2008 marks the 10th annual GIGSE, can you believe it? What started out as a little conference of about 100 industry folks that just wanted to get together and share information has led to be one of the most important events of the year.

I’ve even overheard people talking about their time in the industry with ‘How many GIGSE’s have you attended”. It is like a badge of honor on the number of events attended (or notches on the bedpost – wherever your sense of humor takes you).

This year’s GIGSE will celebrate and take a look back at all the ones prior to this – who knows.. maybe there will be a slide show of photos of previous years. But, as always, we will look at the future and current state of the i-gaming industry. There are so many areas that are still to be discovered, such as lottery, horse-racing, multi-player games of skill, etc.

The 2008 GIGSE will have a new look and feel about it, but the sentimental side of me is looking forward to celebrating the longevity of this event and the industry.

See you there.. by the way, for me this will be my 8th GIGSE.

Okay, it's not so much silent as it is anonymous.  And "anonymous" is a really good word lately.

Since the concept of a Silent Auction may be new to you, here's a quick lesson:  we are currently asking from individuals or companies a donation of some service or item of value to the GIGSE Charity Event which this year benefits Gordon House.  At the Silent Auction tables in the GIGSE Exhibit Hall in Montreal, the item will be displayed (or special certificate available) and delegates can bid on the items with ALL of the proceeds going to Gordon House.  The highest bidder at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7 will "win" the item and settle both collection of the item and payment to Gordon House at that time.

Past items that have been part of the Silent Auction tables included legal services, hosting services, sports memorabilia, artwork, fraud screening services, jewelry, an iPod, and vacation lodging.  We are hoping that you  participate in this annual FUNdraiser by donating an item or service that is unique or attractive to your fellow attendees.  Please contact our Silent Auction Chair Rosalee to make your donation arrangements or if you have any questions about how this event occurs. 

Remember….this is a collective industry effort to give to a noteworthy cause that we can all visibly show our support!  If you are interested in making a first time pledge or renewing again this year, please contact Sue at sue@rivercitygroup.com with your 2007 pledge.

Thoughts from Mariah:

So the 9th annual GIGSE is less than two weeks away!  You can only put off planning and organizing so long before you simply have to get that checklist dusted off to get ready.

With our vast experience (and past unfortunate memory lapses) in planning GIGSE for the industry over nine years, we recommend these helpful hints ... whether it's your first visit or whether you're a veteran.  And there are many of both coming to Montreal!

I guess the title does sound a bit ominous, but Dawn & I have made the decision to stay in Montreal for a few days after GIGSE. The Grand Prix F1 races start on the 8^th and we want to see that circus, no we don’t have tickets…. yet. But, it could be fun even on the outside.

Here’s a list of must do things:

Back Bacon

Poutine

Sleeping

Shopping

Casino de Montréal is a possibility

Notre-Dame Basilica

Shopping (yes, listed twice on purpose)

I’ve been to Montreal several times now, but haven’t had the opportunity to explore the city and see some of the sights. If any of you Canadian folks out there have suggestions on things we must do or see, please let us know. You can reach both of us by emailing exhibit@rivercitygroup.com

Why did we choose Gordon House Association again as the charity fund-raising recipient?

Because:

They do good work
They’ve come up with a helpful service using our own favorite medium…the internet.
They’re the only truly international online helpline.
They’re working with our end-users.
They need the money. This important helpline is not funded by other sources and relies 100% on donations directly to Gordon House Association for its existence.
 
So, please give…whether it’s cash or a silent auction item. It’s clearly been a rough year for the industry but that doesn’t mean that there are fewer compulsive or underage gamblers or their families that need help. 

No contribution is too small.  Please pledge something, anything, today by contacting sue@rivercitygroup.com.

And thanks so much for your continued generosity…..it’s much appreciated by those folks who use this important service.