Despite a politely conducted protest held outside PACIFICO Yokohama on Wednesday and a speech by Deputy Governor Toshihide Hirahara being briefly interrupted by one particularly ambitious protestor, the 1st IR Expo in Yokohama proved an overwhelming success with around 10,000 visitors across the two days of the event.
Jointly hosted by the Japan IR Expo in Yokohama Executive Committee and Integrated Resort (IR) Yokohama Promotion Council – with Innovent Inc overseeing operations – the 1st IR Expo in Yokohama attracted over 40 exhibitors featuring the latest in IR development, technology, architecture, security and more. Inside Asian Gaming was Lead Media Partner.
Among those exhibiting and presenting their vision for an IR in Yokohama were some of the world’s leading IR operators including Galaxy Entertainment Group, Genting Singapore, Las Vegas Sands, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Sega Sammy Holdings and Wynn Resorts.
While the opening day of the expo was largely focused on the content of the seminars, day two saw plenty of color added to the exhibition floor with Wynn Resorts showcasing a stage performances featuring five dancers from its Las Vegas Le Reve show, including part of the long-running musical Chicago, a magician and Kanagawa’s own Kana-Boon! Dance group.
Sega Sammy, the only Japanese operator with an exhibit, hosted Ikebana performances by NAKED, INC, and handed out tasty samples prepared by partner, Kyoto Kitcho.