Survival Guide for the G2E: Notes From a First-timer

^{Surrounded by Playboy Bunnies and the Playboy Sunset Dreams machine on the G2E Expo floor. Just a regular Tuesday at the G2E.}

After surviving my first Global Gaming Expo (G2E), I quickly realized that it comes with its own learning curve.

More than 25,000 gaming professionals descended on Vegas from Sep. 28 through Oct. 1, surrounding me with a sea of badges, suits and business-casual attire that I had to navigate. Among them were more than 400 exhibitors from over 100 countries. And all were set up in a maze of giant slot machines and video walls.

I went to my first G2E to learn more about the gaming industry, meet the people shaping it and see the newest games and technology firsthand. With this year's expo now behind us, the moments that overwhelmed me on day one are also the ones future first-timers can learn from.

So I put together this practical guide that I wish I'd had beforehand - everything from where to park and what to pack to planning your panels in advance and being prepared for the unexpected connections.

Getting There and Parking

I'm good at certain things but directions are not one of them. I've gotten lost in my own neighborhood so I knew better than to wing it. I called the parking garage ahead of time to find out the best place to park for G2E.

I drove to self-parking at the Palazzo off of Sands Avenue, across the street from the Wynn. One thing I love about this parking lot, well the only thing I love, is that they have actual people manning the gates. After parking at the Fontainebleau last time, where no people are at the gates, I couldn't get my players card to work in the machine. I worried people would revolt behind me (twenty cars in front of me, 20 behind me) so I threw a credit card at it to just get out of there.

I high-fived the guy at the gate which would become something I did at least three times a day at the expo. I feel as if it's my version of a dad joke. It makes people laugh and reciprocate but in a "aww, God bless her heart" type of way.

Take a picture of where you park. Every day I was so grateful I did because my brain was full of ideas and sensory overload that the picture was a lifesaver. Also, remember to bring your ticket with you as you pay at a kiosk right outside the elevator on the floor that you parked. Expect to pay $20 and hold on to your ticket for the exit. There's no receipt, which I saw almost everyone question as they paid.

Expect to make friends while you check out as there will be a line, but I never had a long one. Most people are friendly and confused at first. I ran into someone at a panel that I'd met in that kiosk line which was a great way to break the ice.

Finding Your Way Around

On day one, I went to the elevators to get to the casino having no real idea where to go. I met Mike while we were waiting for the elevators and asked if he was going to G2E. He was, thank God and I was able to follow him to the expo. When I reached the main hallway leading to panel rooms and ending where the Expo began, I saw people holding paddles that said "G2E, Ask Me!" I asked one where to go and he had to bring in reinforcements to point me in the direction of the media room.

^{A wonderful addition to G2E: Sign holders helping you find your way. Bonus, great high-fives!}

My coworker Vanessa came out to find me as I was walking in that direction. So, it took four people to help me find the media room. I would recommend leaving your house or hotel room early. I always give myself a buffer even when I know where I'm going.

We walked back to the media room which was on a hallway at the end of the main one before the expo. I got my badge from the lovely PR team at the front of the room. I love a badge which I found out when working poker tournaments. The room was the largest media room I've ever seen with multiple tables that had convenient outlets to plug in your laptop, phones, etc. They also had coffee, snacks and water. Make sure to hydrate when you can.

I love working remotely, but I loved seeing my team in person. Three of us laughed at a table that day while also connecting with other writers.

What to Pack

I decided to bring mostly what I bring to poker tournaments, with a few exceptions. One exception, I brought high heels in my backpack. (I never bring those to the WSOP.) I brought a notebook to make notes, a pen (bring many), a sweater, lunch, snacks and altoids. I am thrilled I brought food. There were snacks and sandwiches in the media room, but supply depended on when you were there. Just like a time buffer, I like having a food buffer.

Wear the most comfortable shoes you can. You'll be walking miles. I wore flip flops and anticipated wearing heels. (Never ended up happening.) I would buy the cutest, most comfortable (flat) shoes you can. This year I didn't go to events after the expo which might have changed what I ended up putting on my feet.

^{Taking a selfie has a different meaning at G2E. With a new friend on the left and Marc, my coworker on the right.}

Be prepared to do random things. After finding out that there was a cut out of a queen (like you would see in poker cards) I could put my face in, I took two people to go do that with me and take pictures. One of my co-workers was horrified that I'd put my "head in a hole", but that at least I did it on "day one."

You'll be surrounded by swag at G2E. Fanny packs, hats, puzzles, lotion, mints, lip balm were part of what I saw this year. Just remember you have to carry it all out with you.

Planning Panels

The amount of education panels at the Expo can feel mind boggling. I would look at the options the week before. The G2E website has made it easy to make a personal schedule of who/what you want to see. You check the panel as a favorite on their website, and when you're finished, you have the exact ones you picked out laid out for each day.

^{I was lucky enough to listen to Jesse Robles, Editor and Founder of FoodandGaming.com, Peter Arceo, Chief Gaming Officer for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Jason Guyot, the President and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino for my first panel.}

Be prepared to be flexible. I gave myself multiple options for panels, and then chose the day before. I ended up having a great conversation with people that superseded a panel I was planning to attend. Completely worth it.

Someone told me that business happens in the halls of G2E. So true. I ended up taking so many pictures of badges of someone I was talking to, so I could remember who to connect with later. (And vice versa.) It was a more complicated version of the "Hello my name is…" sticker we used to affix on our clothes as children.

Braving the Expo Floor

On day two, the expo floor was open. I had already high-fived three times that day before ten o'clock. I didn't even pretend to know where I was going and walked around with my coworker. There were vendor's booths as far as you could see with huge installments interspersed. Slot machines and video slots are displayed from companies such as IGT, Aristocrat, Konami, Light & Wonder and Interblock amongst others.

I walked by Aristocrat's (creator of the Buffalo machine, my favorite) elaborate display which required a reservation to get into.

There's also table games, iGaming and sportsbooks, business and casino tech, player loyalty and casino-management systems and new technology.

^{Vanessa and I hit the Expo floor.}

By the time we went back to the media room, I'd grabbed coffee, taken a picture with Playboy Bunnies (real people) and Mr. Monopoly (statue), and ran away from a robot slot machine. I need my machines to be stationary.

I would also have a plan for the expo floor. I know people that have gone multiple years that do a quick walk of the floor before they come back and retrace their steps slower. A writer who has years of G2E experience and knowledge books appointments with certain companies to get a more in-depth look at the products to come for the year.

Arrange Meetups in Advance

I knew there would be some poker friends and colleagues there, but where I was less sure.

In future years, I'll know that in order to see my poker community, we need to plan on where to meet instead of figuring we'll run into each other.

I did run into Jon Friedberg, owner of PokerAtlas, which was lovely. Some of my favorite people ended up being there and I never saw them.

^{Jon Friedberg of PokerAtlas promotes his Table Captain product.}

An Oasis on Day Three

On my third day, I found out about the Global Gaming Women's Lounge. It's an oasis in a sea of sensory overload. I will definitely go more next year. Global Gaming Women is a non-profit based in Vegas whose "mission is to advance women in gaming through education, mentorship, professional development and networking."

From the women at the sign-in booth, where swag was at hand including a combination lip balm-mint holder, to the latte machine inside located next to a charm bar, to a free headshot session and comfortable couches, everything served to make you feel comfortable and pampered.

^{Global Gaming Women's Lounge included a charm bar and a happy and calm oasis from the expo.}

Leave Room for Surprises

I went with Vanessa from the GGW Lounge directly to the Cintas fashion show. This was to display gaming-industry uniforms/clothing. This would end up being the last thing I did at G2E this year. What a way to go out!

The setting was at the restaurant Chica in the Venetian. It felt tropical and chic while also having comfortable seats to watch the fashion show. Models walked the entire restaurant, taking time to pose throughout. Champagne, cocktails and mocktails were offered along with coffee and appetizers.

^{A fashion show and a DJ were not on my bingo card for G2E but was a welcome surprise.}

There was a DJ behind me, playing mellow yet upbeat music. I might've danced a little after the fashion show was over. We sat down while a fantastic emcee ran the event. I never thought about this element of hospitality but I had a great time. (Coming from someone that would rather nap than go to Paris Fashion Week.)

As I left G2E for the last time this year, I high-fived one of the circle question guys on my way out. Who will I high-five next year?

All Photos: Christina Bradfield / Casinos.com