13th Annual Tribal Casino Executive Exchange
February 15-17, 2026
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club - Dana Point, CA
Event Details
The 13th Annual Tribal Casino Executive Exchange will be held February 15-17, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Dana Point, CA.
This event brings together Casino Executives from Tribal-owned casinos for moderator-led roundtable discussions, small group breakout sessions, peer-to-peer dialogues, and plenty of networking opportunities. This C-Level event is designed to help attendees in solving the biggest challenges facing Tribal-owned casinos while presenting partners with the solutions they need.
To speak with a representative about attending, speaking, sponsoring or exhibiting, please call us at 201-857-5333 or email dan@nativenationevents.org.
Registration Information
The 13th Annual Tribal Casino Executive Exchange is one of the most exclusive gatherings in Indian Country. This event is invite-only for top General Managers, Assistant General Managers, and Casino Executives.
If you have questions regarding your eligibility to attend, please contact Dan O’Connor (dan@nativenationevents.org) at 201-857-5333.
HOTEL INFORMATION
WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUBWaldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
1 Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
Room Rate: $395
Cut-Off Date: Thursday, January 15th, 2026
To reserve your room, please call 1-800-722-1543. To receive the discounted room rate, mention Native Nation Events or the Tribal Casino Executive Exchange.
Book Your Room Here
GOLF OUTING INFORMATION
Monarch Beach Golf Links - Dana Point, CAOne of the highlights of Native Nation Events’ Casino Executive Exchange is the golf outing following sessions on day two. Forum partners and attendees will enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Monarch Beach Golf Links, combining friendly competition with scenic coastal views. Players will compete for prizes including best overall score, longest drive, and closest to the pin.
Located along the Southern California coastline in Dana Point, Monarch Beach Golf Links offers a premier oceanfront golf experience with sweeping Pacific views and immaculately maintained fairways. The outing will feature a shotgun start and is open to golfers of all skill levels—from seasoned players to first-time participants—ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone.
13th Annual Tribal Casino Executive Exchange
February 15-17, 2026
Sunday, February 15
7:30-9:00 PM
Opening Reception
Monday, February 16th
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Opening Remarks
Justin O'Connor
President | Native Nation Events
Dan O'Connor
Director of Sales | Native Nation Events
9:15 -10:00 AM
The Why Behind the Wager
Mark Astone
Chief Executive Officer | Catalyst
Josh Williams
Vice President of Strategy and Technology | Catalyst
As tribal gaming evolves, understanding why players choose one casino over another is becoming as important as tracking visits and spend. In this session, Catalyst Marketing shares early insights from a national survey of Indian casino gamers, uncovering shifting motivations, expectations, and decision drivers heading into 2026. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to inform smarter strategy, more relevant marketing, and stronger guest relationships.
10:00 - 10:15 AM
Morning Networking Break
10:15 AM- 12:15 PM
Interconnective Speed Sessions
At this fast paced, round-robin style event, Forum Partners will have the opportunity to sit and speak with all participating Casino Executives for about 4–5-minute intervals. This session is designed as a quick introduction and putting a face to the name that will allow you the opportunity to set up a one-on-one meeting to dive deeper into what products and services your company offers.
12:15 - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 PM
AI in Gaming – Smarter Casino Operations
Mridula Rahmsdorf - Moderator
Chief Revenue Officer | IKASI
Brooke Fiumara
Chief Executive Officer | OPTX
Saverio Scheri
Chief Operations Officer | Agua Caliente Resort Casino & Spa
Joe Young
Director of Gaming Operations | Table Mountain Casino Resort
Craig Pleva
Chief Operating Officer | Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how casinos operate, from the back office to the gaming floor. In an era defined by efficiency, personalization, and real-time data, AI gives casino executives the ability to make smarter, faster and more profitable decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- How AI-driven technology analytics help optimize staffing, dollar allocation, and customer experience
- Automation and smart data-driven decision-making within each department will lead to a greater return on investment.
2:15 - 2:45 PM
Afternoon Networking Break
2:45 - 3:45 PM
How Can AI Technology Increase the Profitability of Your Continuity Gifting Program
Scott Nicholson - Moderator
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships | Imagine This
Christian Marcello
President | FirstPoint Connect
Michael Glauser
Founder & Managing Partner | A.D.E.N.
Brian Decorah
Senior Vice President and General Manager | Gun Lake Casino
Pearl Aguinaldo
Vice President of Marketing | Agua Caliente Casinos
Gifting programs have been a cornerstone for player retention. Given today’s competition for customer gaming dollars, how are Gaming Enterprises utilizing the data to adapt and produce programs with precision, personalization, and in return profitability.
Key Takeaways:
- Using predictive analytics to personalize gifting
- Automating player segmentation for smarter reward tiers
- Tracking redemption data
- Integrating AI with existing CRM and loyalty systems
3:45 - 5:00 PM
Don’t let emerging gaming markets force your decisions, stay ahead of the curve
Tino Magnatta - Moderator
Host | Casino Update
Ray Pineault
Casino Executive
Craig Pleva
Chief Operating Officer | Moronga Casino Resort & Spa
Camille Mercier
Chief Executive Officer | Spirit Mountain Casino
Mary Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer | Four Winds Casino
Kevin Nephew
President & CEO | Seneca Gaming Corporation
As gaming expands, the real leadership challenge isn’t reacting after new models take hold, but thinking ahead before they become threats. Too often, the industry waits for regulatory or competitive clarity, instead of planning early, assessing risk, and deciding where to participate before the market forces that decision.
5:00 PM
Sessions Conclude
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Monday Night Reception
Monday night is where business meets bragging rights! Join us for a lively Dinner Reception featuring great food, great company, and a friendly (but competitive) cornhole tournament. Mix, mingle, and toss a few bags as you network with fellow attendees as well as leading industry companies. Prizes, laughter and unforgettable moments are guaranteed!
9:00 PM
Day One Concludes
Tuesday, February 17
8:00 - 9:00
Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Strategies for a Sustainable Future with Costs on the Rise
Chase Lane
Chief Executive Officer | LT.agency
Michael Michaud
Chief Marketing Officer | Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise
Oscar Garcia
General Manager | Casino Pauma
Paul Feltman
Chief Operating Officer | Quechan Casino Resort
Jason Wolfe
Chief Executive Officer | PerfectGift
Inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain continues to drive up costs across every area of casino operations. From gaming floors to F&B, hotel services, rewards, incentives, and marketing. What are some avenues being taken to navigate through these hurdles while saving every dollar possible?
Key Takeaways:
·The biggest cost drivers impacting casinos today
·Workforce retention and wage pressures
·Vendor negotiations
·Balancing cost containment with guest experience
10:00 - 11:00 AM
iGaming’s Influence on Brick-and-Mortar Casinos
Jim Eller - Moderator
Business Development | CIS Technology
Scott Sirois
General Manager | Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hote
Kimberlee Dunlop
Chief Operating Officer | Seneca Gaming Corporation
Kenneth Rohman
Executive Vice President, Customer Experience | Wind Creek Hospitality
Do we see iGaming as a threat, or a powerful new ally? As iGaming continues to grow across the U.S., how is it shaping the future of your casino when there is a rise of mobile sport betting, digital wagering, and online casino platforms.
Key Takeaways:
· How iGaming is changing player behavior and spending dollars
· Can it be an engine for innovation, cross-channel loyalty, and sustainable growth?
· Using digital platforms to re-engage dormant players
11:00 - 11:15 AM
Closing Remarks/Adjourn from Sessions
12:30 - 5:00 PM
Golf Outing with Shotgun Start
Join us at the Monarch Golf Club for a relaxing afternoon and light competition with prizes for best score, longest drive, and closest to the pin! Our shotgun start is open to experts and beginners alike and will be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Driving range will be available from 11:00 – 12:00.
Forum Partners
General Managers & Casino Executives
























