G2E Asia, Asian IR Expo return with focus on tech and non-gaming innovation

Vera Ng and Yip Je Choong [ Photo; Ricaela Diputado]

Macau is set to host the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia and the Asian Integrated Resort Expo (Asian IR Expo) from May 12 to 14, with organizers placing new emphasis on high-tech solutions and diversification beyond traditional gaming.

The three-day event at the Venetian Macao will showcase digital innovations across entertainment, integrated resorts, and non-gaming sectors, drawing international exhibitors and business leaders.

According to Vera Ng, project director of RX (Reed Exhibitions), the highlight of this year’s G2E Asia is that over 65% of participants and exhibitors come from international sources.

Ng stated, “We will have over 30,000 square meters of event space, with 150 participating exhibitor companies, and we expect over 8,000 attendees from 90 countries and regions.”

Speaking on the sidelines, Yip Je Choong, senior vice president, Commercial, Asia Pacific, RX (Reed Exhibitions), said, “Compared to last year, attendance was 6,000, so we expect the number of visitors to grow from about 6,000 to 8,000 this year.”

Yip stated, “The key points are really about innovation, AI, and robotics, because these days, technology plays such a big part in all our lives. It’s the same on the gaming floor, and in the non-gaming area, technology is also becoming very important.”

He added that technology has become more efficient and safer as it is embraced in Macau.

The senior vice president recalled a visit to the city, noting that one of the integrated resorts has been using drones to clean their windows. “Two or three weeks ago, I came to Macau to meet many of the IR executives, and I was quite surprised that many of them have extensive knowledge of technology. One of them even told me that they are using drones to clean the windows of their building.”

Ng announced that there will be over 100 conference speakers and more than 60 seminar or discussion sessions. Regarding business matching, they anticipate over 400 meetings.

She also said that on-site activities will be tailored for different business functions and topics currently of great interest in the market.

“One of our major new innovations this year is driving what we call digital business activities. New technology is also a highlight this year. We will have a special zone – a gaming display equipment zone,” Ng stated.

G2E Asia, over three days, will cover different topics through seminars. The first day features a forum on the Asian gaming market, focusing on prospects, financial outlook, emerging markets, and future market dynamics and changes for in-depth discussion.

The second day will be split into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session will focus on entertainment industry technology and the innovation blueprint, exploring how technology shapes the future development trends of gaming and entertainment, how to optimize operational portfolios, and the application of new technologies like AI in the gaming sector.

Ng noted that this year, experts from Europe and the U.S. were invited to share their insights, giving a brief example of what is to be expected. “How AI intelligence frameworks can be applied to responsible gaming, the current application of responsible gaming in China’s lottery sector, and new technologies.”

Lastly, on the third day, the IAGA Best Practices Institute will be showcased. The project director said their direction has always been to discuss the current state of the gaming industry from a more legal perspective on regulation and compliance.

“For example, given all these applications, from a regulatory and compliance standpoint, how should operating units cooperate regarding AI applications? Also, financial crime, and the development of regulations in emerging markets,” she explained.

The project director said the goal of the Asian IR Expo is to serve as a business exchange and development platform for the integrated resort, hotel, and tourism industries.

“This year, we expect over 500 buyers to attend. They have projects in hand for upgrades, expansions, or new developments, so they are coming to Macau hoping to find new products, new solutions, and exchange ideas with the industry, hoping to gain new insights for their future development,” she said.

The main exhibition content sections of the expo include integrated resort & leisure industry technology, live performance entertainment equipment & technology, sports & entertainment events, hotel design & furnishings, green hotel supplies, and wine & spirits supply.

The Asian IR Expo also has a new highlight section, the Display & Entertainment Technology Zone.

Additionally, Ng announced that RX is creating a new on-site area called the Asian IR Bar, featuring a live robot band, robot bartenders, baristas, and milk tea makers, capable of serving beer, soft drinks, and more.

Ng said that the summit section on day one will mainly focus on integrated resort and hotel/tourism development, featuring a keynote speech, exploring market development trends and outlook, and discussing non-gaming innovation.

Day two’s theme will focus on technology, mainly discussing how AI can enhance customer experience in the hotel service industry, as well as new forms of entertainment.

Lastly, day three’s theme integrates sports, covering culture, technology, and business to shape the future of entertainment.

The initiatives include Macau’s future vision and planning for sports entertainment, sports-driven tourism, sports technology, data-driven sports tourism, creative sports, sports multipliers, and a discussion of trends, opportunities, and development directions for sports in the Asia-Pacific region.