IGA Conference Records High Attendance, Vice Chair Hill Encourages Tribes to Stand Together

The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) announced yesterday that its annual conference and trade show has been attended by some 7,000+ people. In the meantime, the organization’s new vice chair, Tehassi Hill, encouraged tribes to stay united during these difficult times.

IGA Conference Was Attended by Over 7,000 People

According to the IGA’s announcement, more than 7,000 people have attended its conference in San Diego. Representatives believe that the final numbers would be in line with the ones recorded in 2025 or exceed them.

Jason Giles, executive director of IGA, was pleased with the attendance metrics, which remained strong despite the economic hardships and partial federal shutdown. Unfortunately, the recent figures show that the attendance of the IGA conference has yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels when it recorded its all-time record of 8,800 attendees.

However, it should be noted that the 2018 show that reached the aforementioned attendance took place in Las Vegas and not in San Diego like the most recent one. Luckily for Sin City enthusiasts, the show will return to Las Vegas next year. Giles noted that his team prefers San Diego, but acknowledged that the city cannot accommodate the IGA convention every year.

Speaking about the conference itself, Giles said that this year’s edition was positive and full of optimism and resolve. He added that prediction markets were a hot topic as tribal leaders agreed that they must stand united in the face of this threat.

IGA Enhances Its Leadership with Two Appointments

Speaking of unity, this was the highlight of vice chair Tehassi Hill’s recent speech. Hill was just elected as vice chair of the IGA and will serve a two-year term in the position. For context, Hill is the current chair of the Oneida Nation, serving his third term in the position.

After swearing in, Hill commented on the importance of unity among tribal nations, especially in the face of all the challenges faced by tribal gaming.

Hill listed illegal gaming as one of the biggest threats to tribal sovereignty and said that in order to address this issue, tribes will need to strategize, expend resources, and work together. He vowed to take part in this work and collaborate with other tribal members to protect the tribal industry.

These sentiments were echoed by IGA chair David Bean, who highlighted the prediction markets sector as a clear example of federal overreach that threatens tribal gaming.

In addition to naming Hill as vice chair, the IGA appointed Michell Hicks as treasurer. The latter will also serve a two-year term. Hicks was described as an experienced leader, who has played a key role in helping the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians grow significantly.