Day 1 at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit in Rome officially commenced its main exhibition and conference programme today at the Fiera Roma, following a productive pre-registration day.
Day one features a robust schedule blending critical industry discussions with high-level networking, establishing the Eternal City as the continent’s most dynamic hub for the iGaming and emerging tech industries.
Exhibition and Conference Highlights
The action at the Fiera Roma is in full swing, with the Exhibition – Day 1 running from 10:00 to 18:00. The doors are open on the extensive show floor, which is designed to facilitate effortless navigation by grouping hundreds of suppliers, service providers, and startups by sector. Delegates are encouraged to utilize the event app to arrange meetings and collect product information as they walk the aisles.
Concurrently, the Conference – Central Europe 2025 – Day 1 offers a packed schedule of expert-led insights from 10:00 to 16:10. The entire day is filled with engaging discussions, but the morning agenda includes four must-watch panels focusing on critical industry challenges:
10:20 – 10:50 | CULTURE STARTS AT THE TOP: WHEN LEADERSHIP IS THE RISK FACTOR
This crucial session tackles how unchecked egos and poor accountability among senior management can severely damage company culture and performance, outlining necessary steps leaders must take to repair the damage and build resilient organizations.
- Speakers:
- Cordelia Morgan Cooper (Founder, CMC Consulting)
- Danylo Diachenko (CBDO, Devis)
- Alastair Cleland (Group Managing Director, Pentasia)
- Rosi Bremec (Former COO, Game Lounge)
- Cindy Macintos (Ex-Chief People Officer, Pinnacle)
10:50 – 11:15 | MEDIA, TECH, AND GAMING: INSIDE THE NEW WAVE OF M&A
This panel delves into the dramatic evolution of gaming Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), which is now moving beyond traditional acquisitions. Industry leaders will discuss the implications of acquiring media, technology, and data-driven assets, and what this trend signifies for the global gaming industry’s future.
- Supported by: WH Partners
- Speakers:
- Andrea Marchetti (Partner & Director, WH Partners Italy)
- Luís Portela de Carvalho (Partner, Lekktou)
- Demos Katsis (Deputy Mayor, Limassol, Cyprus)
- Dmitry Belianin (Founder, Menace)
10:55 – 11:25 | MEDIA POWER-UP: PR, PRESS, AND THE ENGINES BEHIND HEADLINES
This session offers a strategic look behind the industry narrative. Attendees will gain insights from journalists, PR professionals, and communications leads on how to effectively amplify a brand, strategically avoid media pitfalls (landmines), and ultimately own the conversation in today’s demanding 24/7 content world.
- Speakers:
- Liga Tarasova (Account Director, PRace)
- Shirley Pulis Xerxen (Head of News, SiGMA Group)
- Joe Lamb (Founder, Volume Communications)
- Giampiero Moncada (Journalist, PressGiochi)
11:25 – 12:05 | BATTLE FOR THE BOTTOM LINE: DOES PRODUCT OR MARKETING DRIVE GROWTH?
A compelling debate featuring experts ranging from game CEOs to top affiliates. The panel will examine the core question of who truly drives sustainable growth: is it superior product development or aggressive marketing strategies? The discussion will uncover new strategies essential for fueling player acquisition, retention, and revenue in a fiercely competitive market.
- Speakers:
- Armin Aganovic (COO & CRO, Joelsson Media Group | Aboutslots.com & CasinoDaddy)
- Andrew Sudakov (CEO, Rocks.Partners)
- Josefin Uppeke (Senior Product Owner, Wicked Games)
- Yaroslav Soloshenko (Head of Business Development, ELA Games)
- Pavel Dergachev (Co-Founder, 4H Agency)
Networking and Evening Galas
As the exhibition winds down, the focus shifts to high-calibre evening networking events across Rome:
- Networking Drinks – Opening Mixer (16:00 – 18:00): This relaxed session, supported by SMADEX, takes place in the Platinum / VIP Lounge at Fiera Roma, offering an immediate opportunity for delegates to connect and exchange cards after the expo floor closes.
- iGathering Dinners (20:30 – 23:30): Exclusive, invitation-only seated dinners for Premium and Platinum guests are hosted at prestigious locations across the city, including La Villetta dal 1940, Allegrío, Antica Pesa, and Baja Roma, ensuring targeted strategic conversation. An Executive Networking Reception is also held at Obicà Parlamento.
- SiGMA B2C Awards (20:00 – 00:00): The industry celebrates excellence at the glamorous Cinecittà – Ancient Rome Set for the B2C Awards.
- Empire of Success Party (21:00 – 02:00): The highlight of the evening is the legendary party at Atlantico Live, featuring a live performance by world-renowned DJ Armin van Buuren, and powered by Hell Partners, PlayAmo Partners, and 22Bet Partners. The concurrent event, THE PIN-UP CODE, will take place at Palazzo Brancaccio.
For delegates traveling from the city centre, the complimentary SiGMA Shuttle Service runs from 08:00 to 19:00, with the last return shuttle departing Fiera Roma at 7:00 PM.
