SiGMA Asia plays host to 12, 000 delegates in the Philippine capital
Manila week is finally here, which will see the SiGMA Asia Summit bringing its esteemed network to the Philippine capital’s largest convention centre, the SMX, for this inaugural edition of the PAGCOR-endorsed event.
The Philippines is fast developing as a globally recognised hub for iGaming and emerging technologies, making it the perfect place to set our horizons.
Thanks in no small part to PAGCOR, the gaming sector in the Philippines has rapidly expanded into one of the most influential worldwide.
SiGMA Asia opening ceremony.
The Chair of PAGCOR himself, Alejandro H. Tengco, made an appearance, cutting the ribbon and inaugurating the long-awaited event. Graciously receiving a gifted painting from SiGMA group as he took to the stage to give his address at the opening ceremony.
On the summit itself Tengco had this to say:
“Next to the big event in Las Vegas I attended this year, this gaming show – SIGMA Asia – is the biggest and most successful I’ve seen and experienced since then.”
This presence and prestigious endorsement have allowed the SiGMA Asia Summit to offer incisive industry-leading insights and unparalleled networking opportunities for delegates to build relationships with Asian suppliers, operators and affiliates.
Pre-registration: Effortless access and a networking reception
SiGMA Asia’s internationally renowned event touched down on Wednesday the 19th of July when the Sportsbook Bar at the Okada Manila hosted pre-registration which saw 12, 000 delegates receive their badges.
If you have been unable to purchase your tickets by then you can still do so at the registration event before receiving your event badge simultaneously. Tickets can also be bought at any time on either day of the conference.
Pre-registration will be accompanied by a networking drinks reception which kicks off 6pm.
The 19th of July also offered a series of activities for the arriving delegates.? Access will depend on which ticket was purchased so make certain you select the correct ticket to get the most out of the summit and its activities.
An Intramuros walking tour of several historic and culturally relevant sites across the storied Filipino capital teed off at 12 noon.
This included visits to the Baluarte De San Diego and Fort Santiago, as well as a glimpse at national landmarks Palacio Del Gobernador and San Augustin Church.
An exclusive C-level golf invitational was held from 8 am with the Club Intramuros Gold Course’s tournament yielding both social and sporting success.
There was also a poker tournament held at the famed Pokerstars LIVE at the Okada.
SiGMA Awards
Tommy Zegan’s, The Champ – Manny Pacquiao sold for €1800.
Commencing at 7 pm, the Forbes Grand Ballroom at the Conrad Hotel was illuminated by the prestigious SiGMA Asia Awards.
This gala event celebrated the most significant achievements and contributions that have moulded the industry into what it is today.
Attracting an esteemed guest list of over 300 attendees, the awards presentation also provided a platform for an art auction, the proceeds of which will be utilised in full to support the SiGMA Foundation, SiGMA Group’s charity arm.
There was also an iGathering Dinner hosted at the La Piazza within the Okada from 7:30 onwards.
Day 1 of SiGMA Asia
Opening its doors at 10 am, Manila’s SMX Convention Center will be alive and waiting for all of its eager ticket holders to attend the first day of the SiGMA Asia Summit’s panels and addresses.
The very first SiGMA Asia Summit will be inaugurated by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco when he gives a speech for the expo’s opening ceremony at 10.55 am.
Industry leaders and pioneering panels
The incisive industry-leading knowledge that has consistently been a staple of SiGMA Summits will undoubtedly be present during the conferences that follow.
Points of discussion will include crucial topics in developing the gaming sector such as AML compliance, the land-based industry and digital marketing.
It will take a keen focus on the key factors affecting the South Asian region specifically and analyse the global impact it is having.
Driving Tourism and Economic Development: The Role of Integrated Resorts and Casinos in Asian Destinations
Particular attention will be focused on economic diversification and bringing the famed casino resort concept to new regions of Asia. The panel will include Dr Manida Xongmixay-Lau, Vice President at the trailblazing Okada Manila when it takes to the SiGMA/AGS stage at 12:40 pm.
Gambling Regulation – Lessons From Australia for the Asian Gambling Sector
Day 1 of the summit will also glean seasoned experience regarding gambling and its regulation. Jamie Nettleton, a partner at Addisons, will bring a series of lessons from the Australian gambling sector, a globally significant market leader, to be applied to the rapidly emerging operations in Asia.
Centurion FC
MMA fight promoter Centurion FC will also be making an eager appearance on day 2 of the Summit, the 21st July, with the pre-bout weigh-in taking place on the SiGMA/AGS stage at 1:40 pm beforehand on day 1.
Here on the 20th of July (day 1), you can catch all the eagerly awaited anticipation as the fighters find out if they have made weight as well as witness their final encounter before entering the cage at Casa Ibarra sending sparks flying across the Philippine capital.
Exhibition
Holding a special place at the event’s atmospheric heart will be the exhibition floor, where 100 of the most promising start-ups will be on full display.
Here incisive ideas and industry game-changers will showcase their most unique and valuable concepts to the entirety of the event’s esteemed delegation.
Accessible throughout both days of the conference, the expo floor is a world-class opportunity to expand your network and build invaluable relationships with potential investors and enterprises.
Start-up Pitch Competition
The SiGMA Asia Summit will also see the return of the highly coveted SiGMA pitch competition, where 6 of the top start-ups from our exhibition floor will have a premium opportunity to pitch their unique concepts to a panel of industry-leading experts and investors.
Taking place on the SiGMA/AGS stage at 2:00 pm, these start-ups will not only have the opportunity to pitch their cutting-edge projects but also benefit from top-level expertise and mentorship, global media exposure, and a plethora of expansion opportunities to match.
Esports Zone
The exhibition floor will also feature a fully dedicated Esports Zone, where insightful panels and high-level contests will be on full display.
A collaboration between PNEL, Magic Craft and EZR sports, the specialised area will play host to several competitive events including “The Implosion” Street Fighter Championships Fight Games Event with a prize of 50,000 pesos and the One Day “Sudden Death” MLBB Tournament with a staggering 250,000 peso prize pool.
Networking opportunities abundant
After the conferences have concluded, day 1 is far from over, with a host of even richer networking opportunities on offer.
At the Conrad Hotel’s C lounge, there will be networking drinks from 6:00 pm onwards. The La Piazza at Okada will also be hosting an iGathering dinner which will get underway slightly later at 7:30.
An exclusive event will be held by Nobu at the City of Dreams, Manila in the form of a networking dinner sponsored by TinyTrader. That will start at 7:30, as will the iGathering dinner at the Metro Café.
An Intramuros walking tour of several historic and culturally relevant sites across the storied Filipino capital teed off at 12 noon.
An exclusive C-level golf invitational was held from 8 am with the Club Intramuros Gold Course’s tournament yielding both social and sporting success.
