Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour To Speak At Southern Gaming Summit

BILOXI, Miss. (April 8, 2009) — Southern Gaming Summit is pleased to announce that popular Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will again provide the keynote presentation at the event, the country’s largest regional gaming conference and trade show. Barbour will speak in the general session on May 7, the second day of the 16th annual Summit, which is set for May 6-7, 2009, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center here.

“The responses we received from Gov. Barbour’s previous appearances at the Summit have been phenomenal, and we are thrilled that he will address attendees again this year,” said Beverly Martin, executive director of the Mississippi Casino Operators Association (MCOA), co-producer of the Summit along with BNP Media. “Gov. Barbour continues to lead the state through challenges met by very few other chief executives, and his presence is a significant bonus.”

Now in his sixth year as Governor, Barbour has put Mississippi on a new path in job creation, education, health care, energy, safer communities and stronger families. Rare in these times, he balanced the state budget without raising taxes after inheriting a deficit upon taking office. And he has strongly supported the gaming industry’s efforts to bring new life to the Gulf Coast.

Barbour leads a strong cast of some 75 speakers already confirmed for the Summit, which includes a total of 16 hours of educational sessions. They will share their expertise on a variety of topics including important operational issues such as marketing and customer service, slot and table gaming, security and food and beverage. Other sessions focus on the political and financial outlook for the gaming industry, gaming’s economic impact, corporate social responsibility, cruise ship gaming and Internet gaming.

Also during the May 7 general session, a special presentation will be made to Andrew Reish, the 2009 recipient of the MCOA’s University of Southern Mississippi scholarship. The MCOA Endowment Fund was established in 1998, and the first scholarship was awarded last year. To be eligible, students must study gaming or tourism at USM, and preference is given to someone already in the industry that wishes to pursue a degree in this field.

In addition to an exceptional conference program, the Summit includes plenty of networking opportunities, not only on the exhibit floor but through the Taste of the South reception and other events for attendees.

Clearly, the Summit’s unique mix of education, networking and southern hospitality make it a necessary event for anyone doing business in or interested in developing business in the region. It’s no wonder that vendors are responding with exhibit booths, sponsorships and advertising opportunities to reach this dynamic audience; contact Lesley Grashow at grashowl@bnpmedia.com for more information.

Complete conference details are at www.sgsummit.com.

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