Many new, state-of-the-art products and services will be featured at the upcoming Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention held March 27-30 in San Diego, CA. Below, we highlight 15 of today’s most innovative companies along with the products/services available at the tradeshow floor.
A1 American
Mark Kelleher, Vice-President of Marketing
a1american.com
IGA Booth #345
SPOTLIGHT: We are proud to be eco-friendly and help our customers keep up-to-date on the most sustainable products. California is working to address the problem of small-sized plastic bottle. It is difficult to clean small-sized bottles and they end up in landfills. Hotels with more than 50 rooms in California will no longer have the ability to provide small plastic bottles for toiletries. This ban will likely spread to other states. Because the ban on small plastic bottles in hotel industries could also affect tribal communities, we have devised a solution to ensure that high-quality products are available for all hotels.
A1 American offers both refillable and sustainable bulk liquid products. Bulk packaging saves you the hassle of storing small plastic bottles. Refillable dispensers can be used to reduce waste as guests may not use all of the product. This is not only good for the environment but also saves money. Our amenity dispensers can be used as an economical alternative to tiny plastic bottles. You can save up 70% or more on liquids by switching to hotel amenities dispensers. Bulk purchases are more cost-effective and practical than buying liquids by the bottle. Even if your hotel is not located in California, you can make the transition to being eco-friendly. Your customers will be satisfied when they choose to stay in more sustainable and modern places. Research by consumers has shown that guests consider sustainability when choosing where to stay.
As a distributor and stocking manufacturer, our reach is extensive. A simplified product line that is specifically designed for Indian gaming allows us to offer more flexibility, faster delivery and quicker restocking of ecofriendly products. We can work together to improve the lives of Indian Country’s tribal communities and provide products that make a real difference.
SUCCESSES: A1 American supports Native American cultures and principles. A1 American has recently been supporting the Indian Country Fund. Every custom order placed through the Indian Country Portal at a1american.com/indiancountryA1 American donates 10% of gross sales to this fund. This contributes to the advancement of Indian Country youth programs as well as cultural preservation.
Bergman Walls & Associates
John Hinton is the Director of Native American Projects
bwaltd.com
IGA Booth #1508
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SPOTLIGHT: At IGA 2023, Bergman Walls & Associates will showcase our expansion projects for Elwha River Casino near Port Angeles, WA, and Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, WA; both are currently under construction. Each is designed to not only elevate the guest experience and improve profitability, but also enhance tribal operations and showcase tribal culture. While different size projects, what is equal is the pride both tribes have in their properties and the importance of the projects in their overall tribal success.
Elwha, a smaller Indian gaming casino owned by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, will double its size and add new amenities. The project includes an expanded gaming area, new entertainment and outdoor covered dining, and an outdoor salmon bake area, which will serve as an event and teaching space for the tribe and guests. Elwha culture was incorporated in the form of a traditional cedar hat, light fixtures on the building interior, and signage that will include names in traditional language and artwork around the gaming floor and building exterior.
Snoqualmie’s expansion includes an enlarged casino, new sports bar, indoor/outdoor deck, and new coffee shop. A new 212-room hotel tower is being added, along with a new spa pool, fitness area and parking garage. A new 2,000-seat capacity ballroom will be dividable into separate meeting rooms, with a banquet kitchen to service functions. The existing ballroom will be remodeled into non-smoking gaming, and the existing sportsbook will be expanded. BWA worked with a Snoqualmie Tribe cultural committee to incorporate traditional tribal items and artwork into the facility.
SUCCESSES: The Elwha and Snoqualmie expansions are among BWA’s recent Indian Country success stories. The designs for each property allow tribes to better serve their existing customers and attract new ones, while creating opportunity for guests to learn about tribal culture through cultural elements incorporated into the designs. BWA is doing an increasing number of similar projects with tribal clients, as they recognize their properties provide the perfect venue to tell their story and celebrate pride in their heritage.
COST
Jared Stanwyck is Director of Marketing
cost-inc.com
IGA Booth #1908
SPOTLIGHT: COST Inc.’s specialty construction capabilities are truly impressive and will undoubtedly be our main focus of this year’s IGA. The team’s expertise in creating captivating and immersive spaces that can highlight a tribe’s rich heritage is matched only by our commitment to delivering projects that are both aesthetically stunning and cost-effective. We are skilled at turning any area into a focal spot that will draw attention and make a lasting impression.
SUCCESSES: COST is proud to have been a part of the AguaCaliente Cultural Plaza’s creation. This project is a tribute to the rich history, traditions and culture of Agua Caliente Band of Kahuilla Indians. We are proud to have been involved.
We understand the importance of preserving and celebrating the tribe’s heritage, and the Agua Caliente Cultural Center does just that. The recreation of Murray Canyon, West fork, Tahquitz and Seven Sisters as well as an added Tranquility Garden captures many important historical elements.
The space not only showcases their culture and traditions to the world, but also offers a platform for education and celebration where tribe members can come together.
We are also excited for the Spa at Séc-he opening, where the rock and water features we are creating will incorporate the sacred mineral hot springs. For all those who are fortunate enough to be able to visit, this area will offer a tranquil and welcoming environment.
COST was a key part of this project and took great care to ensure that our work reflected the beauty of the land as well as the cultural significance of it. We are delighted to be a part of this project and will continue to support the AguaCaliente Band Cahuilla Indis in their efforts preserve and celebrate their heritage for future generations.
Cuningham
Brett K. Ewing, Principal / Executive Director – Play
cuningham.com
IGA Booth #1605
SPOTLIGHT: Cuningham is a purpose driven architecture, landscape, urban and interior design firm. We are trusted by sovereign states across North America and leaders in the gaming and entertainment industries such as MGM Resorts International (Las Vegas Sands Corporation), Caesars Entertainment, Universal Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. As market makers, we invest in emerging market markets and take on risks to create new niches and market spaces that provide equity and a sense for belonging.
We can help you diversify and appeal to new customers, as well as maintain your community’s self-sufficiency for the future. Our multi-disciplinary approach brings together expertise from all areas of entertainment, healthcare and commercial to give our tribal clients a better understanding of the possibilities within their territory. Our work is centered on climate adaptation and resilience. We can help you achieve a nature-positive outcome that regenerates ecosystems.
SUCCESSES: We are proud of our continued work with the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians at Harrah’s Southern California Resort. The Dive Inn Hotel is currently undergoing interior renovations of 200 keys. Our design captures the essence of Southern California beach living through organic patterns that imitate the flow and movement of water. The property also includes the largest Hell’s Kitchen location to date. In fact, multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay was recently onsite to film an episode of his cooking show and he complimented Cuningham’s design, calling it a gorgeous space! Fully booked for weeks in advance of its opening, Hell’s Kitchen was built on the footprint of the resort’s previous buffet space and is part of a growing trend of tribes partnering with international brands to enhance their resorts.
Other success stories include Tachi Palace Casino Resort, which continues their expansion and property-wide renovation set to be complete this summer, and the Spokane Tribe’s casino expansion, which will include a new hotel and entertainment venue called Spokane Live.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
Joseph Decorah is a Client Solutions Executive
gaminglabs.com
IGA Booth #1333
SPOTLIGHT: We take training seriously, and at IGA, we will be showcasing GLI University®, which provides training for regulators on a wide range of subjects, from beginning tracks with courses such as Slot Basics to more advanced master classes. Our IRIS by Kobetron system will be demonstrated. IRIS by Kobetron is an award winning inventory management and tracking software that allows regulators and operators to instantly verify the regulatory status for every component on the casino floor. This system allows users to track the shipment of parts with authorized vendors. IRIS by Kobetron’s product is constantly evolving. The GLI team works with tribal regulators regularly to adjust the product to fit the needs and requirements of every organization.
SUCCESSES: We are thrilled about the way we have helped tribes navigate the complexities of the ever-changing world of sports betting. This has been done with both in-person and online training. We also have our widely-accepted GLI Standards Series and standards such as GLI-33, Change Management, available for free download at gaminglabs.com. Many tribes have used our expertise to launch successful sports betting. This includes all aspects of development, rule writing and testing. GLI is a network of professionals and resources around the world that can offer valuable insight to assist with every stage of this process.
HBG Design
Dike Bacon, Principal
hbg.design
IGA Booth #1613
SPOTLIGHT: HBG Design is passionate about building personal relationships and providing memorable guest experiences. At IGA 2023, the HBG team looks forward to showcasing our transformative, market-driven designs of numerous gaming and resort properties, including the recently completed hotel, events, and spa expansion at Four Winds Casinos’ South Bend, IN property for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and the new 105,000 sq. ft. Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville, CA, for the Tule River Tribe – opening spring 2023.
HBG’s 100 architects, interior designers, and design support professionals in our Memphis, San Diego, and Dallas offices have helped build the firm’s 44+ year focused specialty as a premier provider of professional services in the Indian gaming industry. This team of entertainment and hospitality experts is a highly skilled design thinker who guides our approach to innovation in all programmatic elements of a casino resort, including the gaming floor, hotel, spa, food- and beverage venues, and other event spaces. This dedicated industry expertise has led to HBG Design’s recognition as the #3 Casino Design Firm in the U.S. by Building Design & Construction ranked as the 2nd largest entertainment and hospitality design firm in the U.S. Hotel Business.
SUCCESSES: The 23-story hotel, events, and spa expansion at Four Winds Casino Resort South Bend, IN was opened on March 1, 2023. Beautifully cohesive design mixes warm rustic details with significant references to Pokagon tribe culture. It touches all aspects of the guest experience including the 317-key tower with 83 suites; and the 10,500 sq. The Cedar Spa, the multi-purpose Ribbon Town conference/event center; a luxurious hotel suite; outdoor terraces; an enclosed pool bar lounge; and a rooftop swimming pool.
HBG Design continues to advance our design of the Aquadome and Hotel at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, MI, owned and operated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. The six-story Aquadome is a glass-roofed, climate-controlled, multi-functional pool and event center atrium – an entertainment oasis that will stand out in the super-regional resort market for its uniqueness of form and experience.
JCM Global
Dave Kubajak, SVP of Sales, Marketing & Operations
jcmglobal.com
IGA Booth #2031
SPOTLIGHT: JCM Global is trusted by over 90% of Native American casinos and First Nation casinos. Our technology roadmap will be presented at IGA 2023. It will help you bring success to all your operations, today and in the future.
JCM’s technology roadmap includes its core solutions such as the iVizion® and UBA® Pro bill validators and Gen5® Thermal Printer. JCM’s leading bill validators and printer increase security, accountability, and player convenience with exclusive, patented technologies.
Casinos of all sizes are building on their JCM technology foundation and taking their operations to the next level with JCM’s systems technologies like ICB® and Fuzion®. ICB allows casinos improve their cash management and asset management, thereby improving both drop and count.
Fuzion provides real-time data on health and predictive maintenance scheduling. This greatly increases operational efficiency. Fuzion offers operators the opportunity to add cashless by enabling Bluetooth and near-field communication for mobile devices with proven technology through a number of Fintech partners.
The unsurpassed brightness and clarity of JCM digital signage solutions, such as the DSS VB Diamond™, take guest experience to new heights. The VB Diamond is brighter and offers a wider viewing angle, allowing guests to enjoy the best viewing experience from any place in the house. VB Diamond creates an exciting environment that keeps guests coming back for more, from sports bars to sportsbooks.
We will also showcase play-enhancing systems like TITA® and PromoNet™, giving our technology roadmap a fully rounded solution for every size of casino.
SUCCESSES: We were delighted to complete two DSS installation at Native American First Nation casinos, one in Washington State, and one in Saskatchewan, Canada. We received some very special compliments, including Sam J. Cocharo, VP of Ops and General Manager at The Point Casino & Hotel, who told us the digital experience created a lot of attention and energy. Daniel Morin, SIGA Director for Operations, told us that the new JCM technology is a key feature at their new venue.
KlasRobinson Q.E.D.
James M. Klas, Founder & Principal
klasrobinsonqed.com
IGA Booth #1609
SPOTLIGHT: We are still working on several hotel and amenity extensions at Indian casino resorts. The popularity of family entertainment centers and other nongaming recreation such as movie theatres and bowling alleys is increasing. The expansion of non-gaming economics is also rapid. This includes residential development, mixed-use projects like cannabis projects, mixed use projects, truck stops, travel plazas, and other ventures. Our clients have a wider range of perspectives on economic development, including off-reservation.
SUCCESSES: Despite the uncertainty created by Federal Reserve aggressive rate increases, ongoing struggles with inflation, and continued difficulties in attracting enough workers, tribal economies continue to progress across a range of sectors and initiatives. Tribes can benefit from the wealth of experience and financial resources that Indian gaming has provided, and they can also help each other in exciting new projects. We are continually amazed by the resilience and depth that tribal economic activities in the U.S.A and Canada provide.
Pringle Robotics
Chris Crutcher, Sales Manager Casino
pringlerobotics.ai
IGA Booth #2630
SPOTLIGHT: We will present our robotic solutions for guest escorting and delivery; our 4in1 cleaning robot; as well as our RFID-table locating-robot integration. Our robots can be found at numerous casinos in the U.S., and provide many services that are not possible with a lower workforce. Our robots are a great way to increase efficiency in guestroom turnover, food and drink delivery, employee responsibility augmentation and gaming floor venue advertising.
SUCCESSES: We have seen a consistent need for service solutions in F&B and housekeeping. These areas are where our robots play a key role. They deliver food and beverages, thus allowing staff to interact with guests more. Another area that has seen a rise in robotic solutions is housekeeping. Our UV-C and dry-mist sanitization/disinfection bot cleans 90,000 sq. The UV-C and dry-mist sanitization/disinfection bot cleans 90,000 sq.ft. in 3 hours. It is used in restaurants, event centers, and other common areas. Our casino partners give us such great feedback. One of our latest success stories is one from Washington State. Our Ketty delivers 200 bottles of water per hour to 200 patrons. This makes them happier and more likely to stay longer on the casino floors. Patrons love our Ketty. They love seeing Ketty zoom around, and it adds an extra “wow” factor to the facility. We believe that technology should be not just useful, but also fun and engaging, and it’s fantastic to see that our Ketty is achieving both of these goals.
Quick Custom Intelligence
Andrew Cardno, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
quickcustomintelligence.com
IGA Booth #2241
SPOTLIGHT: QCI will present the QCI Enterprise Platform developments and show how it can be used to support tribal operations in marketing, player development, and analytics. We will share stories about how Native American tribes have retained talented employees and provided them with tools that enable them to do their jobs more efficiently.
QCI is proud that QCI has spoken out about the importance of allowing your brand directives be managed across all touchpoints within your business. Your player development team should be able to interact with your highest-value customers. Product enhancements in QCI Enterprise Platform version 5.2 further enable your player development staff to communicate with these high value players. QCI will share stories on how important it is to equip your player development teams with data-rich, fast tooling that allows them to manage and execute their jobs.
SUCCESSES: QCI’s transformation into an enterprise provider has been remarkable over the past year. This allows tribal organizations to execute their brand strategies and function well. These stories will be about our experiences and how we managed to adapt to huge demand for the QCI Enterprise Platform software while keeping one version across all deployments.
We will also be proud to share stories of the importance of the sovereign data vault and building an environment where legal data ownership is firmly within the tribal nation’s government control. This includes data from third-party suppliers to increase resilience to third-party ransomware attacks.
Rymax
Paul Gordon, Senior Vice President of Sales
rymaxinc.com
IGA Booth #1435
SPOTLIGHT: Rymax sets itself a goal to provide the casino loyalty programs with the most popular products and technologies each year. Over 25 years, our ability to spot trends and increase the number of products in the various categories by price point and brand has been key to our success. We are currently seeing players redeem for more need than they want due to the economy. It means that both household and personal improvement products are being well-redeemed. While electronics and fashion will always be most popular, the loyalty program must offer more.
SUCCESSES: Indian Country’s success has seen an increase in online player loyalty year round programs, and a strategic segmentation of player demographics. We pride ourselves on our consultative approach and are able to respond quickly to emerging trends. Because it allows for unique differentiation in crowded markets, this strategy is a great asset to tribal operations. Today’s players are savvier than ever before. They want to be rewarded and rewarded for their loyalty. Value doesn’t mean expensive or cheap; it means brand names and quality. Rymax will introduce new brands and products in order to keep players interested, increase play, and start trials among new players. We look forward for an exceptional show and a fantastic 2023!
TBE Architects
Rich Emery President / Design Principal
tbearc.com
IGA Booth #1412
SUCCESSES: TBE Architects is proud to announce their partnership with the Three Affiliate Tribes at the Fort Berthold Reservation. An impressive $95 million hotel expansion is in the works at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, ND.
Having worked with 121 Tribes and First Nations, TBE is honored to be the Architect of record for this project to enhance the property’s hospitality offering. The project’s most significant element is the replacement and construction of a seven-story tower to replace the existing lodge, which was two stories high. As a beacon of light on the North Dakota plains, the structure’s architectural facade will be outlined with L.E.D. lights. Other notable amenities include a brand new lobby and porte-cochere that is tribally themed; improved communication between the hotel floor and the casino; 90 new guest rooms, including 14 suites; 2,600 sq. 3,100 sq. ft. new high limit gaming area; 2,500 sq. ft. Sports bar. A ballroom measuring 2,500 sq.
The design team is pleased to be in demand as TBE continues renovations at the Fort Berthold Reservation in New Town. “All Hospitality, All the Time” is more than TBE’s tagline, it is also the foundation of the firm’s client base and their team’s culture. We have completed more than 400 hotel projects and 300 casino project, so we are always ready for something new.
Tutor Perini Building Corp.
Chris Creasey Director
tutorperinibuilding.com
IGA Booth #1704
SPOTLIGHT: At IGA 2023, Tutor Perini will showcase why we are the leading builder of Native American hospitality and gaming facilities, building quality, on-time, on-budget projects. Our experience includes Choctaw Casino & Resort in Oklahoma; Pechanga Resort & Casino and Chumash Casino Resort in California; Mohegan Sun Expansion in Connecticut; and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos in Florida. We have worked with 25 Native American communities to build 7,800 hotels and $6.2 billion worth of projects.
Veridocs
Jackie Suan Vice President Business Development
veridocs.com
IGA Booth #1818
SPOTLIGHT: Veridocs will be showcasing our Evolution platform this year. This platform enhances our core TrueAuthentication, TrueListCheck technologies and goes beyond basic ID verification scans. The Evolution platform provides faster and more accurate use of front-end scanning stations through a simplified, scalable browser-based user interface that is easy to use. This interface is also useful for reviewing transactions behind-the scenes.
Veridocs’ new platform includes TrueListReview as a monitoring module. TrueListReview allows users to easily monitor customer lists for continued compliance after a patron’s initial ID scan or enrollment into player’s clubs or other programs. The UI platform also includes unlimited enterprise-wide monitoring via surveillance alerts, custom reporting, and audit trails. Veridocs will offer Evolution to all customers in the country throughout 2023.
SUCCESSES: Our track record in the gaming and casino industry is something we are proud of. This includes tribal properties. Recently, we assisted an Indian tribe with the transition to a Las Vegas property. Veridocs also installed our casino solutions (including TrueAuthentication, TrueListCheck) in tribal properties across CA, WA and NE.
Wipfli
April Bacon, Senior Manager
wipfli.com
IGA Booth #1805
SPOTLIGHT: Wipfli provides professional consulting services related to assessing a customer’s current financial accounting information processes and work streams, providing detailed areas of improvement to match industry best practices and internal controls, and assisting clients with Sage Intacct implementation. We perform detailed walk-throughs of all financial processes and workflows during our engagement with customers. Then, we discuss areas for improvement. Sage Intacct integrations are part of the future state of Sage Intacct and its implementation. These integrations streamline data flow and allow end users to make informed and impactful decisions by generating real-time information. Our client experience includes training, testing, and ongoing support to ensure all users are happy and successful implementations.
SUCCESSES: We’ve had the privilege of helping tribal governments, tribal casinos and economic development corporations, tribal housing authority, and tribal clinics to achieve their goals. Wipfli offers finance and accounting services. We help customers achieve success by streamlining processes, consolidating reporting across properties, and integrating multiple front-of-house systems to provide real-time information to all directors.