IGA Tradeshow and Conference Recap: HBG Design Shines in San Diego!
What a fantastic week in San Diego at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow and Conference (IGA)! Our team made a bold statement this year, showcasing HBG Design’s thought leadership, immersive exhibit design, and next-level hospitality.
Educational IGA Conference Panel
We kicked things off with a packed house at our educational session, “Scaling Your Casino Operations for Success,” which drew over 75 attendees! The panel was expertly moderated by our very own Danny Valle, Principal, and featured a powerhouse group of speakers:
- Jon Greendeer, President, Ho-Chunk Nation
- Evan Anderson, Director of Preconstruction, Connect Advisors
- Robert Blankmeyer, Operations Manager, PCL Construction Services Inc.
The panel offered incredible insights into the challenges and strategies behind expanding and optimizing casino operations—from capital planning to execution.
A Booth to Remember
We debuted our new interactive tradeshow booth, located right near the entrance—and you couldn’t miss it! A jumbo screen showcased some of our most exciting recent projects, and a touchscreen kiosk gave attendees a deeper dive into HBG’s Event Center Design portfolio, the Gun Lake Casino expansion, Pool and Spa concepts, and our master planning expertise. A big shoutout to Kelly DeVine, Ray Mabry, and Joe Baruffaldi for representing HBG at the booth and connecting with clients and industry partners throughout the show!
Party on the Harbor
Of course, no IGA week would be complete without our legendary industry party, and this year’s event was one for the books! We co-hosted with FS Advisors, Connect Advisors, Western Alliance Bank, Procopio, GMA, and Yates Construction aboard the Adventure Hornblower, a 3-story yacht docked in the beautiful San Diego Harbor. Over 500 guests joined us for cocktails, networking, and stunning sunset views from the open deck. It was truly a night to remember!
From our high-energy panel to our eye-catching booth and unforgettable party, the 2025 IGA Tradeshow was a huge success that continues to position HBG Design as a top firm in Indian Gaming. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event a standout moment for our team and our brand!
Designing In Cost Efficiencies: From Tribal Government Gaming
GGB's Tribal Government Gaming asked designers how to create efficiencies in casino resort design...
Read Insights from HBG Design President, Nathan Peak
Designing cost efficiencies into the casino resort is a delicate balancing act. While cost control is essential, it should not come at the expense of guest experience. We never want to design all the fun out of an entertainment experience. Yet, rising overall development costs, unpredictable material pricing and ongoing labor shortages have forced tribal resort owners to rethink how they design and operate their properties.
Navigating the Realities of Rising Costs
With costs rising, resort owners must scrutinize every square foot of their development. Nathan Peak, AIA, President and Practice Leader at HBG Design, emphasizes the importance of prioritization:
“To navigate cost challenges effectively,” Peak says, “owners should be strategic in prioritizing front-of-house and back-of-house space essential to the integrity of the guest experience. Striking the right balance is key.”
A Proactive Approach to Design and Planning
Peak emphasizes that decision alignment starting at the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for success.
“The sooner the project team is on the same page regarding program and cost, the better the outcomes—and the smoother the process."
Similarly, Peak emphasizes the importance of working with management teams to refine the program into a long-term plan:
“By prioritizing phased planning, the first phase maximizes revenue generation while setting the stage for graceful expansion. This approach incrementally manages costs while preserving funds to enhance the hospitality experience."
Designing Out Excess, Designing In Functionality
Right-sizing is just one piece of the puzzle. Thoughtful design can improve efficiency without diminishing guest engagement. Peak points to innovative approaches in guest service areas:
"Superfluous spaces don’t just drive costs up, they create operational inefficiencies. Back-of-house areas such as storage rooms, staff break areas, and service corridors should be designed with operational input to ensure streamlined adjacencies and functionality.”
Front-of-house areas are also evolving. Creative seating arrangements, adaptable F&B service models, and innovative service concepts such as grab-and-go kiosks and automated ordering can help optimize space while maintaining convenience.
“We’ll all get through these challenges, but it will require Owners and architects drilling down and finding the areas that can achieve the biggest return on design,” concludes Peak.
Indian Gaming Asks the Experts: Kelly DeVine
Long-term growth planning helps tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start.
“It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.” - Kelly DeVine, Principal, HBG Design
Jan/Feb 2025
- INDIAN GAMING MAGAZINE -
By Kelly DeVine, as seen in Indian Gaming Magazine:
As we look ahead, we’re seeing tribal clients continue to tap into their deep expertise in casino development, expanding into new markets and project types, introducing exciting amenities, and even reimagining what next-gen casinos can be. These ventures reflect the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that have always defined tribal enterprises.
It’s all about planning smarter, thinking long-term, and making well-informed decisions. After all, as the saying goes, it’s easier to erase pencil than concrete.
We’re noticing a big uptick in requests for 20-year master plans. These plans help tribal and financial clients uncover new investment opportunities and highlight the importance of strategic design-thinking from the very start. Casino developments are often decades-long endeavors, involving careful coordination with environmental impact studies, land-use planning, and navigating approvals at multiple levels. Balancing economic factors, competitive dynamics, and community priorities is no small task. Starting early and thinking big—considering everything from market trends to land-into-trust requirements—lays a foundation for adaptable strategies that can evolve with changing conditions.
Another interesting shift we’re seeing is in how casinos are designed and built to meet evolving economic and customer needs. There’s a growing trend toward more open and streamlined gaming floors that maximize flexibility for slot machine placement. Sportsbooks and sports betting are also taking center stage, often integrated with other entertainment features right on the casino floor. This blending of spaces activates the entire area, driving revenue while creating a dynamic, immersive experience for guests.
On the construction side, new methods like cold-form metal framing and stick-built delivery are gaining popularity. They’re cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials like post-tension concrete, allowing operators to get more value without sacrificing quality or style. These innovations are a win-win for owners and guests alike.