas
October  15th, 2001

WGCE Begins Oct. 17; Security Seminar Slated for Oct. 18
               
    The world has changed in recent weeks and so have the security concerns for the
casino industry. Quickly responding to the challenge, the 15th annual World Gaming Congress and Expo (WGCE) has created a new seminar specifically designed to tackle the new issues of casino security. 
 
    WGCE takes place October 17-19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The seminar, “Hot Topics: A New Perspective on Casino Security and Safety,” will be presented on Thursday, October 18, from 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. as part of the WGCE’s Conference package.

    “The September 11 attacks and continuing threats have changed the way the casino industry does business. We wanted to tackle the issue head-on and present the most useful information possible to our attendees from the leading experts in the field of security. That’s why we added this seminar,” said Brian Vargas, senior vice president trade shows for GEM Communications, producer of WGCE. 

    The session will be moderated by Douglas L. Florence, Sr., CPP, former director of surveillance for The Mirage and now business development manager in the gaming and hospitality division of ADT Tyco Security Services based in Las Vegas. “In light of the tragic events of September 11, casinos are asking themselves what can be done to enhance the safety of our customers and our employees. This seminar will address those questions,” Florence said.
 
    Panelists include Tim Donovan, president of the Chiefs Association of Las Vegas; Derk J. Boss, CPP, director of surveillance for the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino and Arizona Charlie’s East and West in Las Vegas; Lt. Spinosa and Sgt. Tim Shaloob of the Tourist Safety Unit of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Property Crimes Section; Keith Michaels, director of surveillance at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; Clifford W. Holder, CPP, CEO of the Q I Institute and former V.P. of security and surveillance for the Santa Fe Casino Corporation in Las Vegas. 

    WGCE, the world’s largest international gaming trade show, will be held October 17-19 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. For registration and information, visit www.worldgamingcongress.com or call (203) 852-1340, ext. 6319.
 

For further information contact:
Paul Speirs - Hall Communications
pauls@hallcomm.com