The second day of the conference began with an appearance by Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker. He gave some insight into the 2008 WSOP that hasn’t been released to the press officially, as follows:

• There will be no tent. (The audience applauded.)
• A concierge, possibly a team of people, will be available for those with questions throughout the series.
• There will be no more than 55 events.
• The exact list of events will be announced in December or January.
• He is in the process of trying to arrange a way for players to begin buying into the events at any Harrah’s property as soon as the events are announced.
• Since 2009 will be the 40th anniversary of the WSOP, 2008 will host some events to kick off a year of tributes and celebrations.
• New WSOP ads will air soon that feature the voice of Don Cheadle.
• Close to $1 million was raised for various charities at the 2007 WSOP. There will be affiliations with charities again in 2008, including Ante Up for Africa.

Mr. Pollack went on to say that they meet with members of the player’s council almost weekly in order to make the 2008 better than in years past. He admitted, “We are never going to get it exactly right,” but they will continue to do the best they can.

More…

As previously mentioned, the first annual CPPC will be taking place this weekend at Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles. Registration is still open, and the cost is $180 for both days of speakers and panel discussions. The schedule includes:

October 20th: Mike Caro, Lou Krieger, Susie Isaacs, Vince Burgio, Marsha Waggoner, George Epstein, Robert Turner, Stan Sludikoff, Russell Fox, and John Pappas

October 21st: Jeffrey Pollack, Barbara Enright, Charlie Shoten, Tony Guerrera, Jeffrey Sandman, and more from Lou Krieger, George Epstein, and Robert Turner

Much of the conference will focus on poker strategy and game insights, but John Pappas will discuss the current state of poker in politics, Jeffrey Sandman will talk about the Safe and Secure Gambling Initiative, and Jeffrey Pollack will give us a look at the 2008 WSOP. Should be quite interesting!

I’ll be there to loiter at the free snack tables cover it and post some of the highlights here.