Schedule of Events
All DeskCon times in ET. Sessions and times subject to change.
Thursday, October 7
NASPL Trade Show
New to DeskCon this year is our interactive Trade Show. For the first time, you can visit individual exhibitor pages representing our NASPL Associate Members, where you can view product videos, take part in interactive presentations, video chat with representatives, and more. You can also register interest in the company with a simple click of a button, and an associate will reach out to you directly with more information. It’s a great way to learn what is new in the industry from our most trusted and experienced vendors.
11:00am - Noon ET
Buddy Roogow Best New Games Presentations and Awards
The Buddy Roogow Innovation Awards for Best New Instant and Best New Draw Games are named in honor of the late Buddy Roogow. These awards recognize the efforts made to create and communicate the innovative attributes of new Instant and Draw style games, and for their increased sales potential. Learn more about this year’s most exciting new games, and find out which lotteries are taking home top honors.
Noon - 1:00pm ET
NASPL Batchy Awards in Radio, Print & Corporate Communications
Batchy Awards are presented to NASPL members for outstanding advertising and business communication achievements. This award is named in honor of the late Ralph Batch, elected as NASPL’s first president in 1971. It was through his efforts that the advantages of exchanging information and collaborating on joint ventures between lotteries were first recognized.
1:00pm - 1:45pm ET
Breakout Session
A Conversation With Anne Johnson, Walmart Director of Lottery & Automated Kiosks
Anne Johnson, Director of Lottery & Automated Kiosks, Walmart Inc.
David Gale, Executive Director, North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries
NASPL Executive Director David Gale sits down with Walmart’s Director of Lottery & Automated Kiosks Anne Johnson to discuss what’s new with the retail giant, what opportunities there might be in the future, and how the lottery industry and Walmart might assist each other moving forward. Also, Walmart has some good news to share about lottery products.
2:00pm - 2:45pm ET
Breakout Session
COVID-19 Pandemic: How Are You Holding Up?
Kristin Kitzmiller, Social Worker, National Alliance on Mental Health, Greater Cleveland
Matt Gesicki, Community Outreach & Education Coordinator, National Alliance on Mental Health, Greater Cleveland
The pandemic has introduced many new challenges over the past year and a half, and we may find ourselves asking, “What is normal?” This presentation will help identify the thoughts, feelings and behaviors we have experienced during this tumultuous time, as well as common mental illnesses and their symptoms. The speaker will also discuss the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide coping skills and strategies to help maintain positive mental health. Additional resources offering how and where to get further help will be provided as well. Pause. Breathe. Reach out. Stay connected.
2:00pm - 2:45pm ET
NASPL Trade Show
New to DeskCon this year is our interactive Trade Show. For the first time, you can visit individual exhibitor pages representing our NASPL Associate Members, where you can view product videos, take part in interactive presentations, video chat with representatives, and more. You can also register interest in the company with a simple click of a button, and an associate will reach out to you directly with more information. It’s a great way to learn what is new in the industry from our most trusted and experienced vendors.
2:45pm - 3:45pm ET
Keynote Speaker
Creating Superfans
Brittany Hodak, Chief Experience Officer, Experience.com
3:45pm - 4:15pm ET
NASPL Batchy Awards in Television & Special Categories and Best of the Batch Award
Named in honor of the late Ralph Batch, elected as NASPL’s first president in 1971, the Batchy Awards are presented to NASPL members for outstanding advertising and business communication achievements.
The Best of the Batch exemplifies the level of innovativeness that all lotteries should aspire to achieve. This award is granted to the entry that stands above the rest.
4:15pm - 4:45pm ET
Closing Ceremony
Gretchen Corbin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Lottery Corporation
4:45pm - 5:00pm ET
