Speakers

Tom Nieman has extensive experience in senior management, marketing, public relations, strategic communications, and various gaming industry associations. His most recent corporate employment included serving as a member of senior management of Sales, Marketing, and Operations at JCM Global in Las Vegas (2004 to 2019), along with executive VP Sales and Marketing positions at Shuffle Master Inc. (1999 to 2004), and VP at Bally Gaming in Las Vegas (1994 - 1999) in addition to Executive Board member of and two-year term as President of Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) 2009 – 2019; board member of the American Gaming Association (AGA) 2016 to 2018. Additionally, in 2019, Tom was awarded the Yens Halle Memorial Award for Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) organization.
Before his tenure in Las Vegas, Tom was an executive at Scientific Games Inc. in the US, where he played a key role in launching state lotteries in Iowa, West Virginia, and California. His innovative approach to game design and development was evident during his time as SVP of Marketing and Sales at Bally Pinball and Midway Video in Chicago. Here, he introduced the concept of high-profile, third-party licensing for some of Bally's largest and most successful production runs. His visionary work in that industry was recognized with his election into the Pinball Hall of Fame in 2003, where he was described as a 'Legendary Leader and Visionary'.
Tom has participated in and spoken at countless gaming industry seminars and conferences in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. He has a close relationship with the Gaming and Lottery industry media and has provided insight to numerous articles over his 50 plus years in business.
In 2019, after stepping away from the corporate world, he established the Apollo Gaming Group in Cgicago to provide business consultation in his areas of expertise. He remains optimistic regarding the emerging technologies that fuel continued growth in the gaming, hospitality, and entertainment areas globally. Clients have retained him for work in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Tom strongly supports the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI., where he attended as an undergraduate while playing for the Wolverine football team. In 2024, his 1969 Michigan football team celebrated the 55th anniversary of their Big Ten Championship and their trip to the Rose Bowl under legendary coach Bo Schembechler. Finally, Tom lives with his wife of fifty-five years, Celeste, and spends time with their four grown children's families and their 12 grandchildren.