Games Magazine Brasil - Tell us a bit more about yourself and your role in organizing SiGMA events. How long have you worked in the company and what responsibilities do you have?
Elisa Martinotti - I have been working at SiGMA for over three years, initially starting in the events department and later transitioning to the sales team. As the Head of Sales for the Americas and UAE markets, I am responsible for promoting SiGMA's impressive range of products and services while continually seeking out new clients to bring on board.
What does it mean for SiGMA to set foot in Brazil along with the most important event in the sector such as BiS? Was the Brazilian market always an objective of your company?
SiGMA has had its sights set on Brazil for quite some time, even prior to the pandemic. While COVID-19 may have disrupted our initial plans, we remained committed to making it happen. With the recent acquisition of Brazil iGaming Summit (BiS), the largest gaming conference in Latin America, SiGMA is now poised to establish a strong presence in this emerging market.
This acquisition will help consolidate our existing portfolio and enable us to provide an unparalleled experience for the Latin American gaming community. As Eman Pulis, SiGMA Group founder, has stated, "The acquisition comes at a perfect time for us. With the live event space out of the pressures of COVID, there's never been a better time to expand into emerging markets."
What repercussions did you notice about the arrival of SiGMA in Brazil in your last events? Can European and Asian companies come to BiS with the help of SiGMA?
We have seen great interest from our clients and delegates regarding our expansion into Brazil, and it has been a positive response overall. With our experience and expertise in organising successful events, we are able to offer European and Asian companies the opportunity to participate in BiS and explore the potential of the Brazilian market.
What differences do you find between the Brazilian market and the rest where SiGMA already has a presence and experience for so many years? Is the Brazilian's passion for football a magnet for operators?
While the Brazilian market is different in some aspects, such as its unique culture and regulatory framework, we have been successful in adapting to new markets in the past. The Brazilian market presents great potential for gaming companies due to its large population and growing economy. Additionally, the passion for football in Brazil is definitely an attractive feature for operators, as it presents opportunities for sports betting and other gaming activities.
This edition changes venue, gets bigger and for the first time moves to the Transamerica Expo Center in Sao Paulo. How many stands and visitors do you estimate you will have in 2023? What other numbers and statistical data do you handle about the event?
A bigger venue was needed for such a large-scale event. With the increased space, we anticipate having over 250 booths available for exhibitors. As of March, we had already confirmed 150 exhibitors with another 100 booths reserved. We are expecting between 8,000 to 10,000 delegates to attend the event, which will include a diverse mix of Brazilian and international operators and suppliers.
For the companies that are left without a stand, will there be some other type of way to participate and network in meeting rooms?
As the number of available booths is becoming limited, we have created alternative ways for companies to participate and network. In addition to booth sponsorships, we offer a range of other sponsorship opportunities, such as visibility at the entrance and registration, sponsoring of the conference stage, sponsorship of networking events, and our 100 affiliates program. These opportunities provide companies with various ways to promote their brand and engage with attendees.
SiGMA's know how in terms of event organization is unmatched. What will SiGMA bring to BiS to make it grow even more? Can you imagine that it can become the most important fair in all of the Americas?
Our goal is to create a unified event by combining the strengths of both companies. With the joint efforts of BiS and SiGMA, we aim to establish an event that will undoubtedly become a highlight on the gaming community's calendar in Latam.
Do you think that by the time of BiS SiGMA Americas Brazil will have its sports betting market regulated? Would that be a positive point for the event?
It is challenging to predict the future of Brazil's sports betting market, given the unpredictable events of the last year. However, if the market were to be regulated, it could have many favorable implications for the economy, including the creation of jobs and increased revenue. However, it could also entail lengthy and expensive licensing procedures, particularly for local firms, which could be a negative factor to consider.
In past editions, BiS had great personalities invited as well as panels with high-level specialists within a very complete and comprehensive agenda. Is the visit of more legislators, politicians, athletes and ambassadors of the operators expected this year?
SiGMA is known for surprising its audience, and we have had an impressive lineup of celebrities, influencers, politicians, famous speakers, and singers at each of our events. We will work closely with BiS to bring on board some special VIPs.
BiS SiGMA Americas will have other special themed events aimed at affiliates (AGS), Crypto and Blockchain (AIBC), and bettors (BetExpo). Can you tell us more about each one and what is the way to participate in them?
Both BiS and SiGMA will have other verticals focusing on affiliation (AGS and Affiliados) and blockchain (AIBC), which are significant for emerging crypto casinos. We will dedicate a part of our conferences to these verticals, and their presence will create an even more interesting audience. The presence of affiliates, in particular, will be an added value.
Finally, how can companies interested in participating or sponsoring BiS SiGMA Americas contact your team?
Any company interested in exhibiting can contact Eman Pulis and Alessandro Valente directly with their inquiries, or reach out to the sales members of the SiGMA and BiS teams.
Source: Exclusive GMB
