Organizers of the San Diego trade show deem it a triumph, according to IGA.
Vibe Check: The IGA's 2025 Indian Gaming Conference in San Diego was a smashing success, with a 10% uptick in attendance thanks to the city's irresistible charm. Here's a rundown of the event, complete with the scoop on what's planned for next year's return to the sunny SoCal coast.
San Diego scored big time as the host city for the Indian Gaming Association's conference earlier this year, notching an impressive 10% growth in attendance compared to the 2024 show in Anaheim. Thrill-seekers flocked to the conference center near San Diego's hip Gaslamp District and shores for four days of gaming, learning, and networking.
On Wednesday, conference organizers gathered online to recap the high-energy event and reveal the final attendance numbers. An impressive 7,500 people participated in the confab, marking a significant win for the team.
Conference chair Victor Rocha praised San Diego, saying it "arranged the direction, energy, and a renewed purpose" at a time of political tumult and economic stress. Despite some tribes facing funding cuts, Rocha felt confident that the conference served as a beacon for clarity and certainty for the gaming industry.
Jason Giles, IGA's executive director, called the show a success, albeit a bit nerve-wracking, thanks to the looming threat of a federal government shutdown. Normally, the event attracts 35 to 50 federal speakers who usually bring extra support entourages. However, this year, none were allowed to attend due to uncertainty. Nevertheless, Giles reports that the San Diego conference managed to dodge a series of bullets, evading tariffs and a travel slowdown imposed by the Trump administration.
With all the hoopla surrounding the 2025 show, conference leaders are already looking ahead, setting their sights on next year's return to San Diego. In addition to providing top-notch education and entertainment, organizers aim to build on this year's momentum and bring even more attendees to the sunny city.
Larry Tremond, senior vice president of Clarion Events North America, highlighted the buzz generated by the event, comparing it to the annual Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. "Vegas pulls more than San Diego at times," he said. "There was a lot of buzz, which was different from Anaheim."
Comprising nearly 400 exhibitors and spanning a sprawling 100,000 square feet, the trade show floor hummed with activity. The Digital Play Summit on the floor was a hit, and a new meeting-based platform called TribalBond, limited to ten companies this year, was a resounding success. The organizers are planning to expand TribalBond in 2026 to cater to an even larger crowd.
Taking the success of the 2025 show to heart, conference leaders are brainstorming ways to bring in even more attendees in 2026. Ideas include expanding the virtual and educational components of the event, partnering with local organizations, and tapping into the expertise of gaming and media industry associations.
The event's organizers didn't want to let the good vibes end there. They wrapped up the post-event webinar with a call to action, urging attendees to share their experiences and join them in the quest for an even larger crowd in 2026. Let's make this happen, folks! 🕹️🎉✨
San Diego's success in hosting the Indian Gaming Association's conference attracted a diverse group of attendees, totaling 7,500 people. This growth, despite unfavorable conditions such as tariffs and travel slowdowns, showcased the financial resilience of the gaming industry. Conference organizers aim to build on this momentum by expanding virtual and educational components and partnering with local organizations for the 2026 event.
