Dublin Affiliate Conference – iGaming….

iGaming conferences – what’s the point?

In every industry there’s an array of conferences available – where businesses and consumers meet under the one roof to showcase their products or look for new investments. And iGaming (or online gaming) is one of those industries that rely heavily on these types of events. Conferences usually involve huge budgets, glitzy venues and heaps of organisation. But what is the purpose and should you bother to attend? Do you really get anything out of them?

In short, yes. You can achieve a lot in a short space of time by attending a conference. They’re an opportunity to get a wide range of specialist professionals together, to share skills and close any skill or knowledge gaps. It’s a chance to seek out new ideas, new alliances and, more importantly, new ways to increase profits. No business has its structure perfectly fine tuned – and so whether you need more traffic, a better iGaming product, improved marketing or SEO rankings or a fresh audience – there’s no better way than to get everyone in the same spot for a few days and focus solely on business needs.

The timing element is important. Online gaming is a huge industry, generating billions in profit worldwide. But that means it’s also competitive; one of the most competitive sectors in the world, in fact. So you’ve got to be smart and you’ve got to be dynamic – which means using your time wisely. The short, sharp, shock format of conferences enables you to get in, learn what you need and get out just as quickly, without having a negative impact on your business. After all, time equals money and every second counts – especially when you have so many competitors also working on a multinational level on a twenty four hour basis.

And don’t forget, even though the majority of the machinations are controlled online, even in the world of iGaming, you can’t get away from the fact that people like people. You have to make connections. As human beings, we respond more positively and more enthusiastically to people we know and like. Conferences are the perfect environment for iGaming professionals like yourself to meet new connections, whether these are business partners or new consumers. But they’re also a great way to meet some of the previously ‘online’ people you’ve already been working with and strengthen bonds.

But don’t just jump in – approach with an air of caution: be selfish and be selective. After all, conferences are designed to bring you the best in the business, but they’re also working to a set agenda. Like any business, conference organisers need to make money. Now, it’s not like this is breaking news – we’re all in an industry where money is the central focus, but remember to bear the money-making element in mind. After all, doesn’t it make sense that, to get what you want out of attending the conference, you have your own agenda in mind?

Form a plan and stick to it, making sure it reflects your business requirements. Some people treat conferences as an opportunity to party away – but think about it. Is this what you need? In some roles, yes – it works. There’s plenty an affiliate who has generated lots of traffic and improved their own financial situation (and that of the businesses they’re affiliated with) by the way they handle people. But that’s not the role or the skill set of everyone. And treating a conference as one big party won’t be appreciated by everyone either. Your behaviour can just as easily alienate a potentially useful investor/partner/provider as it can attract their attention.

And finally, strive to be yourself. Be unique. There’s no point following the crowd and trying to be how you expect you to be – you have to get what you’re looking for out of the conference. Know what you want and go after it. If you’re looking for info about live casinos, that’s what you hunt out and attend, not the poker stuff. Make it relevant, make it count. There’s money to be made and untapped markets to be found. Of course, we don’t mean that by attending a conference you’ll instantly iron out all the creases and fill all the gaps to double your turnover. But by improving your networks, your knowledge, your connections, you can improve your business. Fact. And that stands for whatever area of the business you’re working in.

That’s why we’re bringing our live casino and other products to conferences. We believe in what we offer and want to showcase what we have. We want to put it out there so that you can see the mutual benefits. And that’s why we’re going to only the best conferences, such as the iGaming SuperShow.

What’s so special about the iGaming SuperShow?

Well, firstly, we’re going to be there. And we’re a discerning bunch – so there are plenty of reasons why we’ve chosen to attend.
The iGaming Super Show, running from May 23rd to 26th, is a distinctive event, known as a ‘confex’ – a mixture of conference and exhibition. It strives to go beyond the usual boundaries of traditional conferences which, as we all know, can sometimes be rather dull. Instead the aim is to offer the world of online gaming something a little different. We’re talking charity golf, free drinks, a wide range of exhibits and conference topics, culminating in an official closing party at Krystle, Dublin’s top nightclub venue.

The iGaming SuperShow was the first event which brought the whole online gaming industry under one roof. Designed to be more of an all-round experience rather than a business meet and greet, it encompasses all of the very best that the industry has to offer – from the speakers and the attendees through to the range of planned events. In short, it provides everything that you, as an iGaming professional, needs. And best of all, its free. So there’s no need to spend money to make money.

From what we’ve seen, the conference topics step outside of the regular themes and promise to examine more niche areas, including business strategy, multi lingual complexities and advanced online marketing. In addition there are invite-only VIP sessions and there’s even talk of speed-networking which should be interesting, to say the least.
We’re viewing this conference as an opportunity to meet a wide range of people in the industry; CEO’s, affiliates, directors, tea boys – whatever role you play in the industry, it’s all about networking and maximizing potential. And seeing as it’s free, you get total ROI. We expect that when you leave the iGaming SuperShow, you’ll have a long list of new contacts and opportunities, increased knowledge, and plenty of motivation – that’s what we’re hoping for after all.
The iGaming Super Show proved to be the biggest iGaming event in 2010, with over 2,300 delegates in attendance, and this year looks to be even bigger, full of innovative improvements. Alex Pratt, Head of iGaming Business said in the conference’s official press release; “We have added in a new VIP networking program, focused on the B2B content early on, moved the two expo zones into one room, chosen a more central and modern venue, and will be significantly investing in getting the best delegates to the event.”

Sounds good – now let’s see it in the flesh.

This year, the expo rooms have a clearly defined, double-edged approach. There’s a section for iGaming suppliers, who can search out new and existing operators and, on the flip side, there’s be an area for operators who believe in their product and want to bring it to the attention of affiliates and marketing partners. Smart thinking, right?

Overall, the conference has two strands. Firstly, there is a focus on global regulation which looks at topics such as legal issues, best operational practices and marketing strategies, as well as the relationship between online and land-based gaming providers. The second strand focuses solely on affiliate marketing and features SEO professionals, super-affiliates and networking events. Like we said, its all about getting the most out of the event for your business and making more money – so make note of who’s around and make sure you connect with them.

The goal of the iGaming SuperShow is to bring together as many iGaming professionals with something big to offer as possible. And it’s set to be the biggest networking opportunity in the industry; so whether you are starting out as a marketing executive or have been in the online gaming business for many years, watching it evolve, this show should prove inclusive enough for every job role.
It’s a win-win situation.
We’re expecting you to stop by to find out more about us and what we can offer you, including our Live Casino. We’ll be signing up new affiliates and giving stuff away – though were not giving too many details away on here. You’ll have to come and say hi.
(And to get the best out of your visit to the city of Dublin, check out our suggestions below.)

What to do in Dublin while you’re at the iGaming SuperShow
If you’re travelling for the iGaming SuperShow, you might as well check out some of the city too. The conference is held at the RDS Dublin, which is a little outside the city, but it’s only about ten minutes away by car and there’s a taxi rank from outside Hall One (1) so you shouldn’t be stuck for transport. And even if you don’t want to see any sights, you’ve got to eat and find somewhere to sleep. Plus, how can you be in Dublin without sampling a proper pint of the black stuff? Trust us; the hotel bar won’t cut it.

Top places to stay in Dublin for the iGaming SuperShow

If you want to be out near the conference, the organisers have arranged some decent discounts. Bewleys (3-star) is the most atmospheric of the bunch and right next door to the conference centre – and it looks the best value. If you don’t mind a longer walk the Ballsbridge (4 star) option is winner, as is the Radisson (4 star) out in Sandyford is just ten minutes away by car. However, there’s very little around these hotels so don’t be expecting much to see/do (including restaurants and bars) in the local vicinity.

If you want to stay centrally and your budget isn’t limited, go for the Clarence (owned by Bono) or the Shelbourne (choice of Stephen Fry) or the Conrad (discount available through the conference). All are 5-star, Dublin-style swanky and out to impress, complete with excellent restaurants and bars. There are also some pretty good offers on at places like Blooms and Brooks – also central. But go to the websites direct – the recession is forcing hotels to offer better deals than discount websites. Forget B&B’s or guest houses. They’re not central and they’re of no use to you.

Top eats for the iGaming SuperShow

There’s no fine dining near any of the conference hotels, you’ll have to eat in the hotel itself; so to sample some culinary delights not hotel-bound, head into the centre. If you want to impress some potential investors or partners and don’t mind spending a few euro (OK, lots of euro), then the best restaurant in town is Patrick Guilbaud’s – complete with two Michelin Stars. The food is outstanding and the silver service impeccable – think one waiter per diner and a lovely pre-dinner cocktail room. Note: this place does the best gin and tonic known to man.
In general, Dublin has improved its approach to dining out and can provide quality food at all budget levels. For the biggest and tastiest portions of Japanese food, try Yamamori’s. There are two restaurants in the centre – one on Georges St in South Dublin and another near the Liffey in North Dublin. They’ve got the same menu and they’re brilliant. Service, grub, value – they’re all worth it. The spicy tuna is fabulous but there’s also lots of unusual dishes on offer – be warned, the menu is vast and it’ll take ages to decide. Then just when you’ve cracked it – you’ll spot the specials board.

Believe it or not, Irish food is hard to find but O’Neill’s does hearty pub food and there’s a Boxty restaurant in Temple bar. If you’re around during the day, the George Street arcade boasts some fine take-away food and eateries – in fact, try and find a better gourmet sausage role anywhere in Europe. There’s also excellent ice cream and coffee (or the fabulous mixture of ice-cream and coffee know as affogato) in Murphy’s – try the sea salt flavoured ice cream. It’s the best. In fact – try them all. They let you taste everything before ordering. And do they do great chilli hot chocolate too.

Drinking holes for a pint of porter
The best advice we can give is to keep out of Temple Bar and head to Baggot Street. Here, you’ll find Toners (voted the best snug n Ireland – you’ll see why straight away) and O’Donoghue’s, home of the Dubliners. You can hear traditional and folk music every night in O’Donoghue’s – think great vocals, fab flutists and lots of people joining in. If it’s real trad music you’re looking for, head to the Cobblestone in Smithfield (it’s on the red Luas line). It’s all about airs, jigs and reels and you’ll not hear many singers – but this place is home to some of the best musicians in Dublin and less touristy.

With all the iGaming SuperShow events on offer, we know you’ll be busy trying to make the most out of your time there, getting to know as many industry contacts as possible. But it doesn’t hurt to try and experience a little of what Dublin has to offer. Whatever you decide, we’re looking forward to seeing you there.

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