IGA Conference Sees Strong Turnout as Vice Chair Hill Urges Tribal Unity

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announced yesterday that its annual conference and trade show attracted over 7,000 attendees. Concurrently, the organization’s newly appointed vice chair, Tehassi Hill, urged tribes to maintain unity during these challenging times.

Indian Gaming Association Conference Draws Over 7,000 Attendees

According to the IGA’s statement, more than 7,000 individuals participated in its conference held in San Diego. Representatives anticipate that the final attendance figures will either align with or surpass those recorded in 2025.

Jason Giles, executive director of IGA, expressed satisfaction with the robust attendance metrics, which remained strong despite economic difficulties and a partial federal shutdown. Nevertheless, recent data indicates that the IGA conference attendance has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic peak of 8,800 participants.

It should be noted, however, that the 2018 event, which achieved the aforementioned attendance record, took place in Las Vegas, not San Diego, unlike the most recent conference. Fortunately for enthusiasts of Sin City, the show is scheduled to return to Las Vegas next year. Giles mentioned his team’s preference for San Diego but acknowledged that the city cannot accommodate the IGA convention annually.

Regarding the conference itself, Giles described this year’s edition as positive, filled with optimism and resolve. He added that prediction markets were a prominent topic, with tribal leaders agreeing on the necessity of collective action against this threat.

IGA Strengthens Leadership with Two New Appointments

Speaking of unity, this was a central theme in Vice Chair Tehassi Hill’s recent address. Hill was recently elected as vice chair of the IGA and will serve a two-year term in the position. For context, Hill is currently serving his third term as chair of the Oneida Nation.

Following his swearing-in, Hill commented on the critical importance of solidarity among tribal nations, especially when confronting the various challenges impacting tribal gaming.

Hill identified illegal gaming as a significant threat to tribal sovereignty, stating that addressing this issue will require tribes to strategize, allocate resources, and collaborate. He pledged to actively participate in these efforts and work alongside other tribal members to safeguard the tribal industry.

These sentiments were reiterated by IGA Chair David Bean, who specifically pointed to the prediction markets sector as a clear instance of federal overreach that threatens tribal gaming.

In addition to appointing Hill as vice chair, the IGA also named Michell Hicks as treasurer. Hicks will similarly serve a two-year term and was characterized as an accomplished leader instrumental in the substantial growth of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.