iGaming Conferences – Where Deals Are Made and Trends Are Set

For anyone in the iGaming industry, conferences have long been the best place to dive deep into what’s happening, spot emerging trends, discover new partners, test-drive innovation, and, of course, find new clients and friends.

From the early days of the industry to today’s mega-events, conferences have shaped the way we do business, network, and stay ahead of the competition. BTW, collecting all the conference swag also shaped my luggage. I remember the rage was branded stress balls and pens, then it became caps and t-shirts and today it has progressed to backup chargers and wireless speakers. What’s Next?

Considering my attendance at Sigma World in Cape Town last week, and our very own Catie and Ashley’s visit to New York for Next.io, I thought it might be fitting to reflect on my previous experiences of gaming conferences in this week’s article of “The Power Play.”

The Early Days: A Tight-Knit Industry

In the early years of iGaming, choosing a conference was simple, there were only a handful of must-attend events each year. Almost everyone in the industry showed up, making them the perfect opportunity to dive deep into expertise, innovation, and networking.

Some of the most influential early conferences were organized by GIGSE, CAC, G2E, ICE, and IGB’s Supershow. These events weren’t just about business; they were about long-lasting relationships. The networking events were legendary, who could forget the Golden Palace and the Gambling Federation Parties? The sheer spectacle, entertainment, and over-the-top gatherings created bonds that lasted a lifetime.

The first Gambling conference I attended was in 1998 at ICE in London. Although the long-running conference was focused on land-based gaming, for the first time they opened up a tiny little section for the online industry. Today, the online side dwarfs the land-based offering!  

My favorite early-day conferences were put together by the River City Group in Canada called GIGSE. They were the first 100% iGaming-focused events. The founder, Sue Schneider, did a phenomenal job by promoting the industry, bonding us all together and creating an environment of education and networking. I will forever be grateful to her vision and her amazing team.

I have to admit, one of my most special conference moments has always been to visit the Novomatic’s stand at ICE, at lunch time to grab my free German sausage and roll. Sometimes it seemed like the core reason I flew over 1000 miles was to stand in the sausage cue. I know I am not the only one… Are you guilty too?

When the affiliate conferences started popping up, they brought a whole new meaning to business and fun. The stands were wild, the people attending were way more informal and the parties got crazy too. Don’t despair… the fun has not stopped, the parties have got bigger and so have the crazy conference stands!  

So traveling to these different conferences comes with a tad bit of anxiety. I know we all feel it, we leave home, we have the mandate to do business, we have a strange hotel to check-in to and many other little wobbles to deal with.  But the worst is traveling with a stand!  I always feel so sorry for the staff with a stand. OMG! They have to cart these big things with them. Get there early to set up, and stay afterward to break it down, including worrying about the internet and electricity. What a nightmare for some. Sorry… That definitely makes my anxiety feel a lot less of a thing. 

The Explosion of iGaming Conferences

Fast-forward to today, and the gaming industry has changed dramatically. There are now dozens of conferences worldwide, each targeting specific markets and niches within the industry. It’s no longer feasible to attend all of them, so professionals must adapt their strategies based on their core business objectives and key target markets.

Over the past few years, two conferences have truly stepped up to become must-attend events for industry professionals:

• SBC Summit – This event has grown into a powerhouse, offering high-level discussions, deep industry insights, and exceptional networking opportunities Globally. 2024 saw SBC move to Lisbon, and that was an unbelievable experience. From the perspective of networking, there were large meeting areas, sensational nighttime events, a very well-arranged conference and huge attendance.
• SiGMA – Rapidly expanding into a global brand, SiGMA delivers massive trade shows, innovative product launches, and some of the best networking opportunities in the business. And let’s not forget their epic parties!  SIGMA has even extended their reach to the beautiful Cape Town, South Africa which is quickly becoming my most anticipated event purely because it’s my favourite city in the world.

Both of these conferences have refined their offerings, making them slick, professional, and incredibly valuable to attendees. They have events all over the world, so I am sure you can find a date and location that suits you and your targeted market.

I would like to give Eventus International a special mention. They are a newer brand focused on many destinations throughout the yearly calendar. Eventus International provides niche locations like Africa and India with the opportunity to share knowledge and promote industry growth within those emerging sectors. 

ICE in Barcelona

One of the most notable shifts in recent years has been Clarion ICE’s move to Barcelona in 2025. While ICE was always a major event in London, the change in location to Spain took it to another level. The city’s energy, accessibility, and infrastructure made for an incredible experience. After spending days on the show floor and nights networking at top-tier events, the only challenge was wiping off the dust and preparing for the next big event!

How to Pick the Right iGaming Conference

With so many iGaming conferences worldwide, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Define Your Goals – Are you looking for new clients, investors, technology partners, or industry insights? Different conferences cater to different needs.
2. Choose the Right GEOs – If you operate in a specific region, prioritize conferences where your target market and regulators are present. For example:
   • Europe – ICE, SBC Summit, iGB Live.
   • North America – G2E, SBC North America, Next.io.
   • Latin America – Sigma Americas, SBC Latinoamérica
   • Asia & Africa – Sigma Asia, BiG Africa Summit
3. Budget Wisely – Factor in travel, accommodation, booth costs (if exhibiting), and networking events. Some conferences are pricier but deliver high-value connections.
4. Plan Your Agenda – Research the speaker lineup, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Book meetings before the event to maximize your time.
5. Prioritize Networking – Conferences are not just about panels, they’re about building relationships. Attend VIP events, happy hours, and after-parties where real deals happen.

Picking the right conference with a clear strategy ensures maximum ROI and helps you stay ahead in the competitive iGaming industry.

The Future of iGaming Conferences

Looking ahead, the conference calendar continues to expand, with new and exciting events popping up in South America, Asia, and beyond. These regions are booming with opportunity, and attending the right events could mean getting in early on fast-growing emerging markets.

For industry veterans and newcomers alike, iGaming conferences remain an essential part of doing business. They offer a unique blend of knowledge, networking, and fun that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. While the sheer number of events can be overwhelming, one thing is for certain – iGaming conferences are where the future of the industry is shaped.

So, where’s the next stop? South America? Asia? The radar is full, and the excitement never stops! See you on the conference floor, I am the bald gaming veteran with the grey beard!

“The Power Play by Moshe Adir” is released weekly on the Vegas Kings website and LinkedIn. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience in design and development for online gaming, Moshe shares exclusive industry insights, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes stories from the evolution of iGaming. Stay tuned for fresh perspectives from one of the industry’s OG!