As casino marketers, we can all say one thing for certain, “Change is the only constant.” Whether adapting to new technologies, shifting market trends, or organizational restructuring, managing change effectively is crucial for us to be great leaders and grow. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully lead your team through periods of transformation.

We will discuss

• Understanding the Dynamics of Change: Learn about the different types of change that can impact the casino industry and how they affect marketing strategies and operations.
• Developing Change Management Skills: We’ll review practical insights into the key principles of change management, including planning, communication, and execution. Discover proven strategies for managing resistance and fostering a positive attitude toward change.
• Leading with Confidence: Explore leadership techniques that empower you to guide your team through uncertainty. Learn how to create a supportive environment that encourages innovation and adaptability.

By the end of this session, you will not only have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage change effectively within your organization but also be better prepared to lead your marketing team through transitions, ensuring that your casino remains competitive and thriving.

Session Coach:

Aaron Harn, Wild Rose Entertainment

Aaron Harn is an esteemed expert in casino marketing, currently serving as the Vice President of Marketing, Brand Strategy, and Player Development at Wild Rose Entertainment, Aaron’s responsibilities extend beyond providing the overall marketing strategy. He also delivers strategic and tactical direction to senior executive leadership, corporate teams, and property marketing teams. With a keen focus on areas including database marketing, casino and property marketing, player development, advertising and brand management, and events, Aaron expertly guides his colleagues in achieving (and surpassing) marketing goals. Furthermore, his guidance in operations ensures a cohesive and effective business strategy.

Aaron’s track record includes designing and implementing innovative marketing strategies that have driven significant business growth and fostered strong customer engagement. Recognizing the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors and evolving communication strategies, he is deeply committed to researching, testing, and deploying new and modern tools and methods to attract, retain, and expand the customer base. With his visionary approach, Aaron consistently positions Wild Rose Entertainment at the forefront of digital communication in the industry.

LinkedIn     Website

Data drives 90% of decisions made. But what does this mean for you? In this session, we’ll explore the sometimes mysterious world of data and the full circle of its impact and importance to everything we do (not just the mail). 

We’ll answer key questions:

1. Where to Begin? Learn which data points to prioritize first, second, and third.
2. What to Look For? Discover the essential metrics and indicators.
3. What Does It Mean? Understand the implications and insights from your data.
4. And all the others you may have wanted to ask in the past.

Explore the nuances of card tiers vs. player worth. Gain a comprehensive understanding of player worth, segment worth, and the segmentation of your player data. You’ll look at your offer matrix and the critical concepts of recency and frequency.

Remember, in data analysis, there is no right or wrong answer—only standards to deviate from. Join us as we explore, share, and develop new perspectives on data, learning innovative ways to keep an open mind about its applications and implications. This is not a lecture but a collaborative learning experience. Let’s unlock the potential of data together!

Session Coach:

Ryan Stewart, ShowNation

A member of the Cherokee Nation, Ryan began his gaming career at the now Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2005.  Ryan has dedicated his working career to building his knowledge and experience in Indian gaming to be a general manager.  He has done it all, from poker dealer to nightlife manager, from senior executive host to director of marketing. Ryan achieved his goal in 2021 when he earned the GM position at Kickapoo Casinos in Harrah and Shawnee of Oklahoma.

Ryan Joined ShowNation, a native-owned company in Oklahoma, in 2022, where he took over Scout, the company’s marketing and slot analytics tool.  Ryan is dedicated to leading, learning and sharing his knowledge in Indian gaming. Ryan’s passion in life is being the father of four beautiful children.

LinkedIn     Website

What good is all that data if we cannot use it to influence decision-making and create meaningful shared understanding? This session will explore how to introduce greater visualization, contextualization, and significance to our reporting and analysis. Leveraging data to forge simple, important insights is crucial in telling our story and influencing decision-makers. Participants will learn practical ways to bring their data to life and prepare for their next presentation or key project approval.

Session Coach:

Daniel White, Dan White + Associates

A marketing professional for the past 27 years, Dan White has spent the last 19 years in the tribal casino industry. He was the Director of Marketing at Muckleshoot Casino, the largest casino in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest casinos in the United States. He has served in executive and officer-level roles at several properties in both marketing and casino operations. Since 2009, Dan has been part of various qualitative and quantitative research pr studies regarding casino consumers and has championed the value of research in building strategies. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University’s School of Journalism in 1993 and is currently pursuing his certification in Behavioral Economics from Texas A&M University. He is a former United States Marine.

LinkedIn     Website

Casino marketers face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This dynamic round table session is designed to explore the most current topics impacting casino marketers today and those poised to shape the future. We will explore the latest trends, from digital transformation and data-driven strategies to customer engagement and regulatory changes. This session will provide invaluable insights, foster innovative thinking, and equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead in the competitive Northwest casino market. Whether you are navigating new technologies or adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, this discussion promises to be both enlightening and actionable.

Uncover strategies to maximize guest engagement through entertainment, regardless of your property’s size. This session will guide you through planning events that resonate with your segments, from intimate dinner shows and trivia nights to outdoor movie screenings, themed parties and concerts. Gain practical tips on leveraging your unique assets to create memorable experiences.

Session Coach:

Ryan Stewart, ShowNation

A member of the Cherokee Nation, Ryan began his gaming career at the now Hard Rock Casino and Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2005.  Ryan has dedicated his working career to building his knowledge and experience in Indian gaming to be a general manager.  He has done it all, from poker dealer to nightlife manager, from senior executive host to director of marketing. Ryan achieved his goal in 2021 when he earned the GM position at Kickapoo Casinos in Harrah and Shawnee of Oklahoma. 

Ryan Joined ShowNation, a native-owned company in Oklahoma, in 2022, where he took over Scout, the company’s marketing and slot analytics tool.  Ryan is dedicated to leading, learning and sharing his knowledge in Indian gaming. Ryan’s passion in life is being the father of four beautiful children.

LinkedIn     Website

In today’s fast-paced digital world, public relations and crisis management are more critical than ever. This session will equip you with the essentials for maintaining a positive public image and effectively handling crises. Learn how to proactively manage your brand’s reputation in an era where citizen journalists and social media can turn a minor incident into a full-blown crisis instantly.

Discover strategies to anticipate potential threats, craft compelling narratives, and respond swiftly to negative events. Understand the importance of having a robust crisis management plan that reassures stakeholders and ensures your brand emerges stronger. Join us to explore modern PR tactics and crisis management techniques that will help you create a useful crisis plan to navigate challenges and safeguard your brand’s integrity in the digital age.

Session Coach:

Julia Carcamo, J Carcamo & Associates

Julia Carcamo is a casino branding expert and the author of Reel Marketing: The Art of Building a Casino Brand. As president & chief brand strategist at J Carcamo & Associates and founder of Casino Marketing Boot Camp, she aids casinos in building and maintaining engaging brands and tactical marketing programs. Following a successful tenure at Caesars Entertainment, where she developed the initial brand architecture for Harrah’s core brands, including Total Rewards, she answered the call from Steve Wynn to open his signature resort, Wynn Las Vegas. She was at the helm of the reinvention of the Isle of Capri house of brands, introducing new brands, successfully connecting with new and inactive customers, and reintroducing the iconic Lady Luck Casino brand. Recognizing the impact the Hispanic market is having now and will have in the future, she has co-founded espÑOLA, a Hispanic marketing and engagement agency.

LinkedIn     Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram  TikTok

Step into the future of casino marketing and discover how the power of artificial intelligence can elevate your casino marketing, and explore AI-driven platforms that make planning, analysis and creating professional-quality content more accessible than ever. You’ll learn how to craft attention-grabbing graphics, dynamic stickers, and captivating videos that resonate with your audience.

This session begins with an exciting exploration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their marketing potential. We’ll develop practical prompts tailored for casino marketers, designed to spark creativity and ease any apprehension about using AI tools. Plus, we’ll cover essential safeguards to ensure your AI efforts are innovative and responsible.

Whether you’re new to marketing and AI, a seasoned professional, or just looking to have fun with the latest tools, this session provides actionable insights and techniques that will transform your in-house marketing efforts. Get ready to captivate your guests with stunning visuals and more innovative strategies!

Session Coach:

Justin Shank, Shank Marketing

Justin brings an operations-driven perspective to marketing with career experience in casino marketing, hospitality, event management, advertising and as a publicist for movie studios. He specializes in marketing strategy, social media marketing, reputation management, and marketing technologies. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the digital marketing world and drives innovation through creativity and adaptability to the ever-changing digital landscape.

His casino gaming experience started with Swinomish Casino & Lodge in 2010, where he assisted in expanding the digital footprint of the property, launched the first online interactive slot catalog, and developed an internal digital marketing team focused on social media content and in-house video production. His experience includes working as an Account Director for OfferCraft, and consulting for Raving Consulting Company.

He launched Shank Marketing in April 2017 to provide tribal casinos with more accessible and affordable digital marketing resources. The agency has grown to include 10 team members working with casinos, entertainment venues, tribal enterprises, restaurants, resorts, bars, c-stores, golf courses, and healthcare centers, with clients in California, Wisconsin, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Justin enjoys exploring the world with his wife Mackenzie, hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing, and is a Seattle Seahawks fan. His bachelor of arts degree is from Western Washington University.

LinkedIn     Website    Twitter