Attending an iGaming conference like ICE London or SiGMA Malta can be incredibly exciting and intimidating at the same time, especially for delegates who have never experienced a large-scale event. Hundreds of stands and stalls, tens of thousands of experts, panel discussions, and even after parties are all crucial components of an iGaming conference.
This article will tell you how to prepare for a day at an iGaming conference and make the most of those business opportunities.
Get Your Ticket
First up — the tickets. iGaming conferences offer several types of tickets, each with a specific set of passes and access to VIP dinners and gatherings. Make sure you set a clear budget and go for the package that gives you at least one invitation to official conference dinners and gatherings. These events are always great for networking and establishing new contacts that could lead to new business deals.
Find Appropriate Accommodation
The closer you are to your expo’s location, the better. Try to find accommodation as early as possible to get the best choice of apartments and hotels. Moreover, look for options that are closest to the venue, so you don’t have to spend time commuting. In big cities such as London, heavy traffic is inevitable.
Dress the Part
Business attire is the norm, but it’s perfectly fine even if you opt for something a bit more casual during the conference. Furthermore, be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet, so comfortable shoes can be a lifesaver. Still, if you want to dress to impress, go for it. As Oscar Wilde once said, you can never be overdressed or overeducated, which is a fitting statement for a conference dress code.
Do Your Homework on Time
By homework, we mean carefully analysing all companies and individuals in attendance. Once there, your first stop should be your current clients. It’s always great to see people you are already doing business with and to reaffirm your commitment to future business endeavours.
Next up is the research — go over the conference’s official website to see which companies are the event sponsors. Find out where their stalls and stands will be on the expo floor. Moreover, try to learn more about the company representatives so that you can contact them beforehand and set up a private meeting. Nowadays, events have excellent networking and meeting spaces where you can talk business in private over a cup of coffee or a drink.
During your investigation, take some time to study the floor plan. This will help you visualise the space and locate the companies you wish to interact with, so you don’t tire yourself wandering around looking for banners. Expo floors span across thousands of square feet, so it’s vital to save your energy and direct it towards establishing rapport with potential customers and clients.
Attend Panel Discussions
Panel discussions play a key role during any iGaming conference. They provide an insight into the market and its future innovation and assemble experienced iGaming professionals at the forefront. There, you can hear how to conceptualise your business in a new way or embrace a new technology or approach. Remember the proverb — the early bird gets the worm! If you manage to recognise a budding trend and get a move on it quickly, your chances of success will grow exponentially.
Bring Your A Game to the Meetings
Companies and potential investors are always looking for precise information and data, so make sure to provide them with specifics. Tell them what you can do for their business to increase revenue and help it grow. A personal touch and anything that will differentiate you from your competitors can be a dealbreaker. Therefore, be focused on the task at hand and make the most of the time you have.
Networking Dinners Are a Must
A day at an iGaming conference usually concludes with a networking dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Besides enjoying great food and music, you’ll also be able to interact with fellow delegates in a casual setting. Getting to know potential clients personally is essential in building a solid and lasting business relationship. It’s not just the product or service that needs to be outstanding, but the providers as well.
Final Thoughts
ICE London, SiGMA Malta, iGB Affiliate Amsterdam, and many other conferences are events where thousands of people gather to exchange ideas and do business. Whether you’re from a small, aspiring company or have a well-established business, you need careful preparation and a clear agenda.
This way, you’ll get to the core of these conferences by making new business deals, getting valuable insight into the new technology, and having a great time overall. By following these guidelines, you are bound to be prepared for every possible curveball your iGaming mission may throw at you.
