Episode Transcript
[00:00:14] Speaker A: Hello, everybody. Welcome back to episode nine of Right to the Source. It is ridiculously hot in the UK and I'm here, as ever, with the Donnie Wahlberg of data, Mr. Ed Birkin. Ed, how are you?
[00:00:28] Speaker B: I am very well, thank you, Robin. Just back from Madrid where it was also boiling hot at Willem's fantastic gaming in Spain conference.
[00:00:35] Speaker A: Excellent.
[00:00:36] Speaker B: Myself and a couple of your colleagues as well. Actually, Ava and Lily spoke and it was a.
Yeah, it was a great event. Spanish and latam markets.
[00:00:44] Speaker A: Excellent. And I hear you had a junior panelist sub panelist role.
[00:00:49] Speaker B: Well, you see some people who know events know who to get the people to do the keynotes over there. Unlike the event this week, which is very smoothly moved on to that I'll be attending where, yes, I've been given a lesser role because apparently I'm not deemed adequate enough for my own keynote at Clarion's events.
[00:01:07] Speaker A: Yep, that's very true. Yeah. Yeah, I thought that was an excellent segue from Ed's incompetence to the triumphant debut of IGB Live in London. And to discuss it a bit more, we touched on it last week before we went off in the usual kind of freeform jazz of this podcast. But to discuss it properly in a more focused way, we've got my colleague from Clarion Gaming, Jodi Frostingitz. Jody, welcome to Right to the Source.
[00:01:37] Speaker C: Thank you very much. Great to be here.
[00:01:39] Speaker A: It's great to have you here.
[00:01:40] Speaker B: Second ever guest.
[00:01:42] Speaker A: Yes. Yeah, you are our second ever guest.
[00:01:44] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:01:45] Speaker C: This is amazing.
[00:01:46] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean it's a. It's dangerous allowing us to talk to real people in the industry. But we had a great first guest in Mark Flores, Martin of Exgenia. So really delighted to have you here and obviously to talk a bit more about IGB Live because obviously it's. Well, it's the first a. It's the first time it's going to be taking place in London, obviously, you know, as the igaming super show. It's going to move to about a few different countries. But then really, you know, it really kind of became, I suppose, kind of like a vital part of the industry kind of calendar from its time in Amsterdam. But now, you know, we're going to London, we're going to excel.
To kick off. It'd be good to get an idea really of what, you know, obviously I work in the digital side for the business, so I'm less across the live stuff. So it'd be good to kind of like, for you to kind of like talk us and our Kind of three to four listeners through, you know, the kind of like the process behind that sort of move.
[00:02:44] Speaker C: Yes. So it was, it was a really interesting decision to kind of come to, to be honest. Amsterdam was hugely popular as a show and the last year that we ran it, everyone was kind of, I suppose, very much emotionally saddened by the fact that we're moving it away from Amsterdam. Everyone loved it in the summer going to Amsterdam and spent spending some time there. But the reality is there's just such a far greater number of people that live and breathe and work in the I gaming industry in London. And to not have a show where we could bring the entire industry together right in the heart of what is basically one of the biggest markets for igaming just seems like something that the industry really wanted. And when we sort of spoke to a lot of our kind of advisors and people in the industry, they said repeatedly they really wanted somewhere in their own backyard that we could call home. So that was really the driving force behind moving the show. Not only did we have to move our shows from London to Barcelona last year, we're also moving our sort of second biggest show from Amsterdam to London. Fortunately, we know the Excel really well and the team are really kind of experienced now in all of the. I suppose that the changes that happen when you move a show of this sort of size and scale.
So it's touchwood. It's been a seamless process so far. A few, a few sleepless nights, but an awful lot of hard work. But. But we're really, really confident with where it's got to. Yeah, very, very excited. I've just been into the Excel just to sort of start to see the build going up and like really exciting. Loads of people running around, ridiculously busy getting everything ready tomorrow and it's looking absolutely stunning. So. So, yeah, very exciting.
[00:04:26] Speaker A: And then what sort of numbers are you expecting?
[00:04:30] Speaker C: So I think conservatively speaking. Well, not conservatively, but the show's been a really, really positive growth, matching the industry as, you know, like, it's a really healthy industry and a terrifically exciting place to be. And IGB Live itself has grown about sort of 20% year on year. So we had kind of quite healthy, healthy expectations. We also knew there's some people that didn't make ICE and IGB affiliate this year that still wanted to get together. We knew there was going to be quite a lot of particularly igaming operators that were going to come and join us for this show.
I've just had a look at the numbers before I came on here and around, we're looking at around sort of fourteen and a half thousand registration, which is much, much more than we've ever had before. So really, really excited. We're hoping to get get up to about 15 before we go on site and I think we're going to end up with probably a little bit north of that in terms of attendees. So, yeah, super exciting. That's really healthy growth for the show. And yeah, we're getting a lot of really, really good people coming along to sort of experience what ITV Live is and meet other people in the industry and come together.
[00:05:32] Speaker B: And Jody, we were talking before the podcast started, you know, as part of our normal preparation, and you're saying that obviously ICE is its own just creature and different, you know, IGB Live. You're very, very happy about, you know, the growth we're getting there given the IGB brand and what Robin's done in digital and how you thought that may have hampered things by his lack of quality output this year. So fantastic numbers, really.
[00:05:56] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah, it's really exciting and, you know, I think it just kind of goes to show that, you know, having a team of people that work across a really, really careful care about the industry and want to do everything we can to kind of help and support it grow. And as I say, it's great to be in an industry like this that has that sort of positive growth and that mentality because it just brings a whole new energy to everything. And I think, you know, it's incumbent on us from a digital analyze side to really kind of support that and echo it straight back. So. So yeah, to sort of see the kind of numbers in growth terms, it's really, you know, percentage is really, really kind of exciting and, and now we're kind of getting up there for basically the second biggest show in the industry. So we're certainly very excited and obviously.
[00:06:40] Speaker B: People will be coming to watch experts speaking at the conference, etc. But it'll also be nice then to come to London and not be in the freezing cold February xl. And now we've got a kind of heat wave. I assume there's going to be networking. You're going to take advantage of the river and the general thing rather than being just stuck inside.
[00:06:55] Speaker C: Absolutely. I mean, I'm looking out at the river at the moment and it's. It is just absolutely gorgeous. Like, I'm from London originally myself, and I always hold a real sort of like important part in my heart in terms of. In terms of a place and a city. And like London during the summer is just awesome. Like it really is. Like we've got people, you know, there's Wimbledon going on as we speak. There's loads of really exciting things going on. There's always some activities going on with all sorts of different brands throughout the city doing experiential pop ups and, and stuff like that that just make it such an exciting place to be. Loads of cool experiences like amazing restaurants, bars, so on and so forth. But I think for me this year it really sort of came to. There was one particular thing that I was desperate to try and replicate and people would be very familiar with the, with the Strand Zoor, that's just opposite the rye. And that for me when I first joined Clarion and the industry, to be fair, that was the one moment that a lot of my colleagues were talking about when the whole industry comes together. It's sort of like the welcome drinks or the official opening drinks that we used to have there. And, and it's a real moment in time where everyone sort of gets together. You know, everyone's not maybe not seeing each other for a few months.
You know, it's that sort of in time in the summer. And I thought we've just got to capture that. Like if we could bottle one thing about RGB Live, that would be it. Like that, that sort of like real nice, relaxed but still around business connections and, and relationships but just a really nice relaxed way of getting together and connecting. Now we were kind of trying to work out what to do and I suppose really all made sense when I started speaking to the guys at Excel and they've regenerated or rejuvenated that whole, the whole dock edge down the side of the south side of Excel, which has now been taken over. I just had a look at it today and it's sort of like coming on really, really nicely. But there's basically a waterfront down there where we've got a load of bars, we have a load of different brands operating. We'll have like there's a restaurant down there that's really cool and it's just going to have such a good vibe. It's like a kind of waterfront dock edge experience which is going to put a different flavor on things and it's going to kind of really capture that moment I think when everyone's finished their first day and just come down, have a beer, relax, see some old friends and just relax. Really sort of soak up the, soak up the moment. But you know, if we have weather like it is today, and the next couple of days as it's looking, it's going to be absolutely gorgeous. It's sort of like talking 30 degrees in the sun and it's just going to be perfect. So, yeah, very excited to see how that all shapes up and thank goodness.
[00:09:23] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, of course. And well, Ed has somewhere new to get pest other than the fox now. So that's, it's.
[00:09:29] Speaker C: So it's like, it's not to denigrate the fox in any way, but it's definitely an upgrade on the fox.
[00:09:35] Speaker B: And also, you know, I like to keep my faculty all around. You know, when I'm at these important conferences. Not all of us just treat it like a holiday. You know, there is some work that goes on.
[00:09:43] Speaker A: Oh yeah.
[00:09:43] Speaker B: I've never been to IGB Live so, you know, I don't know what it's like.
[00:09:47] Speaker A: Well, listen, so it's interesting you keep, you keep going back to the conferences and I think you're desperate to talk again about your, your speaking slot, aren't you?
[00:09:57] Speaker B: Yeah. So we've got a fireside chat about Brazil six months in, looking at some headline numbers and how to stand out and I think with the tax increases that have been going on and a bit of uncertainty will be interesting, hopefully be interesting for people. But I think there's a lot of stuff as well at IGB on the, the Lido, the Latam and obviously Global bit. I think Latam Media Group is sponsoring some football which I've been invited to on the Friday.
[00:10:16] Speaker C: They are indeed.
[00:10:17] Speaker B: I was initially promised that this was going to be at some top clear tier football club, but it turns out it's in a shopping center on the edge of Essex. But I'm looking forward to lacing up my boots for the first time in 20 years. But no. 3:40pm you should. Yeah, I'm playing, playing I think for Clarion actually. So yeah, Robin pulled out. I think it was through. I don't know was it lack of fitness or ability or scheduling.
[00:10:40] Speaker A: Also, also abundance of child.
[00:10:43] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:10:44] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah.
[00:10:45] Speaker B: But no, I think the conference looks good in general. Not just obviously my, my own panel.
[00:10:48] Speaker A: Yeah. If that's actually.
Yeah, I think that's a good segue actually. So with the broader kind of conference program, Jody, I mean obviously there's a lot going on but I mean in terms of highlights, I mean what you're looking forward to.
[00:11:00] Speaker C: So there's a couple of things, I suppose. This year the guys who pulled together our content program have spent an awful lot of time really focusing on what are the key pain points that we want to look at. And there's some really interesting talks happening around AI and all the changes that that's going to bring and has already started bringing to the industry. So I'm always, as a eternal AI optimist and advocate, I'm always kind of keen to see. See where that's taking the industry and taking us all as, you know, as it starts to change the way that we live and work. But, you know, just to go back to Ed's point about the Latam piece, you know, the number one place that a lot of our customers and our guests and delegates have really, really focused on is still how to really develop that area. And it's the most exciting area that we're really sort of putting a key focus on. So the Latam piece, again, is really interesting. So, yeah, as Ed says, there's lots going on this year. We have certain things on the floor with the Brazil Gaming Lounge having a presence and just really sort of looks at other ways that we can support that. And certainly the regulatory landscape in the session that Ed's looking at is going to be a top one to make sure you catch.
[00:12:12] Speaker B: And Jody, I know that it kind of finishes before the football on the Friday, Thursday night, the show kind of wraps up with. With these awards.
Now, I haven't had anything through, but I'm assuming, therefore there isn't a category for either Best Podcast or Best Data Provider.
[00:12:28] Speaker C: Well, I can't imagine that there wouldn't be. I mean, we've got, you know, we've got some serious players in the area, so maybe we should have a conversation and check that the categories are right.
[00:12:38] Speaker B: Well, I mean, to be honest, we're not even the best gaming podcast from Clarion, so I think it'd be pretty difficult to win anything, I think.
[00:12:44] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, it would be kind of tough. Tough. You know, ethically, to make sure not we are totally independently adjudicated and that's something that we're really passionate about. But it may well, I don't know if it would look the optics on that might not be quite. Quite as one would want them to be if we were giving ourselves awards for doing great work.
[00:13:03] Speaker B: That is fantastic. Robin. We can now say that the reason we don't win awards is because ethically the optics wouldn't look right. It would be nothing to do with content.
[00:13:12] Speaker A: Yes. In terms content ability.
And obviously we talked a bit there about, you know, for example, the Latam Media Group football day, which will be. I'm almost regretting not getting involved in. Because I'm really interested in seeing how Ed, how Ed does. Sorry if you can hear my dog whining in the background. But obviously it's like, with an event like IGB Live and the influx of people from the industry from all around the world, who comes in, I mean that means there's, you know, there's, there's a lot of stuff that kind of grows out of the event in terms of kind of parties, like activations. What can you kind of tell us, Jodi, about, you know, what's kind of happening around the show?
[00:13:52] Speaker C: So yeah, it really, I suppose one of the key things that we've learned is that like IMDb live and similarly with, with our shows over in Barcelona, really the show becomes a fulcrum for loads of other stuff that happens outside of it. And you know, exactly the same way. Something we really noticed was IGB Live in Amsterdam was really beginning to pick up, you know, had really great growth numbers, but was sort of picking up pace in terms of everything that happened around it. So we've sort of coined this term as cheesy as it might sounds. The London iGaming Week. What we're already seeing is like from the, you know, basically starting tomorrow we have some content pieces on tomorrow, but there's also a load of parties that are happening. A lot of our customers will be putting on parties and a lot of our, you know, even sort of competitor shows will be putting on parties in and around the events as well, which is, you know, great. It just means that the whole industry is, it's got a reason to all come together. So yeah, we have a few things that we're running, but largely the whole piece is, you know, we really focus on what we do well, which is running an event. Right. So, you know, for us to try and put on parties to the scale and quality that some of our customers do just wouldn't be right. We certainly don't, wouldn't want to compete with that. But there are a number of different events going on alongside and around our event, sort of outside of it, all of which are listed in our London Eye Gaming Week calendar. So go through to the link and you'll be able to see them all on there. But there's certainly a lot of exciting stuff on. There's the Fire and Ice party which is happening I believe tomorrow night at a very well known nightclub. Then there is also our Unwind session which will be running as well, which will be on the, on the fourth. And all the details are basically available. Plus there's a whole host of other events going on in and around it that really kind of make this week something really, really special for the industry. So there's literally something for everyone. And even if, you know, if you're new to the industry, there's a kind of a list of things that you might want to try and get to. If you're an old hand, then you probably. Probably have too many invites that you're trying to attend anyway. But it's great to see what else is going on at the same time.
[00:15:58] Speaker B: Robin, Jodie committed the cardinal sin here of saying the word tomorrow night, which now means we have a timeline. So you're going to have to get the podcast out today, not next week. Yeah. Fit that into your schedule.
[00:16:11] Speaker A: I'll give it a go.
[00:16:12] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:16:13] Speaker A: I'm actually even going to try and put a link into the recording to add the London Eye Gaming Week calendar. And at the end, you know, since we're wrapping up now with Ed's little challenge there to register, because registration is obviously still open. And let's face it, IGB Live has always been one of the. The most fun event. You know, it was always a great, you know, kind of like it was always great in Amsterdam. But anyone who was in Amsterdam last year will definitely agree that the halls were absolutely rammed, you know, so this way we've got more space, we've still got the weather. We don't have a Chinese restaurant in a pagoda in a canal, which is unfortunate, but London has, you know, many other great places to eat. So. Yeah, I mean, I'm looking forward to it.
[00:16:59] Speaker B: And there is a Chinese restaurant at the xl.
[00:17:01] Speaker A: There is, yes. And it's actually not that bad. It's quite good.
[00:17:04] Speaker B: I mean, in terms of marketing, I think they should use that slogan.
[00:17:06] Speaker A: It's not that bad.
[00:17:07] Speaker C: It's not that bad.
[00:17:10] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:17:11] Speaker B: Just to clarify, that's the restaurant he's talking about, not the event? Yes. How would you describe the event? So, slogan for the event. Come on, Robin. We've got the branding. Is that your technical title? Branding director Jody, Is that right?
[00:17:21] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:17:23] Speaker B: Okay.
No, no, Robin, Robin, come on. IGB Live. Slogan pitch. Pitch it to jd.
[00:17:30] Speaker A: All right, IGB Live. Why wouldn't you?
There's an element of mystique, also an element of implied threat there. What more do you want from the slogan?
[00:17:39] Speaker C: Yeah, I think that that speaks volumes. So. So, yeah, there we go. We might stick with the home of the Igaming industry, though. So, yeah, see how we go.
[00:17:48] Speaker A: Yeah, I think, yeah, we'll combine it.
[00:17:50] Speaker B: IGB Live, the home of the I gaming industry. Why wouldn't you?
[00:17:54] Speaker C: There we go.
[00:17:54] Speaker A: Perfect. It's a bit wordy. It's a bit wordy.
[00:17:57] Speaker B: A bit like this podcast is getting.
[00:17:59] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. So Ed's not so subtle there. We are coming to the end of our time, obviously, depending on when you're listening to this. Assuming it's Monday 30th June.
Managed to get it out in time. If not, well, the information's still relevant. Just replace tomorrow with today. I know everything will still make sense.
But Jody, thanks so much for joining us. I know you're on site, so really appreciate you taking the time for this and we will see you at IGB Live.
[00:18:29] Speaker C: Total pleasure. Thanks ever so much and great to meet you guys. Thanks for having a chat.
[00:18:34] Speaker A: All right, thanks, everyone.
This has been yet another episode of right to the Source with Robin Harrison and Ed Birkin, and we will see you at Exhale London all week.
