Each year, the impact of Tribal gaming can be felt throughout the industry and is routinely exemplified during the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Tradeshow & Convention, hosted from San Diego, California. Global Gaming Insider was once again on-site to take part in the conference, which carried two distinct themes across the 2026 rendition. 

Following the unfortunate passing of IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. on September 26, this year’s tradeshow would represent the first to be held without his leadership. The Association held numerous events and celebrations in honor of his legacy, including having members of the Stevens family take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the expo hall floor, and the Chairman’s Sovereign Warrior Luncheon. For the first time in IGA history, the conference also hosted the Chairman Stevens IGA Tradeshow Wellness Walk/Run.