By Roger Porter
Mark your calendars for April 17-18, set your global positioning systems on track for Billings and plan to attend Summit Gaming' 11th Annual Open House and Customer Appreciation Days. The welcome mat is out and once more Summit President Tim Carson will personally welcome those who attend.
Commenting on the annual event Carson said, "It is hard to believe that our customer appreciation days have come around once again. This will be our 11th year and we couldn't be more excited to both celebrate and share with our friends what we have accomplished over the years and to introduce what our future will be in the Montana gaming market."
Carson continued, "Throughout the 11 years we have been designing and building gaming machines here in Montana, we have designing very strong friendships and business relationships that we sincerely appreciate and will continue to nurture and support."
For those not familiar with this annual event, brace yourself for two days of fun, food and a glimpse into the future of Summit products and video gaming.
According to Summit Marketing Manager Curt Hagerty, "Our Open House and Customer Appreciation Days will once again be at the Shrine Auditorium in Billings. However, we will be in the lower level this year due to a scheduling conflict with the auditorium. But we promise this will be an event you won't want to miss."
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. And there is no need to schedule meals as the Shriners roll out a wonderful assortment of food and goodies throughout the day and provide a full bar complete with your favorite libation.
Hagerty promises "seafood, steaks, pastas and all the fixin' plus desserts. So don't
miss out on the food."
Reviewing the state of the gaming industry, Carson said, "The Montana gaming market is evolving and maturing and so has Summit right along with it; at times, we've been guiding it and developing it.
"The market demands that we take the next step in gaming entertainment with new technology, game concepts and hardware that customers want to play. And I thinks we have met that challenge! Summit' most advanced gaming products will be on display for everyone to experience at our open house."
Hagerty expanded that theme, adding, "From our state of the art cabinets to cutting edge new games, we will be previewing what Montana will be experiencing soon in the gaming market. We have new and exciting games for our MegaPlex series of gaming machines like Spill Over Keno as well as Payline Poker and Demolition Poker for our Royal Touch line. These new poker and keno games will definitely push the entertainment envelope with plenty of interactivity and liberal bonus rounds."
One of the highlights of these affairs over the years has been the very popular technical classes held each day of the show. Hagerty says, "These are hands-on training courses which cover both the Royal Touch and MegaPlex gaming machines. Beginning personnel classes start each day at 10:30 a.m. and will cover a general overview of the machines, maintenance, operation and basic troubleshooting.
"Afternoon classes for advanced personnel begin at 1 p.m. and cover components, advanced troubleshooting and game linking," Hagerty said.
Also on hand to answer questions on their respective products will be representatives from the manufacturers of the monitors, bill acceptors and printers.
Classes are limited so readers are urged to contact Summit now at (406) 652-3239 to reserve a spot.
The folks at Summit keep in mind the old saying, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." So, they have scheduled a number of fun diversions, too.
Last year was the inaugural for the Summit version of "Deal, or No Deal," the popular TV show. Contestants chosen have an opportunity to take home a bevy of prizes and some big money. Hagerty says that if the Deal or No Deal isn't enough, "some lucky folks will get to try their luck in the "Grab for Cash Booth' where hundreds of dollars fly through the air just waiting to be plucked."
So don't miss this opportunity to glance into the future of video gaming machines and have yourself a whoppin' good time while you're doing it.
Summit President Carson said, "This show is designed for everyone with an interest in video gaming. It has become one of the premier events in the Montana industry and we encourage everyone to come and see our new products, talk to our folks, have some lunch or dinner (or both) and just have a great time. We look forward to seeing you there."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, April, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.