Have you ever wondered who's behind the emails in your inbox, the sessions on the agenda, or the excitement on the show floor?

G2E is powered by a passionate team working year-round to bring the gaming industry's premier event to life. From shaping the education program and building exhibitor partnerships to building marketing campaigns and welcoming attendees, every team member plays a role in creating the G2E experience.

Meet a few of the faces behind G2E as they share what they do, what they're most excited about for G2E 2026, and a few behind-the-scenes insights into planning the gaming industry's biggest event.

How many G2Es have you attended?

Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President: All of them! Many years working in marketing for exhibitors, a couple of years as an exhibitor appointed contractor, and this will be my ninth year as the event leader for G2E.

Keith Davis, Sales Director: I’ve attended 6 G2Es.

Danelle Burleson, Industry Relations Manager: 12 and counting! I’ve missed three, 2012 because I welcomed my son, Lennon, into the world, and 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. I love seeing G2E continuing to grow.

Hannah Shannon, Marketing Director: G2E 2026 will be my sixth G2E!

Amar Batra, Conference Manager: I have attended 5 G2Es starting in 2021. This year will be number 6!

What exactly does your role entail? What’s your day to day like working on G2E?

KC: As the Event Vice President, I am responsible for all aspects of the event strategy and execution alongside our partner, the AGA. Working on G2E, no two days are alike. On any given day I could be participating in customer calls, directing the team through planning activations like the G2E Dealer Championship, or working on industry partnerships. Right now, I’m focused on execution of this year’s event while also planning for G2E 2027 with the goal of helping gaming industry stakeholders achieve their goals at G2E.

KD: At its core, my role as Sales Director is about helping G2E continue to grow and evolve as the gaming industry's premier event. I lead the sales strategy that drives the event's commercial success—working to grow revenue, build and support a high-performing sales team, strengthen relationships with exhibitors and partners, and identify new opportunities that create long-term value. Whether it's collaborating with long-standing industry leaders or introducing new companies to G2E, my focus is on ensuring the event remains a valuable platform for business, innovation, and connection for years to come.

DB: As the Industry Relations Manager, I manage G2E's attendee programs, primarily the Platinum Club, our VIP buyer program. During the show, I'm usually in the Platinum Club Lounge, meeting with customers, supporting events, and making sure our attendees have an exceptional G2E experience. Every day is different, which is what makes it so much fun.

HS: If you've read an email, visited the G2E website, or seen us on social media, there's a good chance I've had a hand in it! As G2E's Marketing Director, my job is to help tell the G2E story and get people excited about everything the event has to offer. No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most.

AB: As the Conference Manager for G2E, if someone is getting on stage (aka speaking at one of our 100+ education sessions), I’m involved. Some days we’re rounding out sessions and looking across the gaming community to see who we can invite to participate in a session. Other days, I’m working hand in hand with our Education Advisory Board to curate sessions and discussions that deliver real value with actionable takeaways. Every day is just a little bit different, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are you most excited about for G2E 2026?

KC: I’m very excited about the return of the G2E Dealer Championship for this year’s show. I’m also looking forward to the introduction of the Business Solutions & Tech Zone, which will bring together non-gaming solutions like cybersecurity, AI implementations, and marcom services that casino operators need to run their businesses.

KD: I'm especially excited about launching the Business Solutions & Tech Zone. We've spent a lot of time developing this new experience, and I think it represents where the industry is headed. It's opening G2E to a broader community of technology and business solution providers while giving our attendees access to innovations that impact every part of their operations. Seeing that vision come to life on the show floor will be incredibly rewarding.

DB: There are two moments I'm especially looking forward to this year. First is welcoming all of our new attendees at the First-Timers Meetup on Monday afternoon. There's something special about helping someone experience their very first G2E and seeing their excitement.

I'm also thrilled to see the return of the Dealer Championship. After such a successful debut, it's exciting to watch this competition grow into another signature G2E experience that celebrates the incredible talent within our industry.

HS: I'm most excited to see the event come to life. We spend months planning every detail behind the scenes, so there's nothing better than watching attendees walk through the doors, reconnect with colleagues, discover something new, and experience everything we've been building toward all year.

AB: We’re bringing so many cool new themes to G2E this year. From digital technologies, to lottery, and more, I’m so excited to see not only conversations that happen in the session rooms, but also to hear the conversations they spark afterwards!

What’s one thing about planning G2E that attendees might be surprised to learn?

KC: Even now in July, we are deep into the planning of G2E 2027 and beyond.

KD: One thing people may not realize is how much time we spend listening. Every year we meet with exhibitors, attendees, and industry partners to understand what's changing in the market and what they need from G2E. Those conversations directly influence everything from the show floor to the educational program and networking experiences.

DB: People are often surprised to learn that while everyone is enjoying G2E, we're already thinking about the next one. We spend the week collecting feedback, observing what works, and brainstorming new ideas because planning for next year starts before this year's show is even over.

HS: Most of the G2E team isn't based in Las Vegas—we're actually based in Connecticut! Even though the event takes place in the gaming capital of the world, we spend the entire year planning and collaborating from across the country before coming together on-site to bring G2E to life.

AB: We start planning so much earlier than you think. It’s not a few months before registration goes live or even when the Call for Speakers & Content goes live in late February. We started discussing ideas around the 2026 show (and certainly the Education program), directly after if not during the 2025 show!

Complete this sentence: G2E is ________.

KC: G2E is the one place all gaming industry stakeholders need to be to network and grow their business.

KD: G2E is inspiring and ambitious in all the best ways!

DB: G2E is my favorite week of the year—equal parts reunion, innovation, and controlled chaos.

HS: G2E is the best week of the year!

AB: G2E is a marathon not a sprint. There’s so much going on, but you don’t have to do it all. Take your time and actually plan a schedule before arriving on-site so you can make the most out of your week. 

What’s one thing you can’t survive G2E week without?

KC: Caffeine! Chocolate covered espresso beans and energy drink powder sticks are portable, so I’m always carrying one or the other with me.

KD: My team!

DB: A meal with a fork at least once a day! G2E is basically an endurance event, and while coffee keeps me moving, one real meal each day keeps me functioning.

HS: A portable charger and coffee—they're equally essential during show week!

AB: Caffeine. Whether it comes from a good coffee or a really crispy Diet Coke, something that gives that boost of energy is exactly what I need to get through the week.