Las Vegas Weekly

November 18, 2008 · 6 AM

At G2E, gaming industry to respond to tough economic challenges facing U.S.

By Robin Leach

Kerry Simon.

Photo: Scott Doctor

The gaming industry’s official response to the startling economic challenges in the nation that are battering Las Vegas will be made early this morning here, even though the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the world’s largest gaming convention -- G2E -- doesn’t start until 11:45 a.m.

American Gaming Association President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. will host an 8 a.m. media briefing to discuss current issues and news in the gaming industry. Fahrenkopf will share his views on today’s economic climate, how it is affecting the industry and how the industry will address related challenges in the coming months. A Q&A session with the media will immediately follow Fahrenkopf’s remarks.

Accomplished businessman and former CNBC television anchor Ron Insana will deliver the first keynote address at G2E 2008 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., promising a lively look at today’s top issues -- from global economics to emerging alternative investments -- and their influence on the gaming industry.

Photo: TVT

G2E waittresses.

Delicious culinary and cocktail demonstrations, a one-of-a-kind fashion show displaying models in all the new 2009 sexy cocktail server outfits and a miniature Las Vegas made of sweet delights are just a few of the exciting elements in store for attendees at G2E’S separate F&B exhibition area -- the only culinary marketplace catering exclusively to the gaming industry.

Photo: TVT

Chef Geno Bernardo.

Iron Chef winner Kerry Simon, executive chef and owner of Cathouse at the Luxor, Simon at the Palms and Simon L.A. at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles, kicks it off at 1 p.m., followed by Geno Bernardo, executive chef of Nove Italiano at the Palms, at 2 p.m. and Southern Wine & Spirits of America chef Nick Lorenzen at 3 p.m. Then it’s organic cocktails and spirits at 4 p.m. with Armando Rosario, master mixologist of Southern Wine & Spirits of America.

It all takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road. All events are located in the Central Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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