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How iGaming businesses can capitalise on event season, and form lasting business relationships
As event season approaches, the iGaming industry gears up for a whirlwind of conferences, expos, and networking opportunities. With countless chances to connect, expand, and make an impact, navigating these events strategically can set businesses up for success long after the season ends. In this op-ed, Boris Pashnev, CEO of Alpha Affiliates, shares insights on how iGaming businesses can maximize their presence during event season and build relationships that drive long-term growth.
For the iGaming industry, events are everything. Networking continues to be the cornerstone of successful marketing and sales, especially within the iGaming sector.
iGB Live Amsterdam took place last month, and in the last year, we’ve seen other notable events such as SiGMA Malta, SiGMA Dubai, and of course, iGB London.
We at Alpha Affiliates understand building connections at these events is crucial – however, converting these connections into long-term relationships is everything, and key to business growth.
So, how can iGaming professionals build on, and maintain relationships post-event?
Here are my top tips on how you can effectively network and convert the conversations started at events into business leads:
Listen, and pay attention
One of the best kept secrets in the art of networking, is not talking – in fact quite the opposite. Sometimes the best way to network and build meaningful connections is to zone in and listen.
By listening, you learn a lot. For instance, you may learn something new about them or their business that you can connect to, or use as a hook for a follow up post-event. For instance, if a prospective client mentions they have an exciting holiday or life event taking place, you could get back in touch and ask how it was as a conversation starter. It can be as simple as that.
By listening, you can get to know a person better, and ask more thoughtful follow up questions at the right moments. Playing close attention to what is being said goes a long way in the business world!
Focus on shared interests
I encourage my colleagues to focus on forming connections based on shared interests, values and goals. When speaking in-person, conversations naturally move away from business to other topics, from politics to the economy and hobbies. You can build genuine connections and relationships with people when you share common interests.
Consistency is also important. Regularly touch base with your network and show that you value these relationships beyond just transactional moments.
Play the long game
Networking is often only considered to be successful if an immediate lead is generated. This is frequently not the case.
Building a network is a long-term tactic that takes dedication. Not every connection will lead to immediate benefits, but consistent effort will yield long-term results. Hard selling rarely delivers, and what really makes for effective networking is authenticity.
Focus on being present. Hand out your business card at the end of the conversation and follow up within 48 hours to nurture the relationship.
Make sure there’s never a firm goodbye
Conferences and events are there to make professional networks that last long after the venue closes. What I have learnt over the years is that even if a particular conversation is not likely to lead to a sale or outcome, it does not mean you should discredit that individual and stop any further conversation.
In the iGaming affiliate marketing sector, we see this all the time. People can quickly move positions, and suddenly have access to new opportunities. And, we should remember that people who enjoyed a conversation can introduce you to their wider network.
This is so important when it comes to networking – be sure to look at their bigger picture and follow-up with everyone you had the chance to speak with at the event. Maintaining these relationships in the long-term could open new doors in the future.
Ultimately, in person networking can deliver significant results if approached correctly. However, no long-lasting relationship can be made without a long-term strategy. Listening, identifying shared interests, as well as remaining authentic and consistent, is key to building meaningful relationships that can convert into business leads in the future.
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Sofascore reveals Player of the Season award winners for season 2023/2024
The famous live-score platform Sofascore has announced its list of Player of the Season award winners, for the season 2023/2024. Based on the globally acclaimed Sofascore rating system, these awards celebrate not just moments of brilliance but the persistence and consistent excellence demonstrated throughout an entire season. Among the recipients of this prestigious award are Kylian Mbappé (Ligue 1), Jude Bellingham (La Liga), Rodri (Premier League), Ewa Pajor (Frauen-Bundesliga), Harry Kane (Bundesliga), Caroline Graham Hansen (Liga F) and Khadija Shaw (Women’s Super League). Combined with the markets whose season will end in December, the award will recognize top performers across 50 leagues worldwide.
This year’s Player of the Season trophies carry an additional layer of meaning. Through the Field of Dreams campaign, Sofascore partnered with Brazilian football legend Zico to renovate a football pitch at his academy in Rio de Janeiro. In a unique move, each trophy contains pieces of the rejuvenated football pitch from Zico’s Academy, symbolizing the connection between a player’s roots and their rise to greatness.
Zico, speaking about the partnership, stated, “Football is more than just a game; it’s a journey fueled by dreams and sustained by persistence. The Player of the Season award from Sofascore represents the effort that every player puts into reaching their goals. I’m proud to partner with Sofascore in renovating a pitch at my academy, where the next generation of football stars will begin their journey.”
At the heart of the campaign is the belief that football is not defined by a single moment of brilliance but by the consistent hard work and dedication required to achieve excellence.
Also watch the video about the Player of the Season award on sofascores official youtube channel.
Branimir Karačić, Sofascore’s Chief Marketing Office: “The Field of Dreams concept is not just about honoring today’s stars, but also about reminding every player where their journey began. Every winner, whether in Brazil or across the globe, will hold a piece of this community-driven project in their hands. It’s a recognition of their hard work and a tribute to the support they received along the way.”
Find the full list of winners on sofascore website!
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Scientific Games Advanced Retailer Technology Will Power Sales Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz in Germany
Lottery is the Fourth in Germany to Modernize with New, Camera-based Terminals Connecting Retail and Digital Sales
Scientific Games is set to bring advanced retailer technology to a fourth German state lottery. Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz will move to a more modern, purchasing experience that connects retail and digital with the global lottery company’s camera-based Contour.v terminals. Scientific Games will install the player-friendly Contour.v terminals in 2025 across Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz network of approximately 900 retail outlets in central southwest Germany.
The modernization project includes the company’s SYMPHONY Edge terminal software and management system, as well as training for Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz retailers. The technology rollout is through a new five-year contract that may be renewed for up to three additional years.
Jürgen Häfner, Managing Director for Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz, said, “With both player and retailer in mind, we are investing yet further in our well-established retailer network to enhance the connection between our digital and retail sales channels. This new technology project with Scientific Games aligns with our clear focus on player-oriented enhancements that take the purchasing experience with Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz to the next level.”
Offering contactless player interactions and mobile scanning features, the Contour.v terminals represent Scientific Games’ new-era optical technology. Contour.v was innovated by the company as part of its newest line of high-performance Contour terminals to meet evolving market demand in integrated lottery retail and digital environments.
The camera-based optical terminals feature an easily viewable and accessible ticket scan area and HD screens configurable for both clerk and player view, Contour.v was designed with durability and unparalleled user experience in mind. A sleek, unibody eliminates unnecessary parts, making the terminals extremely reliable. Unique, advanced optics technology enhances the speed of service. The Contour.v terminals also offer easy processing and a variety of options for ongoing software upgrades.
“Scientific Games welcomes Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz to the growing number of lotteries moving to modern retail technology that easily connects the retail and digital channels, and offers players a smooth, convenient purchasing experience,” said Matthias Müller, VP of Sales & Marketing for Scientific Games.
The company has served Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz since 2006 and currently provides the Lottery with central systems technology, terminal management system and retail point-of-sale technology, as well as its world-leading instant games through the Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership program.
Scientific Games is a supplier to all 16 lotteries in Germany, and the largest lottery systems technology provider in Europe. The company currently supplies games, technologies, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries.
Contour.v is a trademark of Scientific Games. © 2024 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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The New Saints FC Partner with GAMSTOP for Self-Exclusion Day
16-time JD Cymru Premier champions, The New Saints FC, teamed up with GAMSTOP, the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme, in support of Self-Exclusion Day on Saturday 14th September.
The New Saints donated their match-day sponsorship slot to GAMSTOP for their 4-0 JD Cymru Premier victory over Barry Town, which saw the club promote the initiative across its matchday programme and social media platforms. The club’s players wore dedicated custom made GAMSTOP warm-up shirts ahead of the fixture, to raise awareness for the vital campaign designed to highlight the power of self-exclusion.
Beyond the fixture, GAMSTOP, in partnership with Addiction Recovery Agency (ARA), are set to deliver essential training sessions to The New Saints Academy, educating young athletes on the risks of gambling, how to spot and support problem gamblers and how they can support their mental and financial well-being through self-exclusion tools.
The New Saints are proud to play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the importance of GAMSTOP’s work, encouraging both fans and the wider public to engage with the responsible gambling message and to make use of GAMSTOP’s services if they or someone they know is struggling. This year’s Self-Exclusion Day campaign was dubbed #TakeBackControl2024.
GAMSTOP CEO Fiona Palmer said: “The level of support The New Saints provided for Self-Exclusion Day has been above and beyond. Football clubs play a key role in shaping their communities, and it’s fantastic to see TNS take such a proactive stance in supporting individuals who may be struggling with gambling harm. Together, we can ensure that support is available for those who need it.”
Chris Sergeant, Head of Academy at The New Saints FC, added: “We’re delighted to work with GAMSTOP and use the power of football to raise awareness about the importance of responsible gambling. As a club, we are always looking for ways to support our players, fans, and the wider community. This partnership is a crucial step in continuing that mission.”
Clubs from all four English leagues, including Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace, also joined TNS in marking Self-Exclusion Day with many donating programme advertising and posting on their social media. GAMSTOP is a free service which allows vulnerable consumers to exclude themselves from all gambling sites licensed by the Gambling Commission for up to five years, with shorter options of six months or a year. They recently surpassed 500,000 sign ups to their service.
For more information on GAMSTOP, visit gamstop.co.uk.
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