The fifth annual 2010 Bingo Summit & Awards was my first, so I will never forget it and it will always hold a special place in my heart…I have finally lost my Bingo Summit virginity.
Many people think that bingo is boring and therefore a bingo conference would be boring, but I would have to say I disagree. Wild and crazy? No. Quality sessions and networking? Yup. Everyone was impressed by the turn out and the quality of the industry professionals in attendance at the Bingo Summit, therefore bringing about excellent sessions and networking opportunities. I would have to confirm that Bullet Business is 100% correct when they say this is the must attend event of the year for the online bingo industry.
Throughout the course of the two days I was reporting, I learned that bingo is an essential channel in the gaming industry, that it continues to grow, and is here to stay. While many believe the European bingo market has reached a saturation point, the bingo market is still booming and operators are pushing forward by consolidating and developing unique branding strategies. Bingo players are very loyal and look for a trustworthy brand and community, so regardless if an operator is part of a network or not, success in the European market is all about reputation, treatment, and offerings. For those of you who want to learn more, stay tuned to CalvinAyre.com for the Bingo Summit Highlights and my interviews with Phil Fraser of Which Bingo, Sarah Bateson of Paddy Power Bingo and Simon Collins of Cashcade– all three of them are fabulous.
The Bullet Business guys did a nice job of integrating tons of networking opportunities into the two day Bingo Summit Experience, including a popular speed networking session, an awards ceremony and an after party. The bingo awards themselves were quick and dirty, but I think that’s because everyone was anxious to get out of the Victoria Park Plaza and over to Maya, the venue of the Bingo Awards After Party. Now don’t get me wrong, the bingo crowd is not the cream of the igaming partying crew, but they are friendly and easy to have a proper chat with…and they even drink a little too! Rumor has it there was even a late night strip bar excursion post Maya, but I wouldn’t know- I’ve never been to a strip bar in my life, I don’t even know what they are.
