The 2008 Gaming Life Expo continued its success for the fourth consecutive year.  The following were key drivers of that success and will set the tone for another great year in 2009:

• The show attracted over 50,000 attendees during the first four days of the WSOP main event

• Many exhibitors leased multiple booths, resulting in 165 booths combined to feature attractions limited only by exhibitor creativity

• Total square footage continued to grow over the last two years, resulting in approximately 50,000 square feet of convention area

• Major exhibitors such as New Balance, Bass Pro Shops, McFadden’s, Gamma-O, All-In Energy Drinks, and Aussie Millions successfully showcased their products in what was once a completely poker-centric venue

• ESPN Radio broadcasted live from within the show

• The show featured celebrity poker appearances and autograph signings by Doyle Brunson, Gus Hansen, Annie Duke, Scotty Nguyen, Greg Raymer, Umberto Brenes, John Kalmar, Joe Hachem, 2007 WSOP Champion Jerry Yang, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, and many others.

• Various poker magazines, such as All-In and Poker Pro, found an avenue to reach their readers

• “Fight Girls” from Master Toddy’s Muay Thai Academy performed live martial arts demonstrations performances every hour

• Gaylord India Restaurant sponsored daily belly dancing performances

• Mixed martial arts superstars Josh Burkman and Grey Maynard from the Ultimate Fighter television show made daily appearance and signed autographs for fans

• Stoxpro sponsored a “Man vs. Machine” competition, featuring a poker simulator developed by University of Alberta computer science PhD, matching wits with poker experts Nick Grudzien, Jay Palansky, and Matt Hawrilenko, all of whom boast well over $1 million in lifetime winnings