LAS VEGAS — The American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions announced on July 11 that James J. Murren, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of MGM Resorts International, will serve as the exclusive conference keynote speaker at Global Gaming Expo 2011.

 

Murren is highly regarded for his contributions to the gaming industry and his leadership of MGM Resorts International, one of the world's leading hotel and gaming companies. The premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry, G2E 2011 will be held October 4 - 6, 2011 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Murren's conference keynote address will be held on Wed, Oct. 5, from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. in the Titian Ballroom and will be open to G2E 2011 conference delegates only. He plans to address where the industry is today, what growth opportunities exist and what those opportunities mean for the gaming industry as a whole. Additionally, Murren will discuss the significance of MGM Resorts International's expanded focus on Corporate Social Responsibility.

"We are delighted that Jim will be joining us as the conference keynote speaker at G2E 2011," said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. "He has been an integral factor in the growth and success of not only MGM Resorts International, but the gaming industry as a whole. His commitment to and knowledge of our industry make his insights invaluable for anyone attending this year's G2E conference." 

After leaving Wall Street as an equity analyst in 1998, Murren joined MGM Resorts International (then MGM MIRAGE) as an executive vice president and chief financial officer, and the following year he was promoted to president. In 2007, he became the company's chief operating officer and, in 2008, the chairman and CEO. During his tenure at MGM, he has led the company through $15 billion in acquisitions that helped move MGM to become the world's largest gaming company. He also led the company through a reorganization that resulted in more than $500 million in annual savings and a partnership with Dubai World to develop CityCenter in Las Vegas. 

Murren also co-founded the Nevada Cancer Institute, a non-profit institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive cancer research center to the State of Nevada, and is a member of the board of directors. He also serves as a trustee of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation and a member of the board for Delta Petroleum.

G2E is attended by nearly 26,000 industry professionals from around the world. For more information on G2E 2011, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com and connect with G2E on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is the international gaming trade show and conference "by the industry and for the industry." Organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, G2E made its debut in fall 2001, defining itself as the pre-eminent show for the gaming-entertainment industry.