Over five thousand participants, more than 200 exhibitors in four days, two of which dedicated to in-depth moments: iGb Live - scheduled from today July, 11th, to 14th, at the Amsterdam Rai Exhibition and convention centre, the well-known congress and fair center in the Zuidas district of the Netherlands' capital - will be all this and much more.
An event dedicated to high-level igaming, which will bring together experts in the development of successful strategies that will address several topics, such as strategies to enter new markets, how to reduce advertising spend and still stand out from the competition; but also developing the right relationships to enhance product development, as well as presenting new markets and strategies to take the business to the next level.
Naomi Barton, portfolio director responsible for the iGb Live brand, explains that visitors will first of all find an event that has significantly grown compared to the 2022 edition. In fact, 2023 edition is officially sold out, which means that “it will be the biggest edition on record”, Barton explains. “In terms of numbers the show will occupy 14,805 sqm of gross space. The space occupied by exhibitors will be of 5,870sqm, making it 30 percent bigger than the previous high of 4,513sqm recorded in 2022. A 30 percent year-on-year increase is a fantastic achievement and reflects the faith that the industry has in the brand. More floor space also means more exhibitors and the event will feature 207 organisations compared with the previous high of 173. The fact that 2023 will be the biggest iGb Live by such a long way reflects its position as a strategically pivotal and not to be missed mid-year event in the igaming industry calendar”.
What role does iGb Live fulfil and what does it deliver for the industry?
“iGb Live is an opportunity to connect with the industry’s best affiliates, suppliers and operators of the sector and in the process take businesses to another level of growth. The show provides insight and access to the most advanced online betting and game development, it assists business owners to enhance player retention strategies and converts expert-led insights into tangible business growth strategies. Affiliates and operators attending iGb Live have the opportunity to maximise their Roi through the development of the very best business partnerships and the conversion of high-quality leads, form collaborative relationships throughout the world, as well as learn the latest insights delivered by industry thought leaders”.
What support have you had from exhibitors?
“Excellent. The exhibitor line-up reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the industry with leading affiliate brands including Bet365, 888, Betsson Group Affiliates, VBet, Mate Affiliates, N1 Partners, LeoVegas Affiliates and Betwinner featured alongside high-profile b2b names such as BetConstruct, Greentube, Amusnet Interactive, Pragmatic Play, Delasport, Softgamings, Paysafe and Jeton Bank”.
Can you tell us what are the main subjects that will be addressed?
“The learning content is a key feature of the show and an aspect of the iGb Live experience that we know is really valued by our stakeholders. Delegates will have access to two content-rich days delivered by teams of expert speakers. On Wednesday 12 July we have sessions dedicated to new markets. Business-centric topics will include a review of the global igaming map, an assessment of new frontiers within Europe, game content for new markets, how to localise brands for Latin America, and a session examining the off-shore license. On Thursday 13, the focus switches to content specifically curated for the igaming Affiliate sector. Key topics include an analysis of the winners and losers of the AI wars, the impact of Google updates and what they mean to affiliates, mastering influencer marketing, an Seo update including what to expect for the rest of 2023, and horizon scanning of the most promising geolocations”.
Regulation is the basis of every discussion regarding igaming: which inputs will you have from regulators?
“The Opening panel of the event will include senior policy makers and advisors representing France, The Netherlands and Malta. The trio comprises Eric Sjöden, Presidency’s Advisor, European and International Affairs, at French Regulator Anj, Geraldine Huijssoon, Head of Analysis and Research, Kansspelautoriteit, The Netherlands and Dr Martina Cilia, Senior Legal Counsel, Malta Gaming Authority.
The Opening panel will explore how industry and regulators can continue to work in harmony upholding player protection commitments. Essentially, it will explore what the new era of Igaming in Europe will look like. Prior to the Opening panel René Janssen, Chairman of the Ksa will be providing analysis of the ban on untargeted advertising for online games of chance in the Netherlands. Advertising that is banned as of 1 July 2023 includes radio and TV commercials and public billboards. Sponsoring by online gaming providers will also fall under the ban after a transitional period. Advertising via the internet, including social media, targeted advertising, direct mailings and television on demand will remain permitted under strict conditions”.
You’ve introduced a Consumer Protection Zone this year: what was the idea behind that?
“The Consumer Protection Zone (Cpz) at iGb Live will host a total of eight organisations comprising a mix of technology providers and not for profit organisations. The importance of being able to source safer gambling/Know Your Customer (Kyc) solutions was a theme that we identified from our stakeholder research and the digital-first focus of the show makes it a natural place to demonstrate technology-driven solutions that are applicable and impactful in the online gaming space. Safer gambling is important on many different levels. Firstly, healthy play fosters a healthy and therefore a loyal player base; secondly, it’s vital that businesses are seen by their regulators to be proactively responsible; and thirdly with regulatory restrictions a reality it makes huge strategic sense to put duty of care and sustainable play at the top of the business agenda. Visitors attending the Cpz will have access to the tools needed to ensure they are compliant in relation to issues such as affordability requirements and stake limits and to learn how restrictions on marketing and advertising will impact business. Fundamentally, the Cpz will demonstrate that consumer protection is front and centre of industry thinking”.
Can you explain a little more about the iGb Pulse feature?
“New for 2023 iGb Pulse comprises a content theatre: workshop and networking space that will provide the latest market insights, industry analysis, and tools to help attendees plan for the future of their business. We are describing it as the educational ‘nerve centre’ of iGb Live, and will include a hub for industry media and a new ‘Mingle Zone’, where delegates can connect with speakers and igaming communities can network and plan for the future. iGb Pulse is an area of the show floor where the industry can gather and learn from their peers and partners. It will provide informative and engaging discussions, workshops and networking in a dedicated ‘destination’ environment. I think it will be a focus for delegates and I look forward to seeing readers of GiocoNews there!”