The Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies of the Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) recently invited Mr Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Studio City at Melco Resorts & Entertainment, to give a seminar talk on the integrated resort (IR) development in Asia. This seminar was attended by around 50 participants, including undergraduate students in Gaming and Recreation Management, postgraduate students, as well as academic staff and researchers of the Centre.

Mr Kevin Benning is a seasoned executive with over 17-years IR management experience in the gaming and tourism industry. Mr Benning discussed the design and operations of integrated resorts along with successful examples of Melco properties in Macau and the Philippines. He also shared how management actively adapts to local culture and provides customers with high-quality services. In addition, he especially introduced the forms and development of gaming in the Philippines and made a comparison with Macau’s gaming industry. For students majoring in Gaming and Recreation Management, Mr Benning emphasized that the key to gaming services is all in the detail. Attention must be paid to the culture and characteristics of the local market, and continuous improvements must be made in the service process. In the question and answer session with students, Mr Benning shared his life and management experience. He encouraged students to explore and accumulate experience in different positions, which could lay the foundation for upward mobility.

This lecture is part of the annual Gaming and Recreation Management Seminar series at MPI. A variety of themed talks have been delivered by industry executives and renowned scholars since September. Topics range from gaming policy, casino service management, casino design and development, to in-house skills training have been organized to introduce the latest information and trends in the gaming and tourism industry. These cutting-edge topics and discussions have been well received among MPI students, alumni and teachers, creating opportunities for improving students’ knowledge and management skills.