Show begins this week

Monday, Oct. 15, 2001 | 9:26 a.m.

The World Gaming Congress and Expo is reporting strong reservation activity as it prepares to open for its 15th year in Las Vegas this week.

The gaming industry trade show has received nearly 13,000 pre-registrations, and organizers say they expect attendance to top 18,000. Nearly 500 exhibitors have reserved more than 160,000 square feet of convention space, officials said.

The show, known primarily as a showcase for slot manufacturers to show off their latest machines, begins Tuesday and runs through Friday at the Sands Expo Center. The highest profile event is a keynote speech by Desert Inn owner Steve Wynn, who is scheduled to speak Friday morning.

This year, organizers said they will have a free seminar for casino workers who lost their jobs in the tourism downturn that followed the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

The seminar, "Bouncing Back from Being Laid Off," will be presented by career consultant Shelly Field, author of 25 books, including "Career Opportunities in Casinos and Casino Hotels" and "The Unofficial Guide to Hot Careers."

The seminar will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 in Room 203 of the Sands Expo & Convention Center. All casino employees are invited to attend free of charge, and no pre-registration is required.