I-Gaming North America - Boot Camp at Monte Carlo Set for May 2-4

The gambling capital of the America will get an up-close look at its future during the inaugural iGaming North America conference to be held May 2-4, 2011 at Monte Carlo Casino & Resort in Las Vegas.

Organizers BolaVerde Media Group, Lewis & Roca and The Innovation Group have taken a new approach in designing the curriculum as a  "boot camp" for entrants into the North American I-gaming markets. The event will provide education and training to prospective participants in the regulated US and Canadian Internet gaming markets. Through this program, attendees will acquire a roadmap and the tools necessary to get from Point A (regulatory approval) to Point B (launch) with a firm handle on their capital, staffing, marketing and operational needs.

With the theme "The Road to Legalization," the groundbreaking event is designed to introduce the land-based gaming businesses of North America to the $30 billion global iGaming industry. It is the production of a new venture backed by Steven Rittvo, owner of The Innovation Group, Mark Balestra, director of BolaVerde Media Group, and Anthony Cabot, a prominent gaming attorney based in Las Vegas, with an advisory committee chaired by Sue Schneider, a veteran of the iGaming industry and the principal of eGaming Brokerage.

"The discussion has evolved beyond the speculative tone we've seen in recent years, and there’s a high demand for practical guidance as businesses enter uncharted territory." Mr. Balestra explained. "Certainly the program will cover political and regulatory issues, but the primary focus will be on 'how-to' rather than 'what-if.'"

The lineup of presenters and panelists includes professional poker superstar Howard Lederer, as well as executives from the world’s leading online and offline gambling businesses, including Caesars, GTECH G2, Betfair, WMS and more.

The organizers have crafted a program geared for preparing businesses for entrance into the world’s largest regulated Internet gambling market. Topics include:
- Marketing for Start-up and Ramp-up
- Staffing and Outsourcing Needs
- Cross-Marketing Strategies
- Managing and Integrating Online & Offline Loyalty Programs
- US Federal and State Policy Developments
- Gaming Platform Integration
- Tribal Perspectives on Internet Gambling
- Affiliate Marketing
- Online Gaming and Social Networks
- Fundamental Aspects of Regulation
- More...

"A window is opening for North America's licensed operators, existing iGaming operators and media and entertainment ventures expanding into new markets," Ms. Schneider explained. "For all of these businesses, this event will present a much needed forum for learning and sharing ideas, as well as the region's first marketplace for gambling's most promising sector."

Mr. Cabot added, "With the surge in activity at both the state/provincial as well as federal levels, the time is right for all of the operators, consultants, vendors and suppliers focused on the North American audience to come together for this important informational event."

Regulation in the US and Canadian markets appears imminent and several bills for regulation are pending in various jurisdictions.  Yet even with its global reach and undisputed commercial success, the technology and geolocation issues and opportunities surrounding iGaming are still not well understood by many of those in the traditional gaming industry in North America. Come May 2, that will all begin to change.

Sponsors to the 2011 event include Continent 8, Betfair/TVG, Dickinson Wright and Blank Rome.

The organizers are offering an early-bird rate for those who register by March 3. Discounts are available to groups of three or more as well. 

For more information, visit: www.igamingnorthamerica.com.

Source: http://www.GambloggersBizBlog.blogspot.com

New Online Networking Tool and Two Intensive Workshops New Features of Budapest Affiliate Conference 2010

iGB Affiliate Events are determined to follow the success of the iGaming Super Show in Prague by making their next affiliate event, Budapest Affiliate Conference 2010 better than ever. Two brand new features designed to enhance delegates’ experience have been added: a new online networking accelerator tool and two intensive industry-specific training workshops.

iGB Affiliate Events pride themselves on knowing that delegates come to their shows to create successful relationships within the online gambling affiliate market. In an effort to advance this winning reputation, they have invested in a new state-of-the-art networking tool which will facilitate over 3,000 connections between delegates prior to BAC 2010 and are delighted to have the support of Roxy Affiliates in making this happen. This comprehensive tool will allow every delegate to communicate before, after and during the show to create meetings and start business conversations to ensure they maximise their time at the event. Every registered delegate to BAC 2010 will receive a personalised email in the first week of September detailing their own unique log-in information and instructions to specify their preferences and be matched with likeminded delegates.

“The iGaming events and affiliate conferences play a large part in providing a platform that allows operators to get to know both new and existing affiliates on a personal level in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.” Lee-Ann Johnstone, Affiliate Manager for Roxy Affiliates stated “Roxy Affiliates has always advocated the importance of communication to maintain solid business relationships and therefore when the opportunity to sponsor the conference networking tool arose, we jumped at the chance to participate. Anyone who’s attended an affiliate event will know how quickly time can pass by, so we hope this tool will help encourage delegates to get in touch with one another to benefit from extending business relationships in advance to the event”

iGB Affiliate Events are keen to ensure that delegates will not only leave BAC 2010 with thriving new business and marketing relationships, but in turn they will also provide individuals with the opportunity to expand and experience first hand the latest developments in social marketing and search engine strategy. The iGB Training Workshops have been set up to compliment the famed and exhaustive BAC conference schedule, by providing in-depth training in small classroom settings to ensure informal one-to-one discussions and exposure to the latest web marketing tactics. The workshops; Social Media Secrets for Your Business and Advances Link Building & SEO, will run on Thursday 7th October from 09:00-15:00 and if booked by the 1st of September delegates will receive an Early Bird £50 discount. Places are obviously limited as only 60 tickets are available for 1,400 expected BAC delegates.

For more information on the iGB Training Workshops or the BAC Networking Tool, simply register to attend the Budapest Affiliate Conference 2010, held at the SYMA Centre from the 7th – 10th October. As always entry to BAC is completely FREE for all Affiliates and includes transport to and from the Budapest Marriott Hotel to the SYMA Centre, all networking parties, conference seminars, lunch, and a massive exhibition with 70+ exhibitors.