"iGB Affiliate 2024 aims to offer different networking opportunities tailored to what our customers need and want"

The concluding year was a successful one for iGB Affiliate, which held its 2023 London edition earlier this year, February 8 - 11, occupying a record 11,800 square meters of floor space at ExCel London and breaking attendance records.

In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, Clarion Gaming's Naomi Barton, iGB Events Portfolio Director, summed up the 2023 edition's highlights, pointing out that iGB Affiliate is the only exhibition that is focused purely on iGaming affiliation and that "every connection made at the show leads somewhere."

She also discusses plans for 2024, noting that iGB Affiliate serves as a melting pot for new ideas and trends, with several events that will provide social and networking opportunities lined up for next year. Over 200 exhibitors are expected at IGBA’s 'Farewell to London' edition, after which the event relocates to Barcelona. 

What role did the latest iGB Affiliate edition play for industry stakeholders and what were its highlights?
 
According to the research conducted by Explori, the specialist exhibition consultants, the 2023 edition of iGB Affiliate London was ranked amongst the top 5% of UK trade events. Using the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology which measures the willingness to recommend an event to peers and colleagues, iGB Affiliate London '23 achieved an NPS of +61 (+51 in 2022) and an exhibitor satisfaction score of + 62 (+42 in 2022). Both represented the highest scores recorded in iGB Affiliate's history.

The edition succeeded in breaking records across the board with more attendees travelling from more countries than ever before. The number of unique show visitors totaled 5,763, a 40% uplift on the April 2022 edition (4,116) and 19% ahead of 2020 (4,844) - the last edition of iGB Affiliate London to take place prior to Covid. The number of visitors who attended, which measures return visits, totaled 7,176. 

The strong international credentials were also evident with visitors traveling to iGB Affiliate 2023 from a record 101 nations. In terms of the feedback from stakeholders, they highlighted the importance of staying on top of the latest industry trends, networking with potential partners and clients, connecting with industry leaders, gaining insights into emerging technologies, and receiving a diversity of perspectives and experiences from throughout the world. All of these features and experiences will be repeated and enhanced at the 2024 show in February.

Throwback to a key iGB Affiliate Networking Event. ✨

Our Welcome Drinks are the perfect opportunity for you to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and initiate connections before stepping onto the exhibition floor. 🤝

Explore the Event calendar: https://t.co/7kmv08hF1w pic.twitter.com/3evBSTnxLb

— iGBAffiliate (@iGBAffiliate) December 19, 2023

How does the 'The Future Now' theme represent the spirit of next year's edition?

The 'Future Now' theme was inspired by our customers who told us that they viewed iGB Affiliate as the place where the industry's brightest and best come together to define the future of the industry. For many of our stakeholders, the future starts at iGB Affiliate which represents their most important business opportunity of the year.

The event messaging captures the pioneering spirit of the industry and reflects the show's status as the home of the iGaming Affiliate community, as well as being known as the place to find new and emerging tech brands who know what a lucrative growth opportunity they have in the iGaming sector.

How would you describe the iGB Affiliate experience in a single sentence?

iGB Affiliate will help identify new strategies, new partnerships, new sectors, new tech, and new geographies, delivering new business growth opportunities for thousands of global iGaming customers who will join this unique show experience.
 
What features should visitors look out for?

We will be building on the iGB INTRODUCING facilitated onsite networking 'hub' to make connections that really count and create exciting future partnerships. As the only exhibition that's focused purely on iGaming affiliation, absolutely every connection made at the show is going to lead somewhere.

Content-wise, the Pulse Stage will focus on future markets, emerging tech, and future opportunities. For anyone involved in iGaming the 2024 event is not to be missed: the new-to-show tech vendors we will be showcasing will help our audience to stay ahead of their competitors, and provide inspiration courtesy of the new products being demonstrated by over 200 exhibitors expected at our 'Farewell to London' edition of iGBA.

 
Which trends and technologies do you expect to dominate the conversation in 2024?

iGB Affiliate serves as a melting pot for new ideas, new thinking, and new trends. I was speaking with one of our exhibitors last week, who identified AI and data as two of the hottest topics that will be explored at iGB Affiliate. AI is firmly on the agenda for 2024. They said another challenge facing the industry is the growing need for fast data that constantly needs updating.

Our customers will shape the event - our role as show organizers is to provide the right environment in which each and every trend and development can be raised and debated. Our commitment is to connect the right people and the best opportunities, providing the fuel that keeps the industry moving forward.

Can you provide an update on the iGB Affiliate Awards – how important are they to the show?

We received 338 submissions to the awards which is a record high and I think a reflection of their genuine importance to the international iGaming affiliate community. The Black-Tie Awards, which are being held on Thursday, February 8th at the Grade II-listed Art Deco Troxy music venue, features a three-course sit-down dinner and an entertainment-packed evening. 

The awards are an integral part of the iGB Affiliate experience and celebrate everything so unique and compelling about the sector, recognizing the industry's outstanding individuals, brands, games, networks, tech vendors, and marketing campaigns. 

Claire Wellard, CEO of affiliate management consultancy iGamingXL and a member of the 21-strong external judging panel said that she had seen a 'step change' in the quality of the submissions across all the categories, which she said reinforced the view of the sector as one that is poised to go from strength to strength in 2024. The awards are exciting, inspiring – and loads of fun.

Are there any new plans or announcements you could share with us?
 
The iGB Affiliate community is all about networking, and generating trust-based partnerships, and iGB Affiliate 2024 aims to offer different networking opportunities tailored to what our customers need and want.

Much of that takes place at the show's HQ Hotel which in 2024 will be the acclaimed independent 258-room One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel located in a prominent position in the cultural heart of East London, it has a beautiful rooftop bar and terrace offering panoramic views of the London skyline, a coffee shop, and the Lobby Bar which hosts a curated program of weekly DJs alongside £10 cocktails. 

I am confident One Hundred Shoreditch will resonate with show attendees – it will allow guests to socialize, network, and hang out together, continuing the unique iGB Affiliate experience. I have to say that One Hundred Shoreditch could have been designed with affiliates in mind. We have secured 150 rooms which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so book now and don't miss out on the chance to be with your peers and friends.

🌆 Elevate your iGB Affiliate experience at 100 Shoreditch, the official HQ hotel.

Don't miss the chance to be with your peers and friends, fostering connections that last a lifetime!

Enjoy exclusive rates, and personalized perks ⚡️.

Book your stay: https://t.co/1UTbk7tVQJ pic.twitter.com/jx7WvNW23F

— iGBAffiliate (@iGBAffiliate) December 14, 2023

How will iGB Affiliate say farewell to London?

It will be quite a unique moment for many of our exhibitors, who will be saying their own farewell to London. In partnership with our sister show ICE we have organized a special farewell party on Tuesday, February 6th. It's going to be a huge event with 5,000 VIP guests and will feature several internationally recognized music artists – we are keeping their identity a secret for now. It's a ticketed event and will be the only official party in town. 

ExCeL London has been a great home but after February our focus is on the endless opportunities for iGB Affiliate to grow and develop in Barcelona. The Farewell Party, the iGB Affiliate Awards, and our new Hotel HQ are all part of the many social and networking opportunities that are so key for the show experience and that make iGB Affiliate so special.