How has the relationship with exhibitors and conference speakers been throughout these years of SiGMA? How do you think they would describe it?
We’ve built some very close, long-lasting relationships over the years, with many of our speakers and exhibitors having been with SiGMA since its inception. We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the most creative and innovative companies and, in many cases, we’ve been privileged to celebrate their successes alongside them, as they’ve evolved and grown. SiGMA would not be the event it is without their support.
Many countries around the world are welcoming back massive face-to-face events. However, different protocols are being established, depending on each nation’s policy involving vaccines, masks, quarantine, etc. What health measures established by the Maltese government will be SiGMA following at Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in order to offer a safe, healthy, entertained and innovative experience?
From day one, we have been working very closely with the health authorities to keep our policies as updated as possible. The safety of our attendees is of the utmost importance, which is why we will take every measure recommended by the Maltese government and the health authorities. We have also chosen to host our events in venues which have clear and effective policies ensuring high standards of sanitization and cleanliness are met. The Westin Dragonara, for example, follows a Commitment to Clean policy, while our main venue, the MFCC, has a comprehensive guideline for safety, including fully equipped sanitization areas, staggered venue entrance, and distanced approach pathways.
As an industry that constantly evolves and innovates, what will be the new topics and activities with high relevance to be included in the agendas of future SiGMA shows?
It’s a very exciting space right now: not only is there a lot of interest, but there’s also a lot of innovation. We’re thrilled to explore Ukraine and Toronto next year. Both countries have recently passed bills to regulate the gaming landscape, offering huge potential for operators. We’re also looking at emerging sectors across Africa. In fact, we plan to launch our first show in Kenya next March, a country boasting the third biggest gaming market size in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we plan to tap into a marketplace bursting with sports fans, and a young, very digitally connected generation. I’m also very much looking forward to our panels on the emerging technologies. There’s so many use cases within so many verticals, and with speakers like Akon, John Karony, Fran Ayalasomayajula, Nolan Bushnell, Daphne McKinley, and Michael Saylor on the agenda, it looks likely to be one of our most exciting conference line-ups yet.
Speaking in terms of diversity and equality, how do you see women’s role in gaming? What are SiGMA’s thoughts regarding diversity in gaming? Does this issue have a priority spot in 2021 Malta Week?
We believe it’s incredibly important that there is diversity in the voices that shape this landscape. That’s why we are actively engaged in ensuring everyone has a space on the platform to be heard and an equal opportunity to contribute to the conversation. Whether it was hosting a training session to help women in the industry build their confidence when speaking in public, holding a successful woman in gaming networking event in Amsterdam, or ensuring free childcare services for all parents attending Malta Week, diversity and equality are always at the forefront of every initiative. It is with this in mind that we have created a workshop devoted to women working in the gaming industry.
SiGMA is always present on social media, bringing updates and innovative content to readers around the world. For those executives who would like to attend and participate in the event, but won’t be able to do so, what options will they have to follow it virtually?
Our social media team will be very present during the exhibition. Executives will also be able to tune in to our livestreams, which will be promoted across all our social platforms. Besides, we will release content in our news platforms, from articles to video interviews. Our media team will be committed to bringing the best moments of the event to viewers as they happen.
How important will the in-person attendance of executives from Latin America be? What is your vision of Latin American gaming industry?
We’re very much looking forward to meeting the LatAm delegation, especially as gambling in the region is booming. We’ll also be exploring the sector in more depth during the SiGMA Americas expo and conference, which we plan to hold in July 2022. We already have a number of interesting speakers and exhibitors lined up, so stay tuned for that agenda, which will be published on our website early next year.
What is the gambling situation in Malta at the moment?
Malta has proven itself to be both resilient and agile, especially in the wake of the health crisis. Without a doubt, Malta remains a hub for the global gaming community and shows no signs of going anywhere. There’s always room to grow, but I believe the islands have established themselves as a great place to do business and home to a diverse and skilled workforce. Malta is also valuable to business because it is so easy to live here: most of the population speaks English fluently, the weather is always good (even in winter!), and the opportunities for leisure and entertainment are unmatched.
AGS and AIBC (as well as Med-Tech World) are joining SiGMA’s event. What will these summits bring to SiGMA’s table?
This is the first time we’ve ever held three major expos in the same week and under the same roof. Besides the Affiliate Grand Slam and the Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain Summit, we’ll be hosting our first digital health conference: Med-Tech World, towards the end of the week. The benefits for cross pollination are huge, and we can’t wait to see this convergence of ideas, debate, and networking take place. I think it’s fair to say this is going to be the mother of all conferences!
As a top executive of the organizer, can you describe how you are preparing for the show? How do you think you will feel during it, what are your sensations after two years of absence in Malta?
As with all SiGMA events, I’m excited to see the culmination of lots of months of hard work from the squad become a reality. It’s always rewarding to witness the fruits of your labor executed successfully. I’m really looking forward to meeting clients, colleagues, and friends both old and new, who are flying in from over 80 countries. It will be great to catch up and reconnect, particularly after the social distancing era. This is one of the reasons we have organized multiple networking dinners over Malta Week for our delegates. I’m sure that they will appreciate all that we have prepared for them to enjoy a wonderful week.