The 16th annual Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference & Tradeshow will be Aug. 22-24 at the Tulsa Convention Center. The three-day event, the third largest gaming tradeshow in the nation, showcases the latest in Class II and Class III gaming while providing an opportunity for casino operators to learn about the new technology and trends.

“The OIGA conference provides an opportunity for all tribes to come together and discuss best practices in our industry,” said David Qualls, OIGA chairman. “Maintaining a productive and healthy environment for gaming allows our tribal members to continue economic and social development efforts in their communities. Of the 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, 37 have gaming operations. Our aim is to advance the welfare of Indian people throughout Oklahoma using the resources provided through Indian gaming.”

This year’s conference is expected to be the largest in OIGA history and have a potential economic impact on Tulsa of $1.98 million. Nearly 1,800 have preregistered for the three-day event, and more than 150 vendors from around the country will showcase their products.

“The first OIGA tradeshow was held in 1991 and had four vendor booths and fewer than 100 attendees,” Qualls said. “In the past six years, Oklahoma has seen a 5,000-percent increase in state revenues from Indian gaming. As a result of Indian gaming, more tribes are diversifying their businesses to include hospitality, aerospace, manufacturing, construction and other industries that would not be possible without the revenues created from gaming.”

Throughout the conference, attendees will take part in informational break-out sessions, compete in a golf tournament and Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament, and attend a banquet headlined by the newly commissioned Tracie Stevens, National Indian Gaming Commission chairwoman.