DetroitWindsor Casino Management Association Chapter Begins Seventh Biannual Spring Certification Series

18 February 2004

By David Waddell

Due to the casino gaming industry's huge technological advances over the last decade, the industry has seen an increasing need for educational sources for its middle and upper management employees. In 1994, the Casino Management Association, a non-profit organization, was created to provide educational sources for the Las Vegas casino industry's professional work force. In 2000, a local Michigan CMA Chapter was created to provide these educational services to the Detroit/Windsor gaming community. The DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter's Spring 2004 Certification Series begins on February 25, 2004. As Casino Windsor celebrates its 10th Anniversary and the Detroit market soon celebrates its 5th Anniversary the CMA's local Chapter will be starting its 7th Certification Series. According to local CMA President Robert Russell, anyone who recognizes the continuing education need in the gaming profession is welcome to join and participate in one or all of the programs.

To date, over 650 Detroit and Windsor area casino employees have participated in at least one program and 300 people have graduated from one of the prior six Certification Series by completing at least three of the five workshops in any given Series. Persons who graduate from the Certification Series are recognized for their accomplishment with a certificate and an invitation to the CMA Annual Awards Dinner.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 9 a.m. the DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter will begin its Spring 2003 Certification Series at the MotorCity Casinos Classic Buffet Restaurant. The initial workshop is entitled: "Michigan's Top Casino Regulator" and will include a presentation by Dan Gustafson, Executive Director of Michigan's Gaming Control Board.

The Spring Series workshops will occur at the following times and locations:

701. Michigan's Top Casino Regulator

The Detroit casino industry is regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The person responsible for coordinating the Board's regulatory duties is Mr. Dan Gustafson. At this program you will meet and hear from Mr. Gustafson and learn his philosophy towards regulating the casino industry in Michigan.

Speaker: Dan Gustafson, Executive Director, Michigan Gaming Control Board

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: MotorCity Casino Buffet

702. Managing the Difficult Casino Guest

The casino gaming environment is all about guest services and giving our customers an experience they will remember. From time to time we are confronted with a difficult guest. Dealing with these difficult guests can be challenging, but it is part of the job no matter what segment of the customer service industry you work in. At this program you will learn strategies for dealing with the difficult guest.

Speakers: Alan Galanty, Training & Org. Development Manager, MotorCity Casino; Paula Green-Smith, Director of Training & Development, Greektown Casino

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: City of Detroit Training Center

703. Understanding the Midwest Tourist

Between January 1, 1996 and June 30, 2003, over 25,000 randomly selected members of households in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Ontario who had taken a recent pleasure trip of at least 50 miles in distance were interviewed by researchers at Michigan State University's Tourism Resource Center. What did they learn about these trips? How can marketing efforts be modified to ensure you are reaching the Midwest traveler?

Speaker: Dr. Donald Holecek, Michigan State University, Professor of Tourism

Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2004

Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: Casino Windsor, Ballroom A

704. T.B.A.

Speaker: T.B.A.

Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: MGM Grand Detroit Casino 5th Floor Conference Room

705. Slot Technology: Where is the Future of Machines Headed?

The modern casino industry receives on average 80 percent of its revenues from slot machines. As a result of the high importance of slot machines on the bottom line, there is a need to keep slot technology fresh and innovative. Coming up with new game ideas is one part of the equation, but it is also necessary to get State or Provincial approval from the Gaming Control Authority. How do the two work together in order to bring the latest and greatest technology to the casino floor? What are some of the new trends in slot technology?

Speaker: Pat Leen, Gaming Regulators Consultants; Representatives from IGT, Alliance & Konami have been invited.

Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: Greektown Casino's Olive Room

If you are interested in participating in the DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter Spring 2004 Certification Series, please contact Kim Collins at (313) 237-7300 or log onto the CMA website at www.cmaweb.org.

CMA is for all gaming industry employees wishing to network with suppliers, regulators, and other gaming professionals while learning more about the industry.