The Executive Development Program (EDP), the premier professional development opportunity for aspiring C-Suite executives in the gaming industry, took place Nov. 4-12 in Incline, Nevada. The event was hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Business, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Gaming International Gaming Institute. 

“Bill Eadington founded this program to create the next generation of globally competitive executives,” Satre Chair of Gaming Studies at UNLV and co moderator Bo Bernard said.  

With 33 years of success modeling Eadington’s goals, the EDP continues attracting dynamic participants from gaming companies and regulatory agencies worldwide. During the eight days, EDP provided a best-in-class educational experience to help shape the future leaders of the gaming industry. This year’s program welcomed a cohort of talented individuals who had joined the ranks of more than 1,600 EDP graduates. 

EDP participants are pacesetters in the gaming sector, addressing common strategic issues vital to the casino gaming industry. The program served as a platform for leaders worldwide to converge and engage in critical discussions that shaped the industry’s future. 

“This year, the group case study examined developing a property in NYC, something being done in real life,” Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement and co moderator Jim McClenahan said. 

A key highlight of the program was the opportunity to interact with peers from around the world, creating lasting and invaluable professional relationships. EDP created an environment where participants could share insights, experiences, and knowledge, fostering a network of industry leaders dedicated to improving gaming operations and regulations. 

“ I enjoyed networking and learning from other people,” Charlene Ong Yee, senior manager of strategic planning at Marina Bay Sands, said. “We were in different roles, companies, sizes, continents and views.” 

From contributing to their case studies to confronting challenging media, EDP pushed attendees to think critically and react fast. EDP graduates often go on to hold prominent positions in the gaming world, making it a pivotal steppingstone for aspiring C-suit executives.  

The crucial takeaway from the workshops and speakers of the program was “a change in mindset,” Will Dangc, senior director of commercial finance at Light and Wonder said.    

Anticipation for next year’s Executive Development Program has already begun, with companies eagerly awaiting to send their employees to study cutting-edge case studies and delve into new industry topics.  

“Expect a similar ‘ripped from the headlines’ case and more topics on AI, cybersecurity with a focus on people and customers for next year,” McClenahan said.