In these times of cost optimization and shrinking revenue, is your finance function/back office capable of providing the information you need to make decisions. Are they optimally set-up to drive down cost while still meeting their objectives? Find out how to transform your finance function from a back office score-keeping activity to a strategic partner within your organization.

Presented by:
Paul Curtiz – Associate Partner, KPMG Advisory Services

As in Canada, gaming has seen rapid expansion on a world-wide scale. From major destination casino resorts in Macau and Singapore to an increasing interest in regional racino and casino opportunities in the United States. This session will provide a view of global gaming developments as well as a focus on gaming expansion activities in states bordering Canada.

Presented by:
Lyle Hall – Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.
Robert Russell – Gaming Analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors

As business leaders continue to look for ways to enhance competitiveness and value, performance management processes and information are increasingly being used to transform the enterprise and identify opportunities for growth. Although forecasting is traditionally considered a "financial exercise," leading organizations widely acknowledge that forecasting is at the heart of the performance management process and potentially a significant driver of business value and investor/shareholder confidence.

In an effort to understand how CFOs and their equivalents are using the discipline of forecasting to improve business decision making and support efforts to provide guidance to external stakeholders, KPMG International commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to examine how leading companies enhance the reliability and confidence of financial forecasts and, as a result, create measurable business value.

Presented by:
Paul Curitz – Associate Partner, KPMG Advisory Services

Gaming has often been viewed as recession resistant if not recession proof. Results from gaming destinations such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City seem to be proving this old adage wrong. But is it the gaming element or the non-gaming amenities taking the hit? Regional or locals-based casinos (the vast majority of Canadian supply) seem to be faring much better. Lottery and charitable gaming products are similarly feeling only a modest impact. What insights can be learned from broader economic trends? How relevant are consumer confidence indicators to gaming and related discretionary products?

Presented by:
Richard Leigh-Bennett – Vice President, Decima Research Inc.
Lyle Hall – Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.

As business leaders in gaming seek new ways to build shareholder value, they are discovering a connection between creation and risk management. Many are realizing that risks are no longer just hazards to be avoided. Risks create opportunity, opportunity creates value, and value ultimately creates shareholder wealth. The critical questions has become how best to manage risks to extract the value.

Presented by: Dugald McArthur – Partner, KPMG Advisory Services

The last decade has seen rapid growth of land-based gaming activity ranging from full-service casinos to racinos to community gaming centres. Lottery revenue has held its own; pari-mutuel and charity gaming products have not been as successful. But what happens next? Where is the next ten years’ growth coming from? How (or when) will internet gaming affect current gaming options? What roles will the public and private-sectors play in delivering gaming product. This panel discussion will provide a range of answers from a cross section of Canadian gaming.

Presented by:
Robert Scarpelli – Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.

Historical interpretation of the Criminal Code has led to the belief that slot machines must be owned by the provincial government in which they are located. But not any more! The Government of New Brunswick has become a trend setter by establishing a regime where the service provider operating the province’s first casino will own all electronic gaming equipment. How might this interpretation be viewed and acted upon across Canada. What is the implication for leased games? How can today’s slot inventory be replaced for limited cost to provincial lottery and gaming corporations?

Presented by:
Lyle Hall – Managing Director, HLT Advisory Inc.
Duane Frahm – Managing Director, IGT
Michael Lipton – Member, Dickinson Wright LLP