Welcoming of the guests

Informal dinner in the self service type

Guided tour of the Casino Perla

A slot tournament with a prize award and networking in the evening

Future-Forward: AI and Innovation in Casinos
Engaging Panels, Keynotes and Networking Opportunities

Opening: Tiina Siltanen, Vice Chair ECA
Welcome: Sandi Brataševec, President of the Board, Hit Company

Keynote speach by Prof. Aleksandra Przegalińska-Skierkowska, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and ESR Kozminski University in Warsow

AI in Strategy (tbc)
Prof. ALK dr hab Aleksandra Przegalińska-Skierkowska is a renowned philosopher and researcher specialising in artificial intelligence, particularly humanoid AI and social robots. With a PhD from the University of Warsaw and research experience at MIT, she has conducted pioneering studies on AI ethics and human-AI interactions. Prof. Przegalińska-Skierkowska has served as a consultant for the European Parliament on AI regulations and is a member of the European AI Alliance. Her expertise is frequently sought by international media, and she has co-authored the book "Artificial Intelligence - Inhuman, Archhuman", establishing her as a leading voice in the field of AI and its societal impact.

coffee break

Keynote speach by Philippe Vlaemminck and Beata Guzik

AI – the regulatory approach for the gambling sector: the EU AI Act & the AI Ethical rules
Philippe Vlaemminck and Beata Guzik will present a detailed analysis of the regulatory approach to artificial intelligence in the EU. The session will focus on the implications of the EU AI Act and the AI Ethical Rules, which are pivotal in shaping the regulatory framework for AI technologies. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these regulations aim to balance technological innovation with ethical standards. The presentation will cover the impact of EU regulations on operational processes, player protection, and transparency within the industry. This discussion is of importance for casino industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI regulation in the day-to-day business.

Keynote speach by John Purcell, CEO DigiWheel

The Land Based Casino of Tomorrow: Embracing Technology to Thrive
John Purcell is a distinguished thought leader in the gambling sector with over three decades of global experience, particularly in Europe and North America. Not only an expert in operating and managing gaming facilities, John is also at the vanguard of gambling technology, contributing significantly to slots, live gaming, iGaming, and AI. As CEO of DigiWheel, he is propelling the brand to new heights, underlining his commitment to innovation and excellence. John's strategic influence extends to advising on regulatory changes, shaping the industry and its future direction.

Lunch Break- finger food type lunch

Supplier Panel (Novomatic, IGT, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder)
Chris Dempsey, Tronius Gaming, Consultant
Wayne Ellard, Managing Director EMEA, Light and Wonder
Stefan Keilwert, Dir. Advanced Research and Innovation, IGT
Thomas Komnacky, Vice President of Global Operations, Novomatic
Vismands Menjoks, Video Tracking Solutions, CEO
Moderator: Lewis Pek, Editor, G3 Magazine

"Innovating the Casino Floor: Next-Generation Technologies from Industry Suppliers"
In this panel, we bring together the foremost innovators from the gaming supply sector, representing the leading companies of slot machine design, management systems, and game design. These industry specialists will share their visions for the future of casino technology and discuss how their latest innovations are set to revolutionise the landbased casino experience. Panellists will explore the integration of AI, machine learning, and data analytics into their products, showcasing how these advancements enhance player engagement, optimise casino operations, and support responsible gaming initiatives. From ever more immersive, story-driven slot machines to intelligent and entertaining table game systems and comprehensive management solutions, our experts will discuss how their technologies are bridging the gap between traditional casino ambience and digital-age expectations. This session promises to offer insights into upcoming trends, potential regulatory challenges, and the collaborative efforts required to propel the landbased casino industry into a new era of technological sophistication and player-centric experiences.

Keynote speach by Philippe Gaggl, PwC (formerly PriceWaterhouseCoopers) (Virtual Live Lecture)

Impact of the EU Reporting Directive on CSR in the Land-Based Casino Sector
Philipp Gaggl, Director for ESG & Climate Change at PwC Consulting, brings extensive experience in the gaming industry. Prior to his PwC position, he worked on Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Corporate Responsibility (CR) with NOVOMATIC. He will discuss the upcoming EU Reporting on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which is set to significantly impact the land-based casino sector. Beginning in 2025, large companies with over 250 employees must disclose detailed social, environmental & governance impact information (about the business year 2024). By 2026, this requirement will extend also to smaller companies. The directive aims to create transparency, comparability and build trust among stakeholders, ensuring casinos not only meet legal standards but also contribute positively to the environment and society. Early preparation is crucial to meet these requirements smoothly, as collecting the necessary non-financial data and establishing a robust reporting system will take time.

coffee break

Keynote speach by Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development at University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Virtual Live Lecture)

The (Top) Secrets of the Fun Economy: How the Future of the Economy Is Bending in Your Direction, and How the Best Operators Are Aligning
Attendees of the ECA Casino Forum 2024 can look forward to an engaging keynote by Bo Bernhard, a renowned expert in the gaming and hospitality industry. In his presentation, Bo will unveil the "Top Secrets of the Fun Economy," exploring how the future economic landscape is increasingly favoring entertainment and leisure sectors. Bo will delve into how the best operators are strategically aligning themselves with these trends to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Expect insights into innovative business models, cutting-edge technologies, and customer engagement strategies that are redefining the industry. His talk promises to be both enlightening and actionable, providing attendees with valuable takeaways to enhance their operations in this evolving market.
This presentation will be conducted directly via video call from the Executive Development Program (EDP) in Lake Tahoe, which is happening at the same time.

CEO Panel (participants to be confirmed)
Tiina Siltanen, Vice President, Casino Veikkaus / Senior Vice Chair, European Casino Association
Danjel Mlečnik, Member of the Board, Hit Company
Laurent Lassiaz, CEO, Groupe JOA / Vice Chair, European Casino Association
Petra de Ruiter, CEO, Holland Casino / Board member, European Casino Association
Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman, Hippodrome Casino Ltd / Board member, European Casino Association
Moderator: Lewis Pek, Editor, G3 Magazine

Future Forward: AI and Innovation in Land-Based Casinos – How It All Comes Together
As the gambling landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, our distinguished panel of industry leaders takes center stage to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge innovations in the land-based casino sector. This discussion brings together CEOs from ECA member casinos, each offering unique insights into how AI, technological advancements, and other current developments are reshaping the traditional casino experience. Our panelists will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by these emerging trends, discussing their impact on customer engagement, staff development, operational efficiency, compliance, and responsible gambling measures. Attendees can expect a lively debate on how land-based casinos can leverage AI to remain competitive, enhance the guest experience, and navigate the regulatory landscape in an increasingly digital world. This panel will also integrate insights and presentations from earlier sessions of the day, ensuring a comprehensive discussion that reflects the day's learnings. This forward-looking session promises to offer valuable perspectives on the future of our industry and the strategies needed to thrive in this new era of innovation.

Closing: Tiina Siltanen, Vice Chair ECA

End of the conference day

Meeting point in front of the Perla for transfer to Park
(identification document required)
Sustainability Tip: Take a 5-minute walk to the Park, Hotel & Entertainment
(escorted for your convenience)

Formal dinner & progamme - St. Martin's Day