The third edition of the ‘iGaming Idol’ event, which recognises and rewards high-achieving employees from across the global gaming industry, was launched recently. The gala awards evening will be held at the Intercontinental on September 26.
Bringing together key figures from the vast international iGaming world, the glamourous gala event annually attracts hundreds of attendees for a night of networking and entertainment that is highlighted by an awards ceremony, where the best employees in their respective fields are recognised. This year, the event’s headlining sponsor will be Videoslots.com.
“We are delighted to be launching the third edition of the hugely successful iGaming Idol. In 2018 we have chosen to move to a much larger venue to accommodate 650 guests, of which 450 tickets have already been sold,” said iGaming Idol CEO Michael Pederson.
“The vision of iGaming Idol is to continue to be a positive force within the industry by recognising the best talent in the sector, by raising as much money for charity as possible, and, finally, by bringing gaming professionals together in an unmissable annual showcase.”
Participants are nominated by their peers and colleagues to receive one of the acclaimed iGaming Idol awards according to their specific roles within the industry. A shortlist of 10 nominees for each category then goes through a rigorous process wherein they are assessed by three judges, all of whom are experts in their fields.
This shortlist is then narrowed down to three finalists from each category and the winners are subsequently announced at the September Gala Awards Dinner.
This year there will be 21 categories for employees representing products, affiliates, SEO, marketing, technology, social media, VIP, fraud and risk, design and user experience, casino dealers, recruitment, account management, management, casino, finance, compliance, human resources, sales, design, consultancy, office management, payment, fraud and customer service.
Further awards will recognise a person who has made an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, as well as the Employer Branding of the Year, CEO of the Year and Employer of the Year.
The Employer of the Year award is the only award where the employees of the iGaming companies themselves decide on the winner. Through a partnership with Business Leaders Malta, a survey has been curated and is sent out to all the employees of the companies that participate, asking them to answer a series of questions related to their well-being, the company environment, training and company practices when it comes to human resources.
“Each company is rated based on the answers that are provided by the employees and the company that comes out with highest rating wins the ‘Employer of the Year Award’,” Mr Pedersen continues.
Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri, said: “The International Monetary Fund described Malta’s gaming industry as exceptional – a result that could not have been possible without the players and several people within the industry whose contribution was key.
“This third edition of iGaming Idol is an opportunity to shine a light on the many talented Maltese and international individuals who work so hard for the success of the gaming industry every day.”
Mr Schembri added that discussions are underway on establishing an industry-led iGaming Forum spearheaded by the government aimed at bringing together business owners closer to the policy makers to ensure continuous sector improvements where needed.
“Last year’s edition showed that Maltese talent is growing in this sector, having scooped many of the awards, and the government is intensifying efforts in ensuring that the industry attracts both home-grown and foreign talent. We also encourage iGaming idols to extend their talents to corporate social responsibility events, mentoring programmes and be great ambassadors for this sector in Malta.”
Also at the press conference, the organisers announced that they will be hosting monthly events in the run-up to the main event. These activities will consist of both social networking and educational events. There will also be an HR Forum, which will bring the industry’s major players together to discuss the pertinent issues related to recruitment and retention.
Tickets to attend the iGaming Idol Gala Awards evening on September 26 are already in high demand. With global iGaming companies opting to purchase complete tables for their employees and candidates, the 450 seated tickets at all the tables are now fully sold out, with 650 tickets in total being available overall for the event.
Once again, ticket sales for iGaming Idol will support the Malta Community Chest Fund, where the organisers are aiming to raise over €20,000 through ticket sales and other fundraising activities.
A few sponsorship opportunities for iGaming Idol are still available. For more information, e-mail sales@igamingidol.com.