Menno Olgers is the Architect of Human-Centric Systems & Exceptional Teams, a speaker, and founder of Surply and 9+ Teams, ventures dedicated to measuring, building, and realizing high-performing teams through behavioral dynamics.

With nearly 25 years of global leadership experience, including 15 years in expatriate roles, Menno has developed The Surpass Principles, a unique methodology for sustainable team success centered on human-centric innovation and organizational culture.

As AI transforms the workplace, Menno focuses on how new behaviors and team dynamics must evolve to thrive alongside intelligent automation. He combines deep expertise in organizational systems with behavioral insights to help leaders redesign work environments where people are empowered—not controlled—and where human dignity remains central. Menno partners with a diverse range of organizations, including insurance firms, banks, and the energy sector, where the energy transition demands cultural shifts that transcend traditional approaches.

Menno’s work aligns closely with this panel’s critical exploration of trust, fairness, and transparency in AI-driven HR. He offers actionable perspectives on how teams can adapt to AI’s challenges, fostering collaboration and empowerment, to preserve the humanity at work’s core.

Dennis Conrad has 50 years of experience in the casino industry.  He believes his value to the industry stems from the various and unique perspectives he has had in it: Frontline employee, supervisor, property director, corporate Vice President, Institute creator, conference organizer, consulting company developer and owner, long-time columnist, industry observer, and of course, casino player.

Dennis has worked with casinos all over the world and has been a featured speaker at major gaming conferences in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, South Africa, Bulgaria, Peru, Puerto Rico, Denmark and Italy.  He is a graduate of Stanford University and has completed programs at Harrah’s Excellence in Management, University of Nevada-Reno’s Executive Development, Peter Senge’s Systems Thinking and the Disney Institute.

Dennis is widely known and recognized for his creativity, industry innovation and fierce devotion to the business and marketing principle of bringing more value to casino players, instead of less.  He has received the Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award and three different Harrah’s Chairman’s awards (for Innovation, Outstanding Performance and Community Service).  He is the author of two books, Conrad on Casino Marketing, and Conrad’s Corners: Observations on Casinos, Marketing and Life.

While semi-retired, Dennis is still the Principal of Conrad on Casino Consulting and continues to look for select clients who truly care about being Customer and Employee focused and are willing to act on it.

Simon Thomas is founder, Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of Hippodrome Casino Limited, the landmark leisure and entertainment complex in Leicester Square.

As the West End’s leading entertainment venue, the Hippodrome spans 80,000 ft², employs more than 820 people, and attracts over 32,000 customers each week. It includes three casinos, 10 bars, two restaurants, a theatre hosting Magic Mike Live, a poker suite, outdoor terraces, private dining rooms, Paddy’s sportsbook (a UK first), a barber shop, and more.

He is chairman of the casino industry group within the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council and is a director of the European Casino Association.

Simon is a frequent speaker at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Reno’s Executive Development Programme and is a regular contributor at international gaming industry conferences. He is a member of the UNLV International Gaming Institute advisory board and a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors EMEA steering committee.

In addition to his industry roles, Simon is actively involved in civic life. He is Chairman of the Westminster Police Independent Advisory Group, working closely with the Metropolitan Police to improve safety and public confidence and is a director of the Heart of London Business Alliance. He also served as a commissioner on the West End Commission and was a trustee of GamCare from 2007 to 2019. He is regularly quoted in the press and engages with local and national stakeholders on initiatives to enhance the West End of London.

CEO of Swiss Casinos since January 2024, leading Switzerland’s largest casino operator with four land-based casinos and the online casino swisscasinos.ch. He initiated the creation of Swiss Casinos Technology to develop and launch ReelLink, the company’s new solution that enables a true omni-channel player experience. Previously, he joined Stadtcasino Baden Group as CFO and drove innovation by launching Switzerland’s first legal online casino, jackpots.ch, and investing in the tech startup Gamanza to strengthen iGaming capabilities. Marcel’s leadership advanced data-driven strategies, loyalty programs and notable offerings such as Switzerland’s first regulated crash game. With 11 years at PwC and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Marcel is a seasoned leader in the gaming and entertainment industry.

Grant Stousland, Founder & CEO of Slot Check, is a gaming industry innovator revolutionizing slot transparency for players through his pioneering mobile app. Slot Check delivers real-time slot data (e.g., RTP, payout history, and performance metrics) directly from partnered casinos, empowering players with actionable insights and driving player engagement. A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate with an MBA from Concordia University-Wisconsin, Grant was previously President & CEO of Gaming Informatics, where he brought  IRIS® to market, the first integrated regulatory information system, acquired by Kobetron/GLI in 2016. His 20+ years span technology, finance, education, and founding and scaling a national apparel manufacturing and distribution firm.

At this year’s Casino Operators Summit, Grant will present “Slot Transparency: Unlocking Player Loyalty Through Data Empowerment,” sharing proven strategies to boost retention and revenue in a data-driven gaming future.

George Tsonoulis is Head of Products & Partners (Land & Ship) at Paf – Games Sport Casino, where he leads commercial strategy, partnerships, and product development across 26 vessels and land-based venues. With 25 years in the gaming industry, Georg has held senior management roles in several European casinos, including Sunborn Gibraltar, Apollonia Casino Gevgelija, and Regency Casino Mont Parnes. His career has centered on shaping sustainable business models, transforming casino operations, and creating engaging player experiences both on land and at sea.