AGEM announces Steve Sutherland and Lori Nelson-Kraft as receipients of 2024 Memorial Awards

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has announced Steve Sutherland and Lori Nelson-Kraft as the recipients of its 2024 Memorial Awards. Sutherland will be honored with the Jens Halle Memorial Award for Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, while Nelson-Kraft will receive the Peter Mead Memorial Award for Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications.

These awards, established by AGEM to honor the lasting legacies of Jens Halle and Peter Mead, are presented annually during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, at 2 p.m. in the G2E Networking Lounge on the exhibition show floor.

Steve Sutherland

Steve Sutherland, who hails from upstate New York, has dedicated over three decades to the gaming supplier industry, including nearly 25 years at Konami Gaming, where he currently serves as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors.

He has also been actively involved with key industry associations such as the American Gaming Association. Sutherland’s career has been marked by strong relationships with industry leaders, including Jens Halle, contributing significantly to the growth of the gaming supplier sector.

Bob Parente

"Throughout his entire career, Steve has been someone with an executive mindset who knows how to lead, manage and operate a business at an extremely high level," said AGEM Board of Directors Chair Bob Parente, who is also Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Light & Wonder.

"He’s the real deal when it comes to our industry and epitomizes excellence in commercial gaming professionalism. Our supplier sector salutes Steve for all he continues to accomplish and happily presents this year’s Jens Halle award to him," he added.

Lori Nelson-Kraft

Lori Nelson-Kraft, currently the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, has been a prominent advocate for the gaming industry for nearly three decades. Beginning her career at R&R Partners, she became the primary public spokesperson for Station Casinos (now Red Rock Resorts), leading corporate and community efforts across Nevada.

In 2019, she joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as its Senior Vice President of Communications. Nelson-Kraft has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of regulated gaming and highlighting the positive impact of the industry on communities.

Daron Dorsey

"Lori and her stewardship of our gaming industry message have benefited gaming suppliers, operators, employees, and communities in countless ways over the last few decades," concluded AGEM President Daron Dorsey. "We are proud to honor Lori with this year’s Peter Mead award."