This year’s edition of the Global Gaming Expo, organised by the American Gaming Association and partner Reed Exhibitions and one of the world’s largest gaming events, has been cancelled due to the continuing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move to cancel the event, known as ‘G2E Las Vegas’ and set to take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in the city in early October, was announced last night.
“In light of continued uncertainty around a viable marketplace at a physical G2E show, global travel restrictions, and currently unknown guidance on large public gatherings this fall, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we simply cannot hold an in-person G2E this year,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“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.”
The 2020 staging of G2E Las Vegas will not be rescheduled for a later date, organisers said, with the next in-person edition of the expo set to return to the Sands Center on October 4-7, 2021. Organisers however do expect to announce a virtual event at some stage.
“We arrived at this decision after thoughtfully engaging with national, state and local public health authorities, as well as exhibitors and buyers who have shared industry observations and priorities,” said Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas.
“Ultimately, it became clear that proceeding with an in-person gathering simply was not feasible. It is our commitment to use G2E’s platform, as the leading convener of the global gaming community, to continue to deliver unparalleled education content, inspiring collaboration, and innovative ideas as the industry readies for continued growth.”
AGA CEO Miller added: “As the country works to reopen, the American gaming industry continues to adapt and provide the safest possible experience for our employees and customers while continuing to support the communities in which we operate.
“We look forward to the moment when we can convene together again with our colleagues from across the world and celebrate the resilience that our industry is known for.”
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said of the announcement: “This is a sad day for the industry, to see G2E Las Vegas – probably the industry’s largest trade show – cancelled. It is of course the latest of many physical events to be postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We at SBC are very good friends with the team at Reed and we are of course sad for them – but we also applaud their brave decision to act decisively at this time,” said Sojmark.
“We wish them well with any virtual events and will support them through our media channels and by attending in person. The success of the SBC series of digital events – continuing next week with the SBC Digital Summit North America – has only been possible with outstanding support from the industry and it is something G2E can count on at a difficult time.”