Call For Papers

"Innovate. Entertain. Inspire: The Future of Tribal Gaming Begins Here."

Tribal gaming is entering a new era shaped by innovation, technology, and hospitality. As digital transformation changes the gaming experience, tribes are using technology to modernize operations and elevate service and entertainment. This conference highlights how innovation drives excellence across the industry, from AI and data analytics to digital engagement, with tribal gaming setting the standard for the future of entertainment.

Call for Papers
Our mission for the 2026 Tradeshow & Convention is to explore the evolving landscape of tribal gaming and focus on the dynamic advancements shaping the future of the industry. We are particularly interested in submissions that address interactive wagering, technology innovations, regulatory changes, and economic impacts. The final agenda tracks will be curated and finalized by the Conference Chair, Victor Rocha.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 10, 2026
 

Topic Categories

We invite submissions under the following categories:

 

  1. Casino and Gaming Operations:
    Exploration of best practices, strategies, and challenges in managing casino and gaming facilities effectively. Topics could include operations management, customer service, equipment maintenance, and floor layout optimization.
     
  2. Interactive Wagering:
    A deep dive into the digital betting realm, including online casinos, sports betting, and iGaming platforms. This could cover trends, technologies, operational challenges, and customer engagement strategies in the interactive wagering space.
     
  3. Regulatory and Compliance:
    Examination of the legal framework, regulatory updates, and compliance measures essential for tribal gaming operations. Discussions on adherence to federal, state, and tribal gaming laws, audits, and compliance training are encouraged.
     
  4. Marketing & Player Development:
    Innovative approaches to marketing, advertising, player acquisition, and retention in the gaming industry. This could encompass loyalty programs, customer relations, digital marketing strategies, and player experience enhancements.
     
  5. Technology & Innovation:
    Discussion on leveraging new technologies to enhance gaming operations, improve security, or create novel gaming experiences. Topics might include digital payments, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other tech-driven advancements.
     
  6. Emerging Trends:
    Examination of new and evolving trends shaping the tribal gaming industry, including discussions on emerging markets, shifting consumer behaviors, and potential future industry evolutions.
     
  7. Economic Impact & Development:
    A look into the economic contributions of tribal gaming to local and national economies, and how tribes can foster economic growth and community development through gaming operations and other ventures.
     
  8. Legal & Tribal Sovereignty:
    Discussions on legal matters pertinent to tribal gaming, including tribal sovereignty, gaming compacts, jurisdictional issues, and legal challenges facing tribal gaming operations.
     
  9. Security & Surveillance:
    Addressing the vital areas of security, surveillance, and risk management in gaming operations. Topics could cover physical security measures, cybersecurity, surveillance technologies, and emergency preparedness.

Timeline

Please follow the timeline below for submission:

October 29, 2025: Call for Papers Opens

January 10, 2026: Call for Papers Closes

January 31, 2026: Proposal Status Notifications

March 30 - April 2, 2026: Dates of Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention/ DigitalPlay Summit

Submission Process & Guidelines

We welcome your interest and contributions to the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. Please adhere to the following guidelines while submitting your papers:

Submission Deadline: [January 10, 2026]

Session Length: All sessions are slated for a duration of 50 minutes.

Preferred Format: We highly encourage panel discussions as they foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. 

Combining Submissions: In instances where multiple submissions share a thematic resemblance or complementary insights, we reserve the right to combine them into a single panel discussion to ensure a broader spectrum of viewpoints and a more enriching discussion.

How to Submit: Submit a brief description of the topic, along with the names and affiliations of all panelists. Include a tentative title for the session. Submit online via the link provided.

Notification: Submitters will be notified of acceptance or rejection via email by [January 31, 2026].

Other Guidelines: Please ensure that your submission is tailored to the tribal gaming industry and aligns with one of the categories listed in the Call for Papers.  Subjects such as Casino Operations, Sports Betting, iGaming, Digital Payments, and Esports are of particular interest and align well with the categories outlined for this convention.  Please note that the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) does not cover travel or lodging costs for speakers.

Preference: Members and Associate members of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) will be given preference over non-associate members in the selection process.

Submission Does Not Guarantee Acceptance: Please note that submitting a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. The final selection of sessions is at the sole discretion of the Conference Chair, Victor Rocha, and will aim to ensure a balanced and diverse conference program.

Criteria for Proposals

Proposed educational content is evaluated according to the following criteria:

The Indian Gaming Association strives to provide substantive, relevant, and valuable training to conference attendees. Absolutely NO product or service promotion is permitted under the heading of a conference session. If you are looking for opportunities to promote your product or service, please contact Don Wells, Account Executive, at don.wells@clarionevents.com.

Proposed educational content is evaluated according to the following criteria: 

  • Relevance to Indian Gaming, particularly regarding expanding tribal economic development opportunity and/or addressing future trends in the industry.

  • Subject Matter Expertise: In the case of multiple submissions on the same topic, preference will be given to whomsoever has the greater expertise; otherwise, the conference committee may request the proposals be combined into a single session.

  • Presentation Type: We aim to provide a variety of presentation formats in order to allow for the greatest diversity of perspectives and to be as engaging as possible while being instructive to our attendees. Although single-presenter sessions are welcome, greater favor is typically given to interactive workshop sessions and panel presentations that incorporate multiple perspectives particularly the perspectives of tribal operators. 

  • Membership: Priority is given to submissions from IGA Tribal Membership, IGA Associate Membership, Tradeshow Exhibitors, and Event Sponsors. 

In the interest of providing well-balanced and substantive training, we reserve the right to accept or deny proposals in part or full, as deemed necessary. 


We look forward to receiving your insightful submissions and contributing to the discourse shaping the future of tribal gaming.

Engagement in our call for papers will not only drive meaningful discussions within the tribal gaming community but also significantly heighten the visibility and resonance of your brand, products, and services. We encourage you to seize this opportunity to interact with a wide array of industry professionals.

Should you have any queries or require additional information regarding the call for papers or the convention, please feel free to reach out to us. We eagerly anticipate your invaluable contributions and look forward to fostering a meaningful interaction at the event!