2007 Southern Gaming Summit Back in Biloxi with Expanded Program to Aid Gulf Coast Recovery

BILOXI, Miss. (October 26, 2006) — The return of the Southern Gaming Summit to Biloxi next May marks a significant milestone in the recovery and rebirth of the Gulf Coast gaming market after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The 14th annual conference and trade show will be held May 9-10, 2007, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, and is produced by the Mississippi Casino Operators Association together with Ascend Media Gaming Group. It is the largest gaming trade show held outside of Las Vegas, and provides an unmatched local voice for the industry. The event will be further enhanced by a new and expanded conference program for 2007.

“The Southern Gaming Summit will be an ideal forum to showcase the strength and resilience of the Gulf Coast gaming market,” said Connie Rockco, president of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors. “All of the region’s economic stakeholders are looking forward to the return of this vital event to Biloxi.”

Indeed, according to data provided by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Center for Policy Research and Analysis, the Southern Gaming Summit has had a tremendous economic impact on the Gulf Coast region. The Summit annually draws 6,000 participants to Biloxi, representing some 40 states and several countries, and accounting for more than 1,500 room nights at local hotels. More than 300 exhibit booths cover the trade show floor, and the Summit’s total economic impact is well over $7 million.

In addition, the Harrison County Development Commission has reported that contacts made at the Southern Gaming Summit have encouraged more than 30 major gaming industry suppliers to locate in the Gulf Coast region, further indicating the show’s value to the market.

The growth and success engendered by Southern Gaming Summit is also indicated in the level of national and international media coverage given the event, and increased attendance by leading investment analysts from Wall Street and major financial markets.

The 2007 Summit will be marked by its continued strong educational program. Along with a regular schedule of sessions and keynote presentations revolving around the theme of Recovery and Rebirth, two dedicated conference tracks will offer valuable specialized learning opportunities. One is a gaming law program developed in partnership with the International Masters of Gaming Law, a trade association of gaming attorneys, regulators and executives; the other is Slot Manager Institute, sponsored by Slot Manager magazine.

Almost seven months out, excitement is already brewing over the Summit’s return to Biloxi after a one-year turn in Tunica – 85% of the exhibit space is sold, with some 250 booths already reserved. They expect to benefit from what is now the fastest-growing gaming market in the country, with billions of dollars in investment capital flowing to the region. Everyone doing business or interested in developing or conducting business in this region is eager to have a presence at the Southern Gaming Summit, which has represented a terrific opportunity for learning, networking and enjoying southern hospitality.

Media Contact: Beverly Martin, Executive Director, Mississippi Casino Operators Association; WINMCOA@aol.com or (228) 388-0087.