Conferences in Europe
iGaming Idol doubled in size and sets a new standard for Industry award events
NetEnt take home most awards whilst Mr Green and Jackpot Joy follow. Robin Ramm Ericson & Gustaf Hagman of Leo Vegas win Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.
The much-awaited second annual iGaming Idol gala awards dinner lit up the Industry with a full capacity attendance of 430 iGaming executives, employees, friends and 18 new ‘Idols of the Year’.
The event, which doubled in its attendance figures when compared to the 2016 edition, was held in the prestigious Grand Master Suite at the Hilton Hotel in St Julian’s, Malta.
Distinguished guests were welcomed to the black-tie event with red-carpet treatment and champagne on arrival, before being hosted to a three-course dinner and a night of glitz and glamour by industry personalities Michael Caselli, Editor in Chief of iGaming Business, and Rebecca Liggero from Calvin Ayre.
Michael Pedersen, CEO of iGaming idol, welcomed the guests, finalists and sponsors by thanking them for their support, whilst he reiterated that those attending were supporting the Industry and the local community in a major way.
Mr Pedersen said: “iGaming Idol is all about the recognition of individuals and giving employees within the industry their due importance. Supporting charity and giving back to the community is another pillar of iGaming Idol and we are thrilled to donate more than €12,000 to the Malta Community Chest Fund this year.”
Special guest, the Hon Silvio Schembri, Paliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, delivered the opening speech by praising the organisers for their innovative concept in recognising the talent behind the industry’s success.
He congratulated all the finalists, noting that it was encouraging to see a good number of Maltese nationals had made the list in several categories. Hon Schembri also announced that Government was taking measures to facilitate work permits and visas to attract more foreign talent.
The attendees were entertained throughout the evening with live music, and the hosts were on spectacular form.
The ceremony can be viewed here
The evening culminated in the awards ceremony and 16 winners taking home the title of ‘Idol of the Year’ within their respective categories. The finalists were put through a rigorous process including being interviewed by expert judges from the same category.
In addition to the 16 Idols, prestigious awards were given out to Robin Ramm Ericson and Gustaf Hagman of Leo Vegas for winning ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ as well as Catena Media for taking home ‘Employer of the Year’. The iGaming Idol Awards are fully audited by BDO Malta, an affiliate organisation of BDO International.
The winners were:
Category | Winner | Company |
Affiliate Manager Idol of the Year | Laura O Brien | Mr Green |
Business Intelligence Idol of the Year | Andrew Galea | NetRefer |
Casino Product Idol of the Year | Alan Brincat | Quasar Gaming |
Compliance and Regulated Markets Idol of the Year | Ewout Wierda | Videoslots |
Customer Service Idol of the Year | Viktor Mardberg | Jackpot Joy |
Design & User Experience Idol of the Year | Martin McDonald | Join Games |
Fraud & Risk Idol of the Year | Daniel Buttitieg | APCO Pay |
HR Idol of the Year | Roberta Geres | Mr Green |
Live Casino Dealer Idol of the Year | Joscelyn James Sims | NetEnt |
Manager Idol of the Year | Lahcene Merzoug | Evoke |
SEO/SEM Idol of the Year | Sean Bianco | Quasar Gaming |
Sports Product Idol of the Year | Tamara Caligari | Tipico |
Recruitment Idol of the Year | Jakob Wallof | NetEnt |
Tech Back-end Idol of the Year | Anthony Sammut | NetEnt |
Tech Front-end Idol of the Year | Kurt Aquilina | Play N Go |
VIP Manager Idol of the Year | Steve DeGiorgio | Jackpot Joy |
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry | Robin Ramm Ericson & Gustaf Hagman | Leo Vegas |
Employer of the Year | Catena Media |
Conferences in Europe
Gamecity Hamburg connects Decision Makers from International Studios with new “Portside Game Assembly” Conference Format
Gamecity Hamburg announces the premiere of the “Portside Game Assembly” (PSGA) for June 27, 2025. The new B2B conference format focuses on networking and the exchange of learnings between leading international indie game studios. Portside Game Assembly enables studio heads and decision-makers to exchange knowledge in a confidential setting in extraordinary locations of Hamburg, around the harbor – and on the water.
“The idea for Portside Game Assembly was born out of conversations with studio heads and managers from Hamburg and around Europe. Anyone navigating an indie studio through the games market benefits greatly from exchanging learnings with other decision-makers facing similar challenges. With a curated guest list and a focus on impulse talks and roundtables, PSGA will offer studio leads contacts and discussions which are highly relevant to their work and current developments in the industry,” explains Margarete Schneider, Project Manager at Gamecity Hamburg.
“The heart of PSGA is the conference, which will be held on a ship sailing through the Hamburg harbor and to which we welcome attendees from all over Europe and beyond. The conference will be complemented by a networking brunch and two evening events, which invite PSGA participants to meet the vibrant and diverse Hamburg games scene,” adds Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg.
The conference program for decision-makers at game studios
On June 27, 2025, the first Portside Game Assembly will kick off with a networking brunch.
Afterwards, the studio managers and decision makers will enter the conference ship, which offers three decks for keynote speeches, roundtables and networking, including a cruise through the famous Hamburg harbor.
Studio managers and decision-makers from the following studios are already attending:
- bippinbits (Dome Keeper, PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant) / Germany
- Ghost Ship Publishing (Deep Rock Galactic) / Denmark
- Indoor Astronaut (Unrailed 1 & 2) / Switzerland
- Landfall Games (Content Warning, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator) / Sweden
- mooneye studios (Lost Ember) / Germany
- Maschinen-Mensch (Curious Expedition 1 & 2, Mother Machine, Codecks) / Germany
- Overhype Studios (Battle Brothers, Menace) / Germany
- Rockfish Games (Everspace 1 & 2) / Germany
- Torpor Games (Suzerain) / Germany
Leads and executives from established indie game studios can register to take part in the Portside Game Assembly via our registration form.
Networking events as part of the Portside Game Assembly
The evening closing event “Games Industry Party” brings conference guests and other members of the games industry together for networking with cool drinks and snacks. Tickets for the Indie Networking Brunch and the Games Industry Party are available separately for non-conference attendees and will go on sale at a later time.
On the evening before, June 26, 2025, there will be an “Opening Mixer” with a panoramic view over Hamburg’s famous St. Pauli district in the Astra Tower, at Bytro Labs office. Portside Game Assembly participants and contacts from the games industry in Hamburg will be invited.
Registration for studios and participants
The conference itself is aimed exclusively at studio managers and decision-makers from internationally successful indie game studios. To enable a curated selection of participants, there will be no direct ticket sales, but studios can register for participation here: registration form.
The conference ticket includes the Opening Mixer event the evening before, access to the Networking Brunch, the main Conference and the Games Industry Party for a total of 189 euros.
Conferences in Europe
The iGaming Conference Boom: A Catalyst for Industry Growth or Event Overload?
As the iGaming industry rapidly expands, so too has the frequency of events, summits, and conferences held worldwide. While some within the industry have expressed concerns over the seemingly endless cycle of iGaming conferences, many organizers are now strategically responding by integrating multiple industry sectors into single events. This shift could mark a new era where iGaming conferences are not just more numerous but also more impactful, driving sustained growth and collaboration across the industry.
An Industry on the Rise
The iGaming sector has seen phenomenal growth in recent years, with new regions regulating online gaming, an influx of advanced technology, and changing consumer behaviors. Conferences are a direct reflection of this growth. In response to an industry that is evolving at breakneck speed, these gatherings allow professionals to stay informed, network, and showcase innovations in a competitive, fast-paced market. According to recent reports, 2024 has maintained a similarly robust lineup of conferences as seen in 2023, indicating a steady demand for these industry forums.
Consolidation: Bringing Multiple Industries Together
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the move towards event consolidation. Instead of organizing niche, standalone conferences, major event organizers are combining multiple related industries under one roof. For example, some organizers have extended their conferences to cover related fields such as emerging technologies, fintech, and affiliate marketing. This integrated approach creates a unique space for professionals across interconnected sectors to gather, learn, and share insights. This evolution aims to streamline event schedules while providing a more holistic experience for attendees.
Consistency in the Number of Conferences
While some expected the number of iGaming events to decrease in 2024 as the industry reaches a more mature stage, the calendar has remained steady with a full slate of global conferences. Sources highlight extensive lists of major iGaming conferences for the year, covering multiple regions and themes, from regulatory updates to technological advances and new market opportunities. This consistency signals that the demand for these conferences remains high, suggesting that attendees continue to find value in them as essential business and networking platforms.
Why More Conferences Might Actually Be Beneficial
The prevalence of iGaming conferences can be viewed positively when considering the growth trajectory of the industry. These events provide valuable exposure for startups, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster collaborations that might not happen otherwise. For industry veterans, they’re an opportunity to reconnect, reassess strategies, and stay informed about the latest trends. For newcomers, conferences offer a way into the industry through educational sessions, networking, and visibility.
Furthermore, the diversity in conference topics allows professionals to choose events that best align with their interests or expertise. The range of events caters to everyone from affiliate marketers and game developers to regulators and financial specialists. The right conference can provide insight into specific challenges or growth areas, helping companies refine their strategies.
Balancing Act: Growth Without Saturation
While it’s clear that iGaming conferences play a crucial role in the industry, there’s an argument to be made for balancing quantity with quality. Some attendees feel that with too many events, resources and attention can become stretched thin. To counteract this, organizers who offer integrated, multi-industry conferences are not only addressing the issue of event overload but are also creating more comprehensive forums that offer greater value and insight. A well-curated, diverse conference can draw higher-quality attendance and provide a richer experience for those participating.
Conclusion
The iGaming conference landscape in 2024 reflects an industry that continues to expand, innovate, and adapt to the demands of a global, interconnected world. While the sheer number of conferences may be daunting to some, the strategic consolidation of industries within these events speaks to a forward-thinking approach by organizers. The trend toward integrated, multi-focus conferences provides an opportunity for even greater collaboration, allowing the industry to continue thriving. As long as these events evolve to meet the needs of their audiences, the iGaming industry stands to benefit immensely from its vibrant and active conference ecosystem.
Conferences in Europe
Aviatrix approved for Sweden take-off
Award-winning crash game Aviatrix has been certified and licensed in Sweden, as it continues its tour of major, regulated European jurisdictions.
As well as being certified, Aviatrix has been granted a B2B licence from the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen, meaning it can now provide the game to licensed operators in the country.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “We’ve been busy over the last few months gaining the relevant licences and certifications to bring Aviatrix to regulated markets across Europe. Sweden was always a high priority. We know players there appreciate games that provide something a little different, and we’re always looking to innovate. We can’t wait to see players in the country enjoying Aviatrix.”
During Q2 2024, Swedish online gaming revenues reached almost 400 million euros, the highest quarter since records began. The market has quickly become one of the most appealing in Europe.
Operators in Sweden looking to find an edge will now be able to turn to Aviatrix, a unique product that combines a traditional crash game with innovative NFT mechanics.
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