Dozens of trade shows cater to people in the Internet gambling industry. But which shows deserve "must attend" status and which are a waste of time? We informally surveyed five industry insiders who regularly attend trade shows and compiled this list.

1. Global Interactive Gaming Summit & Expo (GIGSE)

Description: Largest conference devoted strictly to Internet gaming. More than 60 exhibitors and 1,100 attendees in 2002.

Buzz: "This is by far the best show of the year." "The majority of industry decision makers are in attendance and the networking opportunities are far superior than any other conference or exposition." "This is a must attend for any industry supplier."

Next Event: May 20-22, 2003 in Toronto, Canada

Web Site: www.gigse.com

2. International Casino Exhibition (ICE)

Description: Huge trade show geared to the European land-based casino industry. 6,388 casino and gaming industry professionals attended the last show, the most in its 13-year history.

Buzz: "ICE brought out more people from the European market than the North American shows and had a good variety of igaming companies represented." "I was pleasantly surprised to see the number of online gaming professionals in attendance." "An excellent venue to meet with senior decision makers who may not attend GIGSE." "Bottom line, we did good business there."

Next Event: January 27-29, 2004, London

Web Site: www.ice-london.co.uk

3. Global Gaming Expo (G2E)

Description: The pre-eminent show for the worldwide gaming-entertainment industry. 13,652 people attended G2E 2002, with 11,071 people visiting 620 exhibitors and 2,581 attending conference sessions.

Buzz: "The igaming pavilion is quite small." "Has less of a 'lets get down to business' feel... people are in a more productive headspace in Toronto or London." "We have yet to see any real financial benefit from attending, but will continue to support this show because of the pure number of visitors in attendance." "A good excuse to go to Vegas."

Next Event: September 16-18, 2003, Las Vegas

Web Site: www.globalgamingexpo.com

For a list of all major gaming-related trade shows, see www.gamingfloor.com