The organizers of the upcoming Southern Gaming Summit in Biloxi, Mississippi, have announced that James Allen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for casino, hotel and restaurant operator Hard Rock Cafe International Incorporated, has agreed to deliver the event’s opening address.

BNP Media and the Mississippi Gaming And Hospitality Association declared that Allen has almost 40 years of industry experience and currently oversees operations in 74 countries, which include 174 cafes, 24 hotels and eleven casinos. Since 2001 he has helped to transform Seminole Gaming into one of the world’s most profitable casino companies courtesy of its seven casinos throughout Florida alone and played a major role in the Seminole Tribe Of Florida’s 2007 acquisition of Hard Rock International.

The 23rd annual Southern Gaming Summit is scheduled to take place from May 2 to 4 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum And Convention Center and will be holding special events to commemorate the opening of the area’s first casino, the Isle Of Capri Hotel And Casino, in 1992. There will also be the Global Gaming Women luncheon, a welcome reception hosted by the Beau Rivage Resort And Casino and an opening night party at the IP Casino Resort And Spa.

“Allen’s exponentially successful career in casino operations makes his keynote address at this year’s Southern Gaming Summit a can not miss for those in the gaming industry,” read a joint statement from BNP Media and the Mississippi Gaming And Hospitality Association.

 

This article has been updated to more completely reflect the current scope of Hard Rock International operations.