Manila, Philippines, 15th July 2023, ZEX PR WIRE, The SiGMA Asia Summit serves as a pivotal gathering for the gaming and technology industries. Through its diverse networking opportunities, the expo attracts new visionaries – fostering collaboration and enabling sector growth. This amalgamation of East and West fuels the development of a thriving business ecosystem in the Philippines, a country poised to make a significant impact on Asia’s gaming landscape.

With no effort spared, SiGMA Asia’s inaugural event for the region promises an agenda packed with incredible moments, including star speakers, top tier exhibitors, and a jam packed networking calendar. With so much to see and do, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your time. Here’s 10 things you won’t want to miss.

A double decker expo floor

Boasting 20,000 square metres of expo space, SiGMA Asia’s carefully curated exhibition at the SMX Convention Centre provides a distinct platform for an expected 15,000 participants to showcase their products, drive innovation, and establish meaningful connections with influential thought leaders, operators, affiliates, and suppliers. SiGMA Asia will feature B2B and B2C brands, as well as a number of land-based exhibitors – bringing our network in the West closer to Asian suppliers, operators and affiliates. View the floor plan for a more detailed overview or download our easy to navigate event guide – your route to all the best exhibitors and sponsors.

The Startup Village and Pitch competition

This year, SiGMA Asia is welcoming 100 top tier startups to the expo floor, a dedicated area for inspiring businesses to present great ideas and new projects. Here they’ll get exclusive exhibition space – an invaluable opportunity to expand their network, to build meaningful relationships with potential investors, and showcase cutting-edge ideas.

SiGMA Group is set to host its renowned Startup Pitch, a highly anticipated event where 6 promising concepts will vie for valuable mentorship opportunities, media exposure, and other lucrative prospects to materialise their projects. These budding startups will compete live on stage, showcasing their potential to leading investors and hoping to secure the support needed to bring their innovative ideas to life.

MMA fight night 

The Centurion fight night, which kicks off on the 21st at the Casa Ibarra, is set to bring the best of MMA to Manila. Watch elite fighters battle it out in a powerful display of combat sports and MMA entertainment. Don’t miss the pre-fight weigh in taking place on the 21st at the SMX Convention Centre. The fight will also be live streamed on SiGMA’s YouTube channel.

Show us your Poker face

Held in the Pokerstars Play Area at the Okada, and sponsored by BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, a friendly-competitive poker tournament will take place on the 19th. This event, which will follow a Turbo format is open to platinum ticket holders only. Winner gets a coveted VIP table at the Centurion MMA fight night being held on the 21st.

Meet your match

Back by popular demand, the affiliate speed dating event will connect top tier affiliates and operators. With each round lasting just one minute, affiliates will make their introductions, following which they’ll have 30 seconds to find out if their interests align. Have your business card at the ready and make plans to explore future business opportunities later that evening at our networking drinks event.

Esports Arena 

A live tournament will take place over the course of the event, with some of the industry’s top players battling it out for lucrative prize pools. From a one day sudden death MLBB tournament with a 250k prize pool and a street fighter championship event to an anime cosplay competition, there’s something for everyone.

The SiGMA Awards and Auction

The SiGMA Awards serves to shine a spotlight on innovation – showcasing some of the most exciting projects to disrupt this space, and giving recognition to the bright minds shaping the future of the gaming landscape.

Towards the end of the evening we will also be hosting a charitable auction. Generous donations from leading international artists are all up on the auction block – proceeds will be funnelled directly projects based in Bataan for housing projects and the building of a multi sensory hall, an initiative which reflects the company’s commitment to supporting those in need. Through fund-raising activities, charity, and education, the Foundation provides crucial skills needed to enable self-confidence and personal empowerment. This year initiatives such as the Kilimanjaro Challenge and the Camino de Santiago Expeditions have supported a number of projects – including the Women Empowerment Project and the building of a school in Ethiopia – which was inaugurated in January.

The event takes place at the Forbes Ballroom in the Conrad Hotel.

Opening Keynote delivered by PAGCOR Chairman

Tengco, who assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in August, will be delivering the opening keynote address at SiGMA Asia’s inaugural Manila conference.

His address aims to initiate vital discussions on the future of the gaming industry in Southeast Asia, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the region. Under Tengco’s leadership, PAGCOR has achieved remarkable milestones. In 2022, the organisation’s total income reached an unprecedented P58.96 billion ($1 billion), representing a substantial 66% increase compared to the previous year. As a result, PAGCOR’s contribution to the nation’s development experienced an impressive 51% upswing.

Additionally, Tengco will grace the cover story of SiGMA Magazine in the upcoming July edition, further showcasing his expertise and accomplishments in the gaming industry.

Cultural tour

The Intramuros Walking Tour Highlights include visits to Baluarte De San Diego and Fort Santiago, with its various attractions such as Plaza Moriones, Reducto de San Fracisco Javier, and The Dungeon. The tour also covers Plaza Roma, Casa Manila, and San Agustin, featuring landmarks like Palacio Del Gobernador and San Agustin Church. Open to Premium and Platinum tickets only.

Closing Night Party 

The last night brings things to a close with an exciting entertainment lineup that includes DJs Vinai, Dj Amber Na, DJ Oshien Zuky, and Clinton Sparks. Held at the TGR.Bar, the closing night party promises a night you won’t forget.