Tista’ taqra bil-
Malti.
SiGMA founder and CEO Eman Pulis has defended his decision to move the annual conference to a larger unconventional venue saying that one of his toughest decisions taken earlier this year has “paid off beautifully”.
SiGMA’s ninth edition, one of Europe’s largest iGaming conventions, took place earlier this week.
This time round the Convention was held at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) in Marsa – a large shipyard warehouse next to the Marsa flyover – instead of its usual location at Ta’ Qali’s Malta Fairs and Conventions.
The location change resulted in major traffic jams with delegates and motorists experiencing notable delays. Commuters all around the island were affected.
Writing on LinkedIn, Pulis said that five months ago the organisers managed to secure all the necessary permits just in time to start refurbishing three derelict sheds and host Malta’s “largest” conference ever.
Acknowledging that the conference impacted the traffic flow, he said that a few valuable lessons have been learnt and will be used to mitigate the effects for next year.
“The vibe of this year’s SiGMA Europe was unlike anything I’ve witnessed in nine years since the very first rodeo,” he said.
“Delegates thought we couldn’t go any farther after last year’s performance at MFCC. Yet here we are today. Current exhibitors want bigger spaces and new clients want in big. I can’t wait to raise the bar yet again in 2024,” Pulis wrote.
The CEO said he received a positive response from hoteliers, restaurants, suppliers, sports clubs and taxis, adding that this was a clear sign that the “show should stay in Malta”.
“The tourist sector used to refer to November as a shoulder month. Not anymore,” he said.
