Safe bet: Leveraging AI 

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in casinos is reshaping the gaming industry, streamlining operations, and elevating player experiences. OPTX, for example, leverages AI to monitor gambling behaviors, providing actionable insights that assist casinos in optimizing player engagement and operational efficiency. Gaming Analytics uses AI for deep analysis of player data, enabling casinos to fine-tune their operations and create personalized gaming experiences. These companies serve as examples of AI’s diverse applications in the casino sector, from data analysis and customer support to fraud detection and game customization. These advancements are pivotal in evolving casino operations, significantly enhancing the overall gaming environment.

Shaking Up the Casino Floor with Robotic Bartenders

The allure of robotic bartenders in casinos extends far beyond their novelty; it’s their efficiency and precision in crafting drinks that truly stand out. Brands like Cecilia.ai are pioneering in this space with robotic (and interactive) bartending systems that not only mix cocktails quickly but do so with consistent quality. These systems, capable of crafting a wide range of drinks from classic cocktails to custom creations, offer guests a 24/7 engaging experience that marries taste with cutting-edge AI. The introduction of such automated systems into the casino environment also infuses the casino bar with a sense of modernity and innovation, appealing to guests who seek unique and futuristic experiences. The presence of robotic bartenders like Cecilia.ai demonstrates how technology can enhance traditional aspects of the casino experience, making every visit memorable and ensuring that guests keep coming back for more.

Delivery Robots: Bringing Convenience to the Gaming Floor

Following the innovative trend of robotic bartenders, casinos are not stopping there; they’re bringing the convenience one step closer to the guests. With the introduction of delivery robots like Techmetics Robotics, and Pudu Robotics’ BellaBot, casinos ensure that guests no longer need to leave their gaming spots for refreshments, and instead have the refreshments come to them. These robots efficiently navigate the bustling casino floor, delivering drinks, snacks, and even cards or chips right to the players. This service revolution enhances guest satisfaction by blending advanced technology with the personal touch of uninterrupted service, making every casino visit exceptionally convenient and enjoyable.

Contactless & Self-Service Solutions

In an era where convenience and safety are paramount, contactless and self-service kiosks have become essential features in casinos. Companies like NRT Tech and OLEA are offering self-service solutions that streamline transactions and reduce waiting times. These kiosks enable guests to place bets, redeem tickets, and access information without direct human interaction, catering to the digital-first preferences of today’s consumers. Additionally, these systems facilitate sports wagers, allowing guests to place and manage their bets conveniently. They also integrate seamlessly with casino loyalty programs, offering players a streamlined way to access their rewards and benefits, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging repeat visits.

Looking for a change? Go Cashless

The casino industry’s shift towards cashless transactions is being accelerated by companies like FABICash and Acres Manufacturing, bringing unique innovations to the forefront. FABICash offers secure cashless solutions that simplify financial transactions for players and operators, enhancing the overall gaming experience with its user-friendly systems. Acres Manufacturing, on the other hand, introduces cutting-edge technologies that facilitate digital payments, streamlining operations and aligning with the digital economy’s trends. Together, these companies are pivotal in transforming casinos into more efficient, modern gaming environments.

Interactive Casino Tables

Interactive casino tables have made it to the list of tech trends shaping casinos by combining the thrill of traditional play with the advantages of digital technology. Jackpot Digital develops dealerless electronic poker and table games, enabling a dealer-free environment that’s both efficient, engaging, and available 24/7. Similarly, Interblock, the world’s leading developer and supplier of luxury Electronic Table Gaming, specializes in providing a wide array of electronic table games, such as the Smart Pit, which seamlessly blends advanced technology with traditional table games. These innovations signify a shift towards more dynamic and accessible casino experiences.

Cross Platform Casinos

The seamless integration of mobile gaming with physical casino experiences represents a significant trend. Mobile apps allow guests to manage accounts, book reservations, and even play games from anywhere, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience across digital and physical spaces. Companies like Light & Wonder (LNW) are leading the way in enhancing the gaming experience. LNW focuses on integrating gaming experiences across platforms, ensuring a consistent and engaging journey for gamblers, whether they’re playing from home or on the casino floor.

Smooth Operator: Casino Management Systems (CMS)

Casino Management Systems (CMS) are pivotal for modern casino operations, significantly enhancing efficiency beyond traditional systems. Platforms like those from Agilysys and CasinoTrac offer various features to optimize the gaming environment and operational security. With functionalities such as detailed player tracking, asset management, and real-time data analytics, these CMS platforms enable casinos to provide a tailored and secure gaming experience. They help in fine-tuning various operational aspects, including game floor organization and the execution of customer loyalty schemes, to ensure top-notch service that meets every guest’s needs.

In wrapping up, the tech trends shaping casinos aren’t just game-changers—they’re reshuffling the deck for a more engaging, streamlined, and secure player experience. As the industry bets big on innovation, these technological advancements ensure that the house keeps on winning.

If you’re interested in seeing these innovations firsthand, many companies featured in this article, along with a broad array of others, are set to exhibit at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, taking place from April 8-11, 2024, in Anaheim, California.

The post Gaming Reimagined: Eight Tech Trends Shaping Casinos appeared first on GKI Group.

This year’s CES was supposed to mark the return to some sanity and the ability to hold large events again, but just when we thought the pandemic was behind us, the Omicron began to raise its head. As a result, several large companies have decided to exhibit their newest products online during this hybrid version of CES. And while this year’s attendance was a bit low, you could still see some crowds- specifically at the Venetian Expo, standing in long lines to see a robotic bartender that was serving free cocktails to anyone who asked for it. 

We’re talking about our Cecilia.ai, of course, who had managed to stun an audience that thought they’ve already seen it all- with its conversational AI and mixing abilities, and a unique menu, design, and witty script created for CES. The cocktails created for the event were the whisky-based Metaverse and the Ale-on-Cask, a pun that pays homage to TIME magazine’s Person of the Year. The other cocktails were a gin and tonic called Tech-Tonic and a vodka mixed with cranberry juice, simply called Cranberry Pi.
Now, that’s a giveaway the attendees will never forget (unless they drank about 5 of these).

Cecilia.ai, as we mentioned previously, took part at CES as a member of the Israeli startup pavilion, organized by the Israel Export Institute alongside companies such as Bzigo, Silentium, Biobeat, and others. Its robotic bartending abilities were even used for the Happy Hour held at the pavilion on the second day, and drew in many visitors, as planned. 

Not that it took us by surprise, but it was thrilling to see how excellently Cecilia.ai handled the pressure at a massive event like this, and how smoothly it all went. According to our data dashboard (which you could see updated in real-time on a screen next to Cecilia), she made about 600 cocktails these 3 days, with an average of 1 minute per session which includes ID scanning, chatting, and making a drink.

In the little free time we had to wander around the 2,000 booths at the conference, we were awed by the craziest of innovations. Like Ameca- a humanoid with facial expressions and nearly-human chatting abilities, a changing-color car by BMW, a bodysuit for the Metaverse, and even a creepy child-humanoid called Pedia_Roid that simulates health emergencies or a visit to the dentist, just to name a few.
It’s an enriching and enticing experience seeing all the latest developments all in one place, as well as trying to guess which technologies would last, which just looked impressive on CES, and which will change our lives in the near future.

Before we wrap up, we’d like to thank the Israel Export Institute, its partners, and all the rest of the people who worked days and nights to help us bring Cecilia.ai to CES 2022. We never would’ve made it without your support.

See you again at CES 2023!

The post Our first (and surely not our last) time at CES appeared first on GKI Group.

Now that vaccines are rolling out all over the world and face-to-face conferences are making a comeback, it’s time to make the most of it. To help your business or startup become the “star of the show”, we’ve made you a list of the coolest and most innovative conference ideas to make your booth draw more audience.

Crazy Booth Branding & Design 

Using logos, rollups, and signage might help everybody know that you’re here, but you need the creative, crazy, and flashing booth ideas for that “wow” effect that will have them coming over.

A Vortex Tunnel Entrance might not be that interesting on the outside, but on the inside, there’s an Instagram-worthy photo-op that will give attendees the sci-fi feel. Lead them from a dull conference area into a world of wonders.

Large LED displays are also a good way to catch one’s eye while conveying your message, revealing your products, or promoting an “iPhone 12 giveaway!!!”.
Using LED furniture (like a large cube or a lounge chair) combines your guests’ favorite things: eye candy, colorful photos, and a place to sit.

Projection mapping and media walls are ideal for lighting everything up and getting that futuristic, illuminated look and feel that won’t let your booth go unnoticed. The bigger, the better.

Harness Technology To Show-Off Innovation 

One of the most effective ways to get people to notice and remember you in a tech conference is… well, using technology. Bringing the most cutting-edge technologies and gadgets to your booth will surely place your brand as one of the leading innovative companies. 

The oldest trick in the book is bringing some VR headsets and creating a company-branded VR experience in 360. If done well, it can be pretty exciting and fun, but only for those who are wearing the glasses at that moment… Unless you bring in a few monitors so the rest of the audience can watch as well.  

When VR isn’t enough, you can always go with holograms. You can use small holograms on stands to visualize your product or software in 3D, or have human-size projections that’ll do the sales talk for you. 

Nothing shouts “innovation” better than robots!
Cecilia.ai is an interactive self-service robotic bartender for businesses and events that will most likely draw the mass of the audience in your direction and have them document that wonder. “She” can be branded with your company’s color and messages, talk about your products or the event, and most importantly – make kickass cocktails. And who doesn’t love free drinks?

If you need robots to mingle with the crowd, there are few options as well.
Yuki Robot and soon-to-be-retired Pepper are friendly humanoid robots that can roll around, talk with people, or be used as a mobile billboard that invites people to your booth. You must’ve seen them a few times before welcoming guests into the exhibition area. Seeing them is not as exciting as it used to be, but they still have their charm.

 

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Serve Food and Drinks – In creative ways

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, giving away free drinks and food can really get more people noticing you. Even if they’ll be visiting your booth only for a grab-and-go, they’ll still remember your brand and savor that swell time.
But, you’ll need more than just a cookie.

First, put on a magical mysterious vibe with a nitro desserts station that uses liquid nitrogen to put on a smokey show while serving delicious ice creams, popcorn, and sweets. It may look childish, but hey, tech employees are also into Marvel Comics and toy ducks. No one says “no” to dessert.  

Want your brand to be remembered? You can draw its logo on top of a beer or coffee foam using Ripples bev-top media machine. This popular product, seen on many businesses as well, could be used to “print” just about anything on top of a drink: your logo, QR code, name of event, or the visitor’s name (after all, they need something to document). 

We’re used to ordering drinks from a vendor, a barista, or even a vending machine, but from a bike? That’s a new one. Smoothie Bikes are a really fun and challenging way for health and lifestyle-oriented brands to keep the crowd healthy as well as keep them interested. Using a unique set of bikes with a built-in blender, the users pedal their way until the juice is made. The faster, the better. Gotta try that one!

 

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Game ON

Do you know what most of the audience is looking for in conferences? Fun.
After massive legwork and handshaking with all of the big fish at the event, you’ll need to clear your schedule for a little game… or even a gigantic one. 

Place GIANT gaming stations in your section, like a human claw machine, and you can be certain that lots of attendees will gather to participate or document. 

If you’re looking for a less extreme option, you can always count on the retro magic of arcade games like Pacman, Space Invaders, or any game that may be related to your brand or product. Putting on a scoreboard and offering prizes will draw even more people (as well as their contact information).

“Okay, Alex, I’ll take the ‘iPad Jeopardy Wall for Events’.”
That would be the answer to a question such as “What interactive attraction could be perfect to quiz my employees during company events or challenge random crowds on a subject that my company specializes in?”.

We started big, but let’s go bigger. If you have a budget like Google does, you can always build your own giant gumball machine. Google uses this crazy product to promote their voice assistant giveaway prizes (that are worth more than a gumball, we hope) and to show off, because… it’s Google.

The @Google Assistant Gumball Machine is cracking jokes and giving out prizes. #AI #HeyGoogle #cesIEEE #CES2018 #IEEE #CES #tech #technology #engineer #engineering https://t.co/g8xJAjGzmi pic.twitter.com/vjNRnOgYi7

— IEEE (@IEEEorg) January 11, 2018

So, to sum things up…

Although some innovative conference ideas and attractions may be a bit pricey for smaller companies, they hold great benefits:

• More attention = More business opportunities = More of what you really came for
• Get noticed by the media and reporters, looking for the next big thing that will star in their video or written summary of that conference. 
• Free publicity on every social media by enthusiastic attendees. As long as your booth has the coolest attraction, more influencers or social media users would love to spread the word to show the world “how cool it is!”
• Make your brand more memorable and likable. Positive experiences by attendees will put your business on top of their minds even after the event is over. 
• Creativity sells better, or will at least get more people interested in what you have to say. Other than handing out one-pagers and having sales reps dangle around the attendees – make the crowd come to you.

There are plenty of other solutions, in every budget, but just remember – you don’t always have to go big, you just have to dazzle. You can use the solutions above, or get creative while thinking of new ideas to make your booth draw more audience. 

The most important thing is that the attraction will speak for your brand and its values, will get people to remember you (and show you on social media), and help you close more deals during or after the event. 

The post Innovative Conference Ideas To Make Your Booth Draw More Audience appeared first on GKI Group.