Igor Gamba CEO & Founder ‘World Gaming Expo’ discusses the exciting new Gaming industry exhibition taking place in Monaco later this year with Casino Life Magazine’s Rebecca Green
There are a number of conferences and exhibitions across Europe during the course of the year – what do you think are the key aspects of World Gaming Expo (6th to 8th December) that set it apart from the other events?
World Gaming Expo (WGE) gives casino suppliers and manufacturers, professional security systems companies, sports betting professionals and providers of payment solutions, iGaming lotteries and many others the occasion to meet and develop
new business opportunities with like-minded people in the historic heart of the gaming industry: Monaco. The Casino de Monte Carlo was built in 1863, and from that early beginning, numerous prestigious resorts have sprung into existence, but
Monaco continues to offer gaming its most elegant setting. Business opportunities abound in Monaco. In a recent press release, the SBM expressed a wish to renew their casinos, while in France the iGaming market is still restricted. The WGE will enable local authorities to assess potential revenues and set these against the risks for the population with a view to the possibility of opening up this market. From a global perspective, Monaco is ideally located in the centre of Europe, easily reachable within two-hours from most major European Capitals. The Principality of Monaco hosts around seven hundred diverse, high-quality events every year, contributing to the Principality’s strong international reputation. Of course, that now includes the WGE, and the Monegasque government will be acting as a promoter, helping wherever possible to develop the event and make it a great success.
Image: Igor Gamba CEO & Founder ‘World Gaming Expo’
What are the main features of the Grimaldi Forumvenue that impress you most, and how does the venue stack-up as a place for networking?
Every year, prominent medical, pharmaceutical, automotive and other sector organisations come to Monaco to run their events. For me, as a Monegasque, the decision to organise World Gaming Expo at the Grimaldi Forum was a natural
move. The competencies and professionalism of the 136-strong team at the Grimaldi Forum are recognised internationally, while the venue itself offers 12,000 sq m of exhibition and catering space, plus meeting areas and conference facilities. World
Gaming Expo organisers have allocated a large lounge for exhibitors and sponsors in the Ravel main exhibition area, offering a great venue for networking. Participants can also network in the Indigo restaurant, which offers a wonderful sea view
from the first floor of the Grimaldi.
Sports Betting and Social Gaming are amongst thecurrent ‘hot’ markets in Gaming. How are they represented at World Gaming Expo?
During the three days of World Gaming Expo,various conferences are planned, focusing on the latest industry developments and trends, with speakers drawn from the major industry players. The conferences will address new challenges
faced by the gaming industry, including those rapidly developing ‘hot’ markets in Europe and South America as the World Cup 2018 gathers pace and starts to generate sports betting revenues. Indeed, Sports betting and Social Gaming will be
well represented at WGE, with a diverse group of exhibiting companies joining us from the iGaming world. for example, will be organising a session covering the Italian market. The programme is not finalised as yet, and we are still receiving requests to present research papers. Abstract submission is still open and we are more than happy to receive research abstracts for presentation during the event. All submissions will be considered, particularly those that offer exciting new insights into the the key issues and challenges that the industry faces.
faced by the gaming industry, including those rapidly developing ‘hot’ markets in Europe and South America as the World Cup 2018 gathers pace and starts to generate sports betting revenues. Indeed, Sports betting and Social Gaming will be
well represented at WGE, with a diverse group of exhibiting companies joining us from the iGaming world. for example, will be organising a session covering the Italian market. The programme is not finalised as yet, and we are still receiving requests to present research papers. Abstract submission is still open and we are more than happy to receive research abstracts for presentation during the event. All submissions will be considered, particularly those that offer exciting new insights into the the key issues and challenges that the industry faces.
Are delegates provided a choice of hotels that are conveniently located close to the venue at a discounted rate?
Yes, indeed. The Principality offers 2,500 hotel rooms, 1,500 of which are located less than ten minutes’ walk from the Grimaldi Forum. World Gaming Expo, in collaboration with the Principality of Monaco, is offering WGE participants special and
exclusive concessions for hotel bookings. Monaco hotels rated 3, 4 and 5 stars offer unforgettable experiences, all at an exclusive special rate, with prices starting at €145-220 for a deluxe room, including breakfast. These special rates are only
offered to World Gaming Expo attendees who register via dedicated links on our website. The number of rooms available is limited and blocked so we strongly recommend attendees to book early!
What are amongst the main aims and ambitions for the event this year?
My objective, when I started this new project two years ago, was to create a big platform here in Monaco, where all gaming professionals and experts in the field are able to come together to meet and exchange ideas. We are not trying to
compete with any other event; instead, we are gathering together professionals from the casino industry and iGaming who face similar issues and strive to complement one another, ensuring that players’ needs are not only met, but their
expectations exceeded. WGE is also the place for Casino groups to discover innovative solutions that will bring new clientele into their casinos. This is a very exciting and fast-moving industry; our goal is to create a new ‘rendezvous’ for all professionals operating within it - and at a time of the year when many companies tend to start making business decisions for the coming year.
Will the visitors and exhibitors be provided an event party during the World Gaming Expo in Monaco?
As I said before, I am keen to maximise the networking opportunities at World Gaming Expo. 28 We want to create a comfortable and fun-filled environment where fruitful discussions can take place, and part of this will take the form of a grand
Opening Ceremony. This welcoming cocktail party will be held on 7th of December 2017 in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, to which all key players in the field plus accompanying persons, exhibitors and sponsors will be invited. Also, during the event we are planning some great entertainments - but you will need to come to Monaco to find out more about these!
What is the weather like in Monaco in December?
Winter in Monte Carlo is anything but cold. The principality enjoys a particularly mild climate, with average December temperatures being between 9.0°C and 15.0°C. Early December is a great time to be in Monaco, with all the Christmas lights ablaze
- and it’s a great time to get together with clients and customers and prepare the ground for business in the coming year.
For those organisations interested in exhibiting, is there any space remaining on the exhibition floor?
The exhibition zones are filling day-by-day and space is getting scarce. Nevertheless, we urge companies to get in touch with us and let us know their needs for stands space and Sponsorship, and we will do our best to answer them and make it
happen! We are looking to host a great variety of exhibiting companies – particularly those that have something different and stimulating to present to the market, so feel free to contact us by email at contact@world-gaming-expo.com
How can those interested in attending the World Gaming Expo 6th to 8th December in Monaco find out more about registering for this year’s exhibition and conference?
Registration and all relevant information is available directly via our website. The entrance to the trade show is open to professionals only, but it’s free of charge and all visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the industry’s key players. Participants can also register online for the conferences, which will provide other opportunities for meeting and exchanging ideas with the experts. Companies wishing to register a group of their people as visitors or as conferences attendees need only send us the list of attendees and we will look after the registration. Again, simply email your request to contact@world-gaming-expo.com
