Already Media presents “Point of View,” a new column where industry experts and thought leaders share their perspectives on key trends and challenges in the iGaming market. Each edition delves into insights on how affiliates, operators, and providers can navigate the industry’s complexities. Our mission is to create a platform for open dialogue, offering strategies that shape the future of iGaming. In this first release, we explore expert approaches to maximizing conference participation.

Conferences have long been a powerful tool for companies to boost their brand presence, foster partnerships, and stay ahead of market trends. In the competitive iGaming industry, events play an essential role in expanding networks and securing strategic partnerships. In this article, we explore how three industry leaders — Growe Partners, Already Media, and Gamzix—approach conference participation, sharing their strategies for preparation, networking, and post-event follow-up.

For this piece, we interviewed Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners, Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media, and Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix, who shared their expert insights on maximizing conference opportunities.

Effective preparation is key to maximizing the potential of any conference. In this section, we explore insights from industry leaders on essential steps, including goal setting, meeting organization, and strategic planning. Discover how thorough preparation lays the foundation for successful networking and partnership development during the event.

We pay close attention to details. Preparation starts in advance and includes several key steps: booth planning, organizing activities, merch, and promotional materials. A crucial part is analyzing the important topics we need to discuss with partners and scheduling meetings. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

Already Media approaches conference preparation strategically, starting with goal setting and meeting planning. Given the limited time (typically 2-3 days), our affiliate team prioritizes meetings to ensure we engage with all key partners. We reach out to partners in advance to coordinate meeting schedules with each, leaving some time for networking with new contacts. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

To learn more about how Already Media optimizes its operational processes for efficiency, check out this article.

Preparation starts with a team brainstorming session. This is where ideas and new concepts are born. From there, we create a roadmap with deadlines, assign responsibilities across the team, and begin execution. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone knows their role and has clear tasks. We also invest time in planning visuals, booth design, and marketing materials that will resonate with attendees. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

Our strategy includes both long-term and quarterly goals. At this stage, our main focus is on boosting brand awareness and solidifying our presence in key markets by building long-term partnerships that support our growth strategy. A top priority at conferences is strengthening relationships with existing partners through in-person meetings. Additionally, we regularly schedule meetings for strategic partnerships, engaging our C-level executives. Conferences, in general, always offer us valuable opportunities for business expansion. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

This depends on the type of event and our strategy at the time. Our main focus is usually on finding new affiliates and partners, strengthening relationships with existing ones, presenting new products and offers, and analyzing the market based on personal feedback from partners. This helps us get the most out of the conference and achieve the company’s long-term goals. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

Every conference is about three key things: showcasing your brand, observing competitors and market in general, and networking. Since our games are already present in many casinos, a big priority is meeting with existing partners, demonstrating how we’ve raised the bar for our booth, and unveiling our latest releases. Another priority is setting up meetings with potential new partners in advance. We research the attendee list to identify key industry players we want to connect with and pre-schedule meetings. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

Pre-planning: We create a list of key contacts and potential partners we want to meet with and develop a meeting schedule to avoid overlaps and optimize time. Tools: We use different apps for planning and coordinating meetings during conferences. Meeting preparation: Before meetings, we prepare thoroughly, with clear agendas to make the most of the time. Documenting meeting results: After each meeting, we document key points and agreements to have a clear understanding of the next steps. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

At Already Media, we prioritize efficient time management. We create a schedule based on target contacts and partners we wish to meet. Tools like Calendly and event-specific apps help us organize meetings. Moreover, we prepare customized agendas for each meeting to ensure every discussion is goal-oriented. Afterward, we document important outcomes for follow-up actions. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

We start planning meetings as soon as the conference is officially announced and we have access to the exhibitor and visitor list. It’s essential to book meetings early, while there are still convenient slots available. For communications, we use messaging platforms and Google Meet, which are reliable and widely used. Additionally, we keep a dedicated board with the agenda for each meeting to stay organized and ensure we address key topics with each partner. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

The conference itself presents unique opportunities for engagement and visibility. Here, we delve into the marketing strategies and networking approaches employed by our experts to stand out among competitors and build meaningful connections. Learn how to make the most of your time at the event through targeted interactions and relationship-building efforts.

Our merchandise is always a hit, each conference we prepare something special —people still talk about our toy dogs, a fan-favorite character from one of our games. And our custom Nike sneakers that we make for our partners. But this year at SiGMA Malta, we’re taking things to the next level. We’ve prepared something truly unexpected for visitors—a chance to test their luck right at our booth. We can’t reveal all the details just yet, but trust us, it’s a game-changer. Get ready for an unforgettable experience! — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

The first thing people notice at events is your booth. No matter how great your offers are, you need to attract attention first. For each event, we bring a unique booth. For example, at the upcoming SBC Lisbon, we’ll have one of the largest booths at the event – 144m². Along with its size and unique design, our partners can expect gifts, activities, and prize draws. Of course, we also have ample space for comfortable meetings. Also, we often host parties during conferences. At SBC Lisbon, you’ll experience this at our Cyber Beast Party on September 25. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

We focus on continuous self-improvement rather than outshining others. To make a statement, we prefer sponsoring events like parties or after-parties, showcasing ourselves as an experienced traffic-generating company and a strong employer. Recently, our CEO and other representatives have begun participating as speakers at conferences, which has led to more invitations. Our expertise and commitment to sharing valuable insights significantly enhance our brand image. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

A personalized approach is essential for every partner, both existing and potential. During conversations, we focus on their interests and needs to provide maximum value and establish a genuine connection. Active networking, including informal meetings and parties, helps a lot with that. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

We believe in a tailored, human-centric approach. We ensure that each conversation, whether with new or existing partners, is personalized to their needs. We focus on listening and understanding their business to provide value. Moreover, we actively participate in side events, informal gatherings, and after-parties, where deeper, more personal connections can be built. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

We position ourselves not just as a provider but as a strategic partner. We keep a close eye on what’s happening at our partners’ companies, celebrating their special milestones. At conferences, we ensure personalized touches—whether it’s a cozy meeting at our booth, a lunch, or a personalized dinner. We also prepare custom gifts and tailored offers for each partner. It’s a conference all-inclusive experience, designed to foster deeper relationships. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

Events are all about networking. Conferences offer a great platform for connecting with potential partners. This helps expand our network and find new business opportunities. Often, these events lead to new strategic partnerships and collaborations. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

Conferences offer opportunities for both large and small businesses. If you’re a new, smaller affiliate team, it’s a great chance to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and explore new partnership prospects. For Already Media, conferences serve as a gateway to strengthening brand presence, gaining insights into industry trends, and building strategic partnerships that have a lasting impact on the business. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

If you have a booth, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to be noticed, showcase your growth (especially if you’re launching a rebrand or a new style), and reach a broad audience quickly. It’s also a chance to chat with competitors, understand market trends, and stay ahead. Even without a booth, simply attending can expand your network—initial meetings can lead to after-parties or business lunches, often sparking lasting partnerships. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

The work doesn’t end when the conference does. In this section, we discuss the critical follow-up actions recommended by our industry leaders to maximize the outcomes of the event. From analyzing connections to planning future collaborations, these insights will help ensure that your conference participation translates into long-term success.

Pavlo Miroshnykov: To maximize results, several key actions should be taken:

• Analysis and evaluation: Assess the results, such as the number of new contacts and successful meetings.
• Follow-up: Reach out to new contacts, send thank-you notes for meetings, and propose follow-up actions or meetings.
• Information processing: Record and organize important information gathered during the event.
• Internal review: Hold internal discussions about the event results and plan the next steps.

After the conference, it’s vital to act quickly. We review all new contacts and meetings, sending follow-ups to nurture the relationships further. Organizing and documenting insights from the event helps ensure nothing valuable is missed, setting the stage for future growth. If you prepare a clear list of questions and expectations in advance, it will be much easier to launch partnerships after the conference without any delays or complications. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

It’s vital to document every agreement with partners during the conference and share them in team chats in real time. This way, when the event ends, you have a clear understanding of each conversation and know where to start. The next step is to schedule follow-up calls with action plans and deadlines for beginning the collaboration. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

Overall, we assess the achievement of goals set before the event. For example, the number and quality of new contacts, the impact on the Growe Partners brand and its recognition, financial results, and, of course, the insights and knowledge gained during the conference. — Pavlo Miroshnykov, Senior Affiliate Manager at Growe Partners

Success for us is measured by several factors: the number of new quality contacts, the level of engagement with existing partners, and the business opportunities generated. We also evaluate our brand’s exposure and presence during the event and any strategic partnerships that develop as a result. Insights gained from the market and the feedback from partners also play a critical role in our evaluation. — Maryna Yushchenko, CMO Brand at Already Media

Success is measured by both short-term and long-term outcomes. In the short term, it’s about the number of quality meetings you had and the new leads you generated. Long-term success is determined by how many of those leads turn into meaningful partnerships or contracts. Tracking KPIs like deal closures, the impact of new connections, and post-conference media coverage also plays a key role in evaluating success. — Olga Ashykhmina, PR and Communication Manager at Gamzix

Conclusion

From the approaches of Growe Partners, Already Media, and Gamzix, we see that a well-thought-out strategy, both before and after the event, is key to achieving success at conferences. Each company highlights different tactics, from meticulous preparation to ongoing follow-up, ensuring their participation delivers long-term benefits. By adopting some of these best practices, businesses of any size can turn conferences into valuable gateways for growth, partnership development, and brand enhancement.