Next Level Casino Careers is a free virtual event connecting individuals in and/or interested in the casino & hospitality industry, providing insights on how to take their career to the next level. Building future leaders in the greater community through connection, knowledge and experiences.

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Featured Speakers


Event Highlights





And More...

Agenda


April 4th, 2022

April 4, 2022 09:00 am

Consumer Trends

In a constantly changing world it is important to pivot and adapt. Hear from leaders who will provide strategic insight on what is changing in consumer behavior and how you can be prepared.

Speakers

  • Tracee Nalewak - Chief Growth Officer at UrVenue
  • Russell Silvers - Chief Operating Officer at AEG
  • Tim Riester - Founder and CEO of Riester Ad Agency, Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor of Phoenix Rising FC
  • Drew Dixon - VP of Entertainment & Event Center Operations at Yaamava’ Resort at Casino at San Manuel
April 4, 2022 11:00 am

Fostering Creativity

A panel brought back by popular demand! Hear from leaders who are required to think creatively daily and how they foster creative executions with their team.

Speakers

  • Ed Olsen - CEO of Line Drive Sports Marketing
  • Jerry Bowlen - Director of Horticulture at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Celena Haas-Stacey - Owner of CHS Communications
  • Laura Esfeller – Director of Marketing Services at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
April 4, 2022 01:00 pm

Recruitment in 2022 & Beyond

A topic that is on everyone’s mind is recruit and retain team members. This panel will dive into what is on the horizon and how leaders can strive to find success in the labor market.

Speakers

  •  Tonya Oatman - VP of Retail and Spa at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Jasmine Takeshita - Director of Talent Acquisition at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
  • Leslie Aguila - Supervisor of Recruitment for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
  • Paul Engl - General Manager at Learfield IMG College
  • Jaime Stratton - Head of Human Resources at the Las Vegas Raiders
April 4, 2022 03:00 pm

Lessons in Leadership

Hear this diverse panel uncover lessons learned throughout their expansive careers and how you can apply these lessons to your career.

Speakers

  • Jan Jones Blackhurst - Board Member at Caesars Entertainment Corporation 
  • Larry Krutchik - Executive VP at Hill + Knowlton Strategies
  • Jeffrey Decker - Professor Emeritus Whittier College
  • An Tran - VP of Human Resources at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
  • Bo Bernhard - VP of Economic Development at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

 

April 5th, 2022

April 5, 2022 09:00 am

Building a winning team

Success is only made possible by the collective effort of the team. Tune in to this panel to learn what it takes to build a winning culture and team.

Speakers

  • Jennifer Anthony - VP of Property Marketing at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Ari Mizrachi - SVP and Head of North America Business at Tangam Systems 
  • Sonna Gonzales - Director of Retail at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Kenji Hall - COO of Casino at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel

 

April 5, 2022 11:00 am

Experiential Dining

The F&B leadership group of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel will be taking questions on everything that makes an exceptional dining experience. 

Speakers

  • Ryan Sharpe - Director of Beverage Operations at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Chris Fava - VP of Food & Beverage at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Linchul Shin - Director of Food & Beverage at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Oliver Wolf - VP of Culinary Operations at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Kevin Kraft - Director or Food & Beverage at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
April 5, 2022 01:00 pm

Mentorship

Mentorship was one of the most popular questions at our last NLCC event… so we decided to have a panel dedicated to the topic! Hear how you can find mentors, the importance of having an experienced resource and why relationships are pivotal to success.

Speakers

  • Grant Irons - Former NFL Player and CEO of Grant Irons Enterprises, LLC
  • Michael Ganton - VP of Facilities and EVS at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Lance Ewing – VP of Enterprise Risk Management & Operations at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
  • Anna Tristan - IT Business Finance Manager at San Manuel Band of Mission Indianss
April 5, 2022 03:00 pm

Holistic Hotel Operations

A successful guest experience is only made possible by an empowered hotel operations team. Hear this team give you a sneak peek on what it takes to run a best-in-class hotel team. 

Speakers

  • Afsi Bird - VP of Hotel Operations at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Howard Copen - Director of Revenue Management at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Ron Tenorio - Director of Housekeeping at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
  • Gerri Manzo - Hotel General Manager at Bear Springs Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

A virtual event designed for any one in and or interested in the casino and hospitality space, specifically designed to take your career to the next level!
Monday April 4th and Tuesday April 5th. Register for the event for additional details.
The large diversity of leadership speakers across many industries, Q & A sessions, on demand videos, live career counseling, career opportunities, prizes and more.
Registration is required. You can register in just a few easy steps at link. Registration is open leading up to and the day of the event.
No. This event is free! Simply register for the virtual event and login and explore all we have available on April 4th and 5th.
You will receive registration confirmation with additional information links.
We’re mobile friendly! You can also use a laptop, desktop or tablet, too! All you need is a device and a reliable internet connection.
Yes!
You can reach out to us at nextlevelcareers@yaamava.com