BILOXI, Miss. (Dec. 6, 2005) – The Mississippi Casino Operators Association announced today that the 2006 Southern Gaming Summit will be staged May 4-5 at the Tunica Arena & Expo Center. This will mark the first time in more than a decade that this popular gaming industry trade show and conference has moved from its traditional home at the Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, which is rebuilding following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

"All of us in the Tunica region are excited about the opportunity to host thousands of gaming leaders from across the South and Midwest next May," said Webster Franklin, President and CEO of the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau. "For 12 years, the Southern Gaming Summit has been an indispensable informational and networking event. We look forward to carrying on the proud tradition of Southern Gaming Summit in the thriving Tunica market."

Members of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association were unanimous in their desire to stage Southern Gaming Summit as usual in 2006, and agreed it was important to keep the show in Mississippi.

"Southern Gaming Summit has always been vital to operators throughout Mississippi," said Bernie Burkholder, owner of Biloxi's Treasure Bay Casino. "Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and with the massive rebuilding effort that lies ahead, Southern Gaming Summit is more important than ever. We look forward to going to Tunica in May, and thank everyone in the community for their enthusiasm for hosting us."

Southern Gaming Summit has grown to become a truly regional trade show in recent years, with more than half of attendees coming from outside of Mississippi (45 states were represented in 2005). The continued vitality of the Mississippi market and of gaming throughout the South has prompted leading industry vendors to sign up for exhibit space and sponsorships at the 2006 show.

"The expo has sold out the last three years," said Lesley Grashow, the head of Trade Show Sales and Operations for Ascend Media, "and we'll be in a smaller facility this year, so we know we're going to have to be creative to accommodate everyone who wants to participate in the 2006 expo. But without fail, vendors have been completely supportive of our efforts to stage a wholly inclusive show."

Operators outside of Mississippi's two largest markets are also showing their support for the 2006 show.

"One of the best things about the Southern Gaming Summit in recent years is that it has attracted a diverse group of operators from across the region, ensuring a representative cross-section of our industry," said Curt Follmer, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Rainbow Casino, Vicksburg "Everyone's perspective will be especially important this year as gaming in the Southern region prepares to enter a new era."