One of the events that attracted the most attention during the year 2023 which is coming to an end was the SBC Summit Latin America, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Miami from October 31 to November 2.
To take stock of a year full of challenges, Yogonet spoke with Cristian Robalino, Vice President of Marketing for the Americas at SBC. Past events, the regional situation for the gaming industry, and plans for 2024 were some of the topics discussed.
How would you assess the year 2023 for SBC?
The 2023 review for SBC highlights a period of remarkable growth and success in the events arena. During this time, we have set a record by organizing events that have not only been exceptional in terms of participation and quality but have also set industry milestones. SBC Summit Barcelona, our global event, which brought together nearly 15,000 professionals, and SBC Summit Latin America in Miami were two of the most outstanding events in the industry.
Our firm has been a leader in the creation and execution of record-breaking events in terms of attendance of key exhibitors and active participation of attendees. These events not only solidified our position in the marketplace but also elevated SBC’s reputation as a benchmark in the specialized events industry.
What news or event in the gaming industry do you think was the most important of the year that is ending and why?
The news about the regulation of sports betting in Brazil is of utmost importance for the industry and stakeholders in this sector. The opening of a specific regulatory framework for sports betting represents a significant milestone, bringing clarity and stability to a market that has been in constant evolution.
This regulation will not only provide a safer and more transparent environment for operators and users but will also open up new opportunities for investment and growth in the Brazilian gaming industry. The legalization of sports betting can stimulate job creation, foster innovation and contribute to economic development in the country.
In addition, the regulation will allow the implementation of measures to prevent and address gambling-related problems, ensuring the integrity of operations and protecting consumers. In summary, the news about the regulation of sports betting in Brazil is a positive step that will impact both the industry and the country’s economy.
What are the company’s expectations for 2024?
SBC’s continued growth takes on new momentum with the exciting news of the relocation of our global event, the SBC Summit from Barcelona to Lisbon. This strategic shift not only highlights our adaptability and vision for expansion but also represents an opportunity to offer a larger and more dynamic event experience in the vibrant city of Lisbon.
We are particularly excited about the launch of SBC Summit Rio in March, a strategic move that expands our presence and leverages opportunities in the key market of Brazil. This event will not only strengthen our position as a leader in the organization of specialized events but will also provide a unique platform for interaction and collaboration in the gaming and sports betting industry.
These strategic moves and growth of CasinoBeats Summit, SBC Summit North America and the Canadian Gaming Summit reaffirms SBC’s commitment to excellence and innovation. We are excited about the exciting future ahead and look forward to delivering exceptional event experiences that continue to set the industry standard.
The last edition of the SBC Summit Latin America in Miami was a great success. Looking ahead to 2024, and beyond the company’s plans, what innovation or novelties would you like to include in the events you organize?
The last edition of SBC Summit Latin America in Miami was a resounding success. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we will focus on introducing innovations that will further enhance the experience of our events. We plan to diversify the content and formats of our sessions, incorporating interactive panels, specialized workshops, and more focused discussions on the latest industry trends.
We are also committed to strengthening representation on our panels by including the participation of more leading regulators. This was a positive focal point in 2023. We seek to provide a more comprehensive and enriching perspective on the regulatory issues influencing the industry. We will also explore further enhancing valuable networking opportunities by creating specific venues that foster stronger connections and opportunities for collaboration. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve, providing events that are not only informative but also inspiring and conducive to building meaningful industry relationships.
On this path of continuous improvement, we are focused on evolving our app for events, incorporating advanced features that optimize the user experience and enable more effective matchmaking to generate business opportunities. Technology will be a key ally in facilitating meaningful connections between industry professionals, thus promoting an environment conducive to business growth and the creation of new strategic alliances.
