Frequently Asked Questions

Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations & Leadership Conference

Considering attending? Already registered and have questions? Please read below. If you don’t find the answers to your questions, we’d love to chat with you old fashioned style on the phone or via email.

Call us at 775-329-7864 or email our Director of Marketing gency@betravingknows.comSo, let’s get to some of those questions:

Let's start with the who, what, where, when, and why: 

Why: Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations and Leadership Conference is different than other conferences. Our goal isn’t for you to listen to people talk for three days, but that you conclude your conference experience with actionable solutions, ideas, and inspiration through workshops, breakout sessions, motivating keynotes, and social events alongside Tribal leaders and changemakers for gaming operations.

When: January 30-February 1, 2024. Plan to arrive Monday afternoon for hotel check-in, then get ready for two-and-a-half, very-busy days of education and connection. The learning doesn’t stop once the conference is over. You get exclusive access to workshops and roundtables after the show via our conference mobile app.

Who: Tribal leaders and Council, General Managers, CFOs, CEOs, and future and current leaders from all gaming operations departments.

What: All of the topics at Raving NEXT are based on feedback from the Tribal industry, clients, and research we’ve done throughout the year. We’ve pinpointed critical topics and discussion items that have been identified as critical to the success of Tribal gaming including labor and staffing issues, leadership development, Tribal sovereignty, longterm strategic planning, and the cost of doing business.

Price: Register early to take advantage of early bird discounts! Group registration packages are available as well. Registration includes all event session, meals, access to the exhibition hall and all educational sessions. Click here for pricing

 Travel: It’s recommended to stay at our host property, Choctaw Casino & Resort. Please visit our travel page to book your room, view current group rates, and schedule transportation to and from the event.

What are your health and safety guidelines?

Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations and Leadership Conference is being held in-person in January 30 -February 1, 2024.

Raving is following the guidelines of the local area for our 2024 event. Currently there are no requirements for attendees to be vaccinated. Any announcements and updates will be made on our conference website while already registered conference participants would be informed directly via email.

Our virtual app – it’s great and sooo very handy

We have incorporated a virtual app into our conference experience which allows you to view the agenda, enter to win prizes, connect with other attendees, presenters, and vendors; update personal profiles, with full access BEFORE, DURING and AFTER the event. That’s right, see a former colleague on the list? Reach out and set a coffee date! Want to start a discussion on a particular issue that is keeping you up at night? You can do all that, and more, through our conference app.

First, make sure you watch our Welcome & Tutorial video. It will guide you through logging into the conference platform and features available for attendees. This may answer some of your questions.

Note: this video was created for our previous virtual-only conference in 2021, but the navigation tips are helpful.

 

Not your thing? That’s okay. Our team can help you onsite too if you are curious but don’t want to spend the time before to figure it out.

2021 Tutorial Video: How to use the conference event platform

I registered, but where do I go now?

If you have already registered, you will receive a link to the same email that you registered to access the mobile app. When you arrive in person, follow signs to the conference area, you’ll see our registration area on Monday afternoon!

When does the conference start?

The conference officially starts on January 30 in person. However, we're letting folks log-in to the platform prior – we encourage everyone to make sure they don’t have any technical issues logging on and to get familiar with the virtual app and conference platform before we go live. View full agenda

How long do I have access to the virtual app and conference platform? 

You have access to the conference for 60 days. The conference platform will be closed beginning of April. You will use your same login to access. Remember you can download handouts and still ask presenters questions anytime within this 60 day period. We are NOT recording sessions.

When are the Special Virtual Workshops?

We will have special workshops and networking groups scheduled around the conference. As an attendee, you will receive an email with an invite to register for these keep-it-going sessions held virtually over Zoom.

How do I get credits with University of Phoenix?

We’ve got a fantastic program with our partner UOPX. That’s right, attend our conference and get credit towards your future degree. Email gency@betravingknows.com that you are interested in learning more about credits for University of Phoenix or call us 775-329-7864. We will introduce you to Patrick Horning, University of Phoenix and confirm that you attended the sessions.

Do you offer scholarships?

We sure do. Check out the Tribal Scholarship and Mentorship Program here.

I’m submitting a budget – what does my conference pass include?

In person:

  • A hearty breakfast Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Lunch Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Evening Cocktail Reception Tuesday (with appetizers)
  • Evening Cocktail Reception Wednesday (just beverages unless noted)
  • Full access pass to all educational sessions, workshops, and exhibit hall
  • Sixty-day access to our Raving NEXT virtual conference platform:
  • Access to all the virtual tradeshow booths
  • The ability to reach out to other attendees, vendors, and presenters through the platform messaging capabilities
  • Course materials including: follow-up reports, session quizzes and presentations
  • Certificate of completion on request
  • College credit with the University of Phoenix

Speaking of food – I’m on a special diet

We’ve got you covered. Please email Chris Faria, our Events Director at chris@betravingknows.com a couple of weeks prior to the show to talk about your special needs. She will work with the chef to accommodate you.

How long has this conference been around?

Quick answer: 2024 marks our 26th event! For a complete list of events and locations, check out the bottom of our about page.

What do I wear?

Business casual is what most attendees choose. We have evening events and cocktail receptions planned.  Some folks will be in suits, others in jeans.  Seems like it is either too cold or too hot in conference rooms, so bring a layer just in case.

What’s the registration process?

We ask that all attendees pay by credit card or check and register online. If you need to pay by check, please email gency@betravingknows.com or call 775-329-7864. Registration will open in September for the January event.

Should I bring my laptop to take notes?

Sure! Most sessions are set up classroom style. We also have a charging station in the exhibit hall to conveniently recharge your phone or laptop.

I have some specific goals for attending this conference, and I want to make sure that I leave with a good understanding of the topic. Can I book one-on-one time with the presenters? 

If you’re trying to solve a very specific problem, book your private appointment today for some expert help. Half-hour or One-Hour meetings can be booked ahead of time.

Take this opportunity to "pick the brains" of leading industry experts. Please contact Kristine Woods at kristine@betravingknows.com   call her at 775-329-7864 (O) 808-645-6644 (M) for more information.

What is your cancellation policy?

Once payment is received, there will be no refunds. We can transfer an attendee registration to another team member up to ten days in advance. Thank you for understanding that Raving incurs costs for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees in the planning of the event.

I can’t find my registration email and directions to access the mobile app.

We may have you registered with a different email. You can check your confirmation receipt to see what email you used to register or simply give us a call at 775-329-7864 or email gency@betravingknows.com.