2023 WLA/APLA Seminar ‘Leading through Transformation’

May 16–18, 2023
A WLA/APLA Event

Hosted by WLA & APLA; Co-hosted by The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Venue: The Sheraton, Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui), Hong Kong, China

This is to inform you that registration for the 2023 WLA/APLA Seminar to be held on 16 to 18 May 2023 at The Sheraton, Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) in Hong Kong, China is now open.

‘Leading Through Transformation’ will explore a dynamic and empowering new relationship with change for our industry: one of learning, growth, collaboration, and transformation.

Topics will encompass new products and business models, talent management, the application of new technology, responding to illegal lotteries and more – artfully woven together with the power of personal stories.

We have an exciting business program with speakers from APLA member organisations, industry leaders and the WLA to help us reflect on all that exists in our industry and reimagine what we see for its future.

A different format for this two-day event will give delegates the unique opportunity to see the sights of Hong Kong, China and network with one another at two special events to be held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum and ‘Happy Wednesday’ at the Happy Valley Racecourse.

Tuesday 16 May

On Tuesday 16 May, the registration desk opens, and in the afternoon, we will take you on a fascinating tour of The Hong Kong Palace Museum, a charity project funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. This is a museum dedicated to showcasing Chinese culture and history, which houses a vast collection of precious artifacts and artworks, including borrowed exhibits from the Palace Museum in Beijing, such as jade wares, porcelain, calligraphy, and paintings.

Wednesday 17 May

Wednesday 17 May sees the official commencement of the Seminar, with delegates welcomed by APLA Chairman, Sue van der Merwe, WLA Executive Director, Luca Esposito Poleo, and Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director (Wagering Products), Michael Fitzsimons.

Day one of the Business Program will feature keynote speakers including a world sporting champion and business leaders from a variety of industries. We will also hear from our lottery counterparts and suppliers on a range of topics including product innovation and transformation, and how technology is changing the game.

That evening, we are in for a fun-filled networking event at the Happy Valley Racecourse for ‘Happy Wednesday’ – organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club – which features exciting horse races, live music, a variety of food and drink options and fabulous entertainment. The event attracts a large number of local and international visitors and is considered one of the most popular horse racing events in Hong Kong.

Thursday 18 May

Thursday 18 May is our second and final day of the Business Program and includes a global lottery update from the World Lottery Association, and discussions around Corporate & Social Responsibility, illegal lotteries, attracting and retaining talent, and an interactive workshop for delegates to immerse themselves in the seminar’s theme of transformation.

On our final evening, we will celebrate the end of yet another wonderful opportunity to come together with the Closing Dinner, to be held in the Grand Ballroom of The Sheraton.

The Sheraton, Kowloon has offered APLA an extremely attractive room rate, and we encourage you to register and book your accommodation early.