During the first iGaming360 show in Madrid last week, talk turned to the increasing number of events in the online gaming industry.
Speaking to iNTERGAMINGi on the second day of the event in Madrid, the managing director of Counting House, Paul Davis, said that he thought the content at iGaming360 was excellent but that the questions and topics at conferences are becoming repetitive. "They are becoming fractionated and too small. The division of shows is taking away from the attendance and it’s bad for the industry. There is an urgent need for consolidation," said Davis.
The number of delegates at Clarion’s iGaming360 stood at around 200 and there were just four exhibitors. "If organisers want to do small shows they need to deliver high value," continued Davis. Speaking to iNTERGAMINGi in Madrid, the exhibitors - Counting House, Every Matrix, Entraction and Ongame Network - revealed that they decided to take a stand at the event because it was cost-effective but they were disappointed with the size of the show.
Speaking about the small number of exhibitors at iGaming360, Warwick Bartlett told iNTERGAMINGi: "This is either a sign of over-supply or people are feeling the pinch.
"The organisers are on to a good business model but they need to be careful not to get too greedy with the shows," continued Bartlett.
The next igaming event on the calendar is GIGSE from May11-13 in Montreal, Canada. Bartlett commented that he felt there is little point in anticipating legislation at events like this. "It is better to just deal with law as it happens," he said.
Next month sees a number of igaming events - Online Bingo Summit, EGR Live and the new iGaming Super Show - taking place within a short space of time. Delegates in Madrid last week, however, appeared to be enthusiastic and hopeful about the iGaming Super Show in Prague. "There’s a real buzz when people talk about the Super Show," said Davis from Counting House.
A spokesperson from Clarion said in Madrid that they were pleased overall with iGaming360 and that they are looking forward to hosting the event again next year. They cited the volcanic ash as a reason why delegate numbers were down, as well as the fact that it was the first time the event had taken place.
