Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/904009
maltatoday SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 XXIV Gaming Let's meet at SiGMA17 SIGMA already has a strong reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious iG- aming shows in Europe — and this year is not going to be an exception. SiGMA17 is hitting the records and promises to be the biggest showing yet, which is indeed the highlight of the growing iGaming industry in Malta. This year, SiGMA is going to take place at the MFCC, the island's biggest venue. According to Eman Pulis, SiGMA Found- er and CEO, "The show has doubled in size every year since its humble beginnings in 2014. Next week we're anticipating 8,000 delegates, half of whom are flying from overseas. Top echelons in gaming." From affiliates and regulators to opera- tors and vendors, this year's prospective C-level executives are coming together for a week full of events, networking, knowl- edge, and business. Exhibitors SiGMA17 has managed to attract 250 sponsors and exhibitors. Some of which include Betsson, Video Slots, Group, Qua- sar Limited, BetConstruct, Blexr, Bet365, William Hill, Better Collective, Poker Stars, Catena Media, Malta Gaming Authority, Cherry, Microgaming, XLMedia, Ladbro- kes, and many more. Conferences There will be twelve conferences with some of the amazing speakers at SiGMA17, amongst which are 'Blockchain & Disrup- tive Tech', 'The European Fantasy Sports Summit', 'Payment & Risk', 'Affiliates & CMOs', 'Human Capital & Resources', just to name a few. Some of the many speakers include Jeffrey Haas (Draft Kings), Joseph Cuschieri (MGA), John Kamara (Global Gaming Africa), Jon Matonis (The Bitcoin Foundation) and many more. Startup Pitch Following a successful first run in 2016, the second edition of SiGMA Startup Pitch has come back with a hundred startup companies that had an opportu- nity to get a free booth at SiGMA, invita- tions to networking events and SiGMA PR. The ten startup companies that have been shortlisted will have a one-in-a-life- time chance to make the three-minute pitch in front of the leading industry veterans while competing for the poten- tial mentoring and funding. The panel of entrepreneurs and investors will include Morten Klein, Carla Maree Vella, Julie Meyer, Simon Collins, Ory Weihs, Robin Reed and Roger Walker. Malta Gaming Awards The second edition of Malta Gaming Awards is going to take place on the 22nd of November, just a night before SiGMA17 opens its doors. With twelve categories each of which isolates a specific contribution to the iGaming industry Malta Gaming Awards is there to celebrate the stories of success and raise money for charity. The president of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, is expected to attend as guest of honour. Careers Convention Perhaps, by this time you have already heard about the great working condi- tions that the iGaming industry has. On the 24th of November, between 2pm and 6pm, SiGMA opens its doors to graduates and IT developers who are looking at the possibility of finding a new career in iGaming. It's the perfect opportunity for those interested to start a career in iGaming. What's more, it is completely free of charge. Free Flights Last year's SiGMA has allocated 300 flights for the 300 affiliates who flew to SiGMA16. This year, SiGMA stretched its budgets to the limit, and the affili- ates were lucky enough to receive the 1,000 free flights. There are 500 new affiliates and 500 top C level executive invited to SiGMA17 this year. SiGMA17 is taking place between Wednesday and Saturday.