The Canadian Gaming Summit 2023, held from June 13 to June 15 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, celebrated its 26th edition with record attendance and a wealth of industry insights. Co-hosted by SBC Events and the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), the event attracted more than 2,000 attendees, doubling the number from its last edition and setting a new standard for future gatherings.
A Pinnacle Gathering for the Canadian Gaming Industry
SBC Founder & CEO Rasmus Sojmark expressed his excitement about the event’s success, stating that the inaugural experience surpassed all expectations. “Prior to the summit, we engaged in extensive conversations with exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers, delving into the nuances of the market to better cater to our audience.
Leveraging the vast network of SBC connections, we managed to elevate this event into the pinnacle gathering for the Canadian gaming industry,” Sojmark explained.
Paul Burns, President & CEO at CGA, also praised the collaboration between SBC Events and CGA, noting the strong and positive reception the event received.
High-Profile Speakers and Innovative Ideas
The Canadian Gaming Summit featured an impressive lineup of more than 180 speakers, bringing together industry leaders and experts to share their insights and experiences. Among the high-profile speakers were Pat Cook, VP of Corporate Affairs at Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority; Duncan Hannay, President & CEO at Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation; Ray Pineault, CEO at Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; Ilkim Hincer, EVP & Chief Legal Officer at Hard Rock International; and Desiree Gervais, Vice President Human Resources at SIGA.
In addition to these prominent figures, Catherine L Meade, OLG VP of Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, also participated in the event, further enriching the discussions and knowledge sharing.
First Pitch Startup Competition at Canadian Gaming Summit 2023
Canadian Gaming Summit 2023 introduced the highly-anticipated First Pitch startup competition, which has previously been held at the SBC Summit North America in New Jersey and the global flagship SBC Summit Barcelona event. This competition brought together some of the most exciting startups within the betting and gaming industry to compete for a chance to win an exclusive prize package valued at over CA $35,000 to assist in the winner’s development and growth plans.
Three companies were selected to pitch their products and business plans at the Canadian Gaming Summit in front of an audience of industry leaders and investment experts. The winner was chosen by a judging panel with significant expertise in venture capital and investments within the industry.
Networking Opportunities and Industry Collaboration
The Canadian Gaming Summit 2023 provided attendees with numerous networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and partnerships within the industry. The event featured dedicated networking lounges, bars, and catering areas, where delegates could connect with peers and industry leaders in a relaxed and informal setting.
Additionally, the summit hosted a Global Gaming Women breakfast on the opening morning, allowing attendees to network with female leaders in the gaming industry. These networking events played a crucial role in facilitating discussions, sharing ideas, and building lasting connections among industry professionals.
Looking Forward to the Next Edition
Encouraged by the momentum generated by the latest edition, SBC is confident in the future success of the Canadian Gaming Summit 2023. The event will return to Toronto from June 18 to June 20, 2024, offering another opportunity for industry professionals to gather, network, and share insights.
As the Canadian gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, events like the Canadian Gaming Summit play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. With record attendance and a strong lineup of speakers and exhibitors, the 26th edition of the summit has set a high bar for future gatherings. Industry professionals can look forward to even more insights, connections, and opportunities at the 2024 event.
Charisse is a content contributor for Kika Casino. With a passion for audience experience and a focus on reliability, Charisse delivers fact-checked articles covering industry news and gaming tips.