(PRESS RELEASE) -- The demand was there for all to see, and the organizers behind SiGMA came up with the magic formula: limit the conference to five affiliate managers and open the floodgates (with strict due diligence) for affiliates.
Affiliate Grand Slam represents the first conference in the history of affiliation where affiliates could apply for an all-inclusive VIP treat, including flights, a five-star, two-night stay at the Hilton, with excursions, lunches, dinners and parties thrown into the mix.
Only five operators were allowed to host the Grand Slam, and another five non-operators were allowed to sponsor it.
The event started off with 250 affiliates flying in to Tallinn from all corners of the world on Thursday, 27 April. The SiGMA crew greeted each affiliate at the brand-new, five-star Hilton Park.
That same evening, each operator sat down privately with about fifty affiliates for a dinner within the hotel itself. Betting Gods,
Olybet,
PlayOJO,
Quasar Gaming and
Video Slots nurtured new working relationships in a friendly environment. Good wine in abundance.
But the night was far from over. After dinner, all guests headed down to Olympic Casino within the Hilton itself for welcome champagne, dark chocolate, cigars and a freeroll, networking poker tournament.
The organizers were hoping the night would end there and that affiliates wouldn't head out in the wilderness of Old Town, but, as anticipated, half their hopes went up in flames.
Still, the next morning, breakfast was brimming with activity, and all affiliates, bar a few casualties, seemed eager for the conference to start. Each operator gave a small presentation, followed by a series of quality workshops. Mini stalls, an exquisite buffet lunch table, coffee and Baltic treats cluttered the meet-market outside the conference hall, where handshakes and business cards were being exchanged.
Following a few hours at the Hilton spa, it was time for the big traditional dinner. Everyone headed to Olde Hansa, walking through the narrow, cobble streets of charming Old Town, for a feast back in time. Traditional cuisine made its way on all tables for everyone to share, while more business cards exchanged hands.
Shortly after dinner, the closing night awaited at the Olympic Casino for a VIP, strictly by invite nighter-bender. Few guests joined the party, but the organizers would not elaborate. We can only guess how the night unfolded with 250 affiliates in this charming Baltic city.
The success of Affiliate Grand Slam was such that the industry won't wait another year for the organizers to launch the second edition, featuring a new city to uncover, new hosts, new affiliates. This is Affiliate Grand Slam. The wheel has been reinvented.
Log on to the Affiliate Grand Slam or Malta Gaming Summit websites for details about the next event. If you're interested in hosting or sponsoring the next AGS, get in touch with organizers on +356 99263626, by e-mail at info@sigma.com.mt or by skype at eman.pulis.