European I-Gaming Congress & Expo (EiG) 7 – 9 November Nice, France

I-gaming Industry Convenes in Nice

The remote gaming industry converged on France last week as over 800 attendees attended last weeks „4th annual EiG Congress and Expo“ organised by Clarion ATE & River City Group.

Some of the biggest names and industry experts in i-gaming were present to debate the key issues facing the igaming market today.

Keynote Speaker Richard Segal, CEO of the world’s biggest poker site, PartyGaming, opened the event with an eagerly anticipated speech.

Key topics from Richards’s speech included:

  • Advising on the pros and cons on floating an i-gaming business
  • News about the launch of new products for their 9million poker players (partypoker, partycasino, partybingo)
  • New distribution opportunities using mobile devices which the company had planned

Segal stressed that after the dynamic growth of the company to its now listed status, the focus must switch to the importance of keeping players. „Customer retention will be the buzz phrase for the online gaming business for 06“, he stressed.

The seminar programme continued for the following 2 days, with presentations on core topics such as Strategies, Polices, Product and Market Overviews, Costs and Opportunities. In addition there was a wealth of new information available on the skill gaming, opening into Eastern European markets and iTV.

The event was closed with a lively and entertaining address from Peter Cowley, Director of Interactive Media for Endemol UK, producers of Big Brother and a range of interactive quizzes and skill games. Cowley demonstrated how to exploit opportunities in new media platforms, saying that each show had a gambling element in every possible media.

TV, Cowley asserted, could create the „next big thing“ just as its role in boosting the profile of poker was key.

Run along side the seminar programme was a 41 stand exhibition, the biggest yet, which showcased new products and services for the i-gaming industry.

The feedback from EiG exhibitors was very positive to the amount and the quality of attendees. Comments such as:

„We enjoyed a great show at EIG this year for the staff that exhibited and also for all those who attended the conference. It was incredibly worthwhile and a truly valuable networking experience.“
Sarah Jones, Marketing Manager, Microgaming

„At EIG you can market yourself in an environment that really works – intimately with the top names in Europe and beyond.“
Olga Pleguezuelos, Marketing Communications Director, Gextech

Monday & Tuesday evening brought delegates, speakers and exhibitors together with two vibrant networking cocktail receptions. Tuesday’s event at the Salon Royale at the magnificent Negresco Hotel was a highlight.

With the EiG 2005 delegate list comprising of the „who’s who“ in the igaming industry, the event has confirmed its place as the most important i-gaming event in the European industry calendar. Work is already underway for the 2006 show, and details will be available soon.

Speaking post show, Peter Rusbridge CEO of ATE, and Sue Schneider of River City Group had this to say:

„River City Group and Clarion ATE are delighted by both the size and depth of quality of the attendees list of this year’s EiG. The European igaming market appears to come of age and sees continued growth, driven by large investments and truly innovative product solutions across the supply chain. Events like EiG help steer this process and we will look to match the growth of the market with an even bigger and better event next year.“