Shaping the Future

Published March 18, 2025

Spring is here. I hope your winter season netted the results you were hoping for, both personally and at your lottery. What better place to close out winter and start spring than in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while attending Public Gaming Research Institute’s (PGRI) annual Smart-Tech conference, held March 4-6. Paul and Susan Jason and the Florida Lottery were gracious hosts and provided an outstanding program that informed and engaged the audience on the challenges and opportunities our lotteries face today, as well as some of the exciting things we are doing. I was happy to attend on behalf of NASPL and serve as one of the keynote speakers, along with Andreas Kötter, CEO of WestLotto in Germany, who also serves as the President of the World Lottery Association. The participation, energy and excitement were high and will set the tone for this year’s conference season – which brings me back to NASPL.

As we are gearing up for the Lottery Leadership Institute next month in Cleveland, the NASPL Professional Development Seminar is also coming up fast. PDS is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the lottery industry. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming professional, your insights and experiences can have a meaningful impact on your peers. By volunteering as a speaker, you contribute to a culture of shared learning that helps the industry innovate and evolve.

Hosted this year by the Kentucky Lottery, taking place July 28-31, 2025, in Louisville, Ky., PDS is designed to be interactive, fostering open discussions and problem-solving in key areas such as Audit, Finance, IT, Legal, Public Relations, Product Management, Research, Sales & Marketing, and Security. These sessions go beyond lectures; they are collaborative, real-world explorations of the challenges and opportunities impacting the industry today. If you have a success story, a case study, or valuable expertise in one of these areas, now is the time to step forward and share.

Speaking at PDS is not just about giving back – it’s also a career-building opportunity. Presenting at a NASPL event positions you as a thought leader in your field, expanding your professional network and showcasing your expertise to industry leaders. It’s a chance to enhance your credibility while engaging in meaningful discussions with professionals who understand your challenges and can offer new perspectives.

Not ready to participate as a speaker? Attending PDS is just as valuable. The seminar’s hands-on workshops and networking opportunities provide direct access to industry peers and subject matter experts. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, explore new strategies, or simply stay ahead of industry trends, PDS is the perfect forum.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation. If you’re interested in speaking, submit your proposal here today.

Whether you take the stage or join the conversation from the audience, NASPL PDS 2025 is where industry professionals come together to learn, connect, and grow. Don’t miss it.

Harold Mays

Director, Illinois Lottery

NASPL President