The International Casino Conference, which takes place on Monday 6th February and serves as a curtain-raiser to ICE London (7th-9th February) will feature a total of 150 industry thought leaders delivering invaluable insight and informed opinion covering gaming politics, emerging markets, regulation, entertainment spend, the experience economy as well as exclusive insights on the major casino development projects making the industry headlines.

Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas and Laurens Vosloo, CEO San Manuel Casino will be among the global thought leaders sharing their experience in relation to the April 2022 opening of the Palms Casino Resort by the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority, an opening which took place just 132 days after receiving the licence to operate.

Ahead of the keynote presentation taking place at ICC Laurens Vosloo, Management Committee Member, San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority and Chief Executive Officer of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians said: “Owning a casino resort in the entertainment and gaming mecca of Las Vegas was a long-term vision realised as part of the Tribe’s investment and diversification strategy. At the International Casino Conference, we will be sharing the story of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and how they made history by becoming the first Native American tribe to wholly own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas.”

He added: “The San Manuel Tribe is known for their generosity and contributions to building-up communities as a way of showing their gratitude for the kindness that others showed them throughout their journey to self-reliance and sovereignty.

“The journey of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians through time to become one of Southern California’s leading employers and their history-making acquisition of Palms involved many discoveries along the way. Providing for the community is at the heart of the Tribe’s values, including creating jobs for 1,200 team members, 50% of whom were returning Palms team members.”

Reflecting on the huge logistical challenges of preparing such an iconic hospitality venue, Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, commented: “Our team opened Palms in less than four months —a period which included sourcing, hiring, and training 1,200 exceptional team members; overcoming strategic sourcing and supply chain issues and dealing with unknowns that we encountered as the first Tribal entity to own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas.

“We are grateful that so many original Palms team members re-joined our team at opening. Team members expressed their desire to return because of the magic they feel when working here together. Their energy and enthusiasm are the reasons Palms continues to thrive.”

Since opening, Palms has established a reputation for delivering exceptional service to guests. Cynthia Kiser Murphey confirmed: “The property was fully renovated in 2019 so our guests will find stunning guestrooms and suites, including ten iconic themed suites; the one and only Ghostbar ultra lounge with breath taking views of the Las Vegas Strip; delicious dining options including the award-winning Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse; Vetri by renowned chef Marc Vetri; Mabel’s BBQ from famed Chef Michael Symon and so much more. Hospitality is a hallmark of the Tribe and put into practice at Palms where team members strive to go above and beyond to ensure guests have fun and enjoy their visit to its fullest.”

She concluded: “We are also thankful for the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority’s vision and the opportunity to create positive change in the Las Vegas community. Their contributions in the community are making it stronger and more resilient. They truly are an amazing organization to work for.”

For more information on the International Casino Conference taking place at ICC Capital Suite, ExCeL London: www.icelondon.uk.com/ice-vox/international-casino-conference

ICE London, 7th – 9th February, ExCeL London, is the biggest b2b gambling industry event in the world and features games creators, distributors, operators, retailers, innovators, trade associations, strategic bodies and regulators – representing every gaming vertical. To join the global gaming community and gather ideas, connect with like-minded industry peers and identify new opportunities visit: www.icelondon.uk.com