Networking is a vital part of achieving success in the iGaming industry, which is often likened to an extended family. But with so many conferences on the calendar, how do you make sure your event attendance brings value?
Flights, hotels, sponsorships, and time away from the desk all add up. Frequent flyer points are a nice bonus – as is the conference swag – but we must also consider our carbon footprint.
So, how do you decide which events matter and how to make the most of them? Let’s break it down.
Event Overload?
The iGaming industry has a vast abundance of networking opportunities. ICE, SiGMA, iGB Live, SBC Summits, iGaming NEXT – and that’s just my personal schedule for the year. The frequency of conferences has increased exponentially since the industry’s early days.
The parties are bigger, the booths more futuristic. Every month brings another event promising deals, partnerships and insights. Increasingly, two or more clash, happening in opposite corners of the globe.
My recent visit to AIBC Eurasia reinforced how crucial the right events have become. Was it valuable to connect with entrepreneurs and new partners in the region? Absolutely. Is it feasible to attend every single event week in, week out? Not a chance.
On top of the conferences, there are also the myriad award ceremonies. For every panel discussion, there’s an industry accolade to match – many of which I’ve had the privilege of judging.
I’m always glad to help recognise top talent, but the associated costs of award ceremonies can prove prohibitive for smaller businesses.
Balancing Cost vs Value
Every event has a price tag. Beyond tickets and travel – or a booth and all its subsidiary requirements, if you’re exhibiting – there’s the opportunity cost of stepping away from daily operations.
It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz of being seen, but visibility alone doesn’t pay the bills. The right events for your business should offer:
- High-quality attendees – Decision-makers, not just payment providers pushing their latest platform
- Strong content – Panels and discussions that provide genuine and up-to-date insights, not simply recycled sales pitches
- Targeted networking – The ability to connect with the right people, whether through structured meetings or exclusive side events
Before committing to attending the latest summit, ask yourself: will this event put me in front of the right partners, clients, or investors for my strategy? With so many diverse events across the world, geography is important.
So if the answer isn’t clear, reconsider.
Prioritising the Right Events
The key here is recognising that what the industry offers now is choice.
No longer a handful of ‘must attend’ events sprinkled over the year, the industry has matured – and so must your events strategy. Needs have diversified and events have proliferated to cater to those requirements.
For instance, if you’re a startup looking for investors, an expo packed with competing suppliers might not be your best bet.
If you’re expanding into new markets, choose conferences which focus on that region. Here’s a practical approach:
- Define your objective – Are you there to close deals, meet investors, or gain insights?
- Research attendee lists – Who’s actually going? Decision-makers are key here.
- Extra-curricular activities matter – The opportunity to speak or host offers even more value than solely attending.
Maximising ROI: Practical Networking Tips
Once you’ve picked the right events, the next step is making them work for you. Showing up jet-lag weary (or even slightly hungover…) won’t cut it.
Here’s how to extract real value:
- Set meetings in advance – Don’t wait until you arrive. Reach out weeks before and lock in key conversations while people still have space in their calendars.
- Leverage side events – Some of the best deals happen at invite-only dinners and networking mixers. Network ahead of time, to get on the right lists.
- Have a clear pitch – Talented people move quickly around the industry and you’ll likely meet different faces at each event. Be concise about who you are and what you offer.
- Follow up fast – A conversation means nothing without action. Within 48 hours, follow up with clear next steps.
- Rewards vs awards – If there’s one certainty, it’s that there will be more awards than you thought possible. You may not win one, but you’ll definitely leave with a strong opinion about which ones matter.
The Bottom Line
Networking in iGaming isn’t just about showing up – it’s about showing up at the right places, having the right conversations, and turning connections into tangible business growth.
Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and make every interaction count. Otherwise, you’re just another face in the crowd — albeit one with an impressive step count and a stack of business cards you’ll probably never look at again.
Which events are you prioritising this year and why? Let’s compare notes.
