GAT Expo celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. From your position as organisers of one of the most important trade fairs in the LATAM region, how has it evolved from its beginnings until now? Could you give a brief history from the beginnings to the present.

Time flies! It was the last year of the 20th century. Difficult times for the economy. The project to bring together the Colombian gaming industry in one place and event came from the governing body at the time, which was called Ecosalud. We were recommended as event organisers to a group of businessmen, manufacturers and suppliers of machines for casinos and another sector dedicated to lotteries and permanent betting.

The first general law for the regulation of the sector, issued in 2001, was not yet consolidated. We held a small fair, but we managed to hold, also in Cartagena, a session of the Congress of the Republic, which was precisely processing the law that later became a reality. We were accompanied by four or five slot machine exhibitors and the installation and transport to the Atlantic coast was an odyssey. The event was a success and, as now, in 2024, the colour and culture of Cartagena put the hallmark of joy of the GAT expo on this first experience.

Confidentially, I commented to Soloazar that we were left with a large debt, but we did not give up on continuing the project and turning it into a very important reference that integrates the gaming industry in Latin America.

Yes, those were the days! On one hand, thank you for your confidence in us, and we understand your commitment to move forward and your conviction in its potential.  On the other hand, and to continue with the present, what are the distinctive features of GAT Expo today, in terms of its contents, and how is it positioned in the LATAM market and internationally, taking into account the arrival of the new regulatory laws?

I sincerely believe that everything has been progress. The change of governments in each country implies abrupt adjustments, but the ability of this wonderful industry to survive has been proven.

Obviously, GAT Expo has evolved in its content and in fact, that is why we are incorporating the technological theme into the brand name in 2019. The silent revolution of digitalisation and the multiplication of platforms and game creators in all areas gave a contemporary twist to a fair that for 20 years had a definite land-based accent, incorporating the participation of the new platforms authorised in Colombia since 2016 that opened the way to sports betting, live casino and online games.

As distinctive features of Gaming & Technology Expo, I would like to highlight the careful selection of the locations where we hold these commercial meetings, ensuring that each geographical location and complementary events that distinguish us, constitute an experiential plus, apart from the achievements and certain business that are verified in the exhibition halls.

We are also pleased to confirm the permanent support of Coljuegos, the country's regulatory body, and of the associations that fight tirelessly for the improvement of the legal operator's conditions and the expansion of new games and regulations in line with the development of the industry in the world.

Looking ahead, how has GAT Expo adapted to new technologies in the industry and how do you think they have impacted attendees and participants over the years?

I will refer to the academic sessions we have held in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and soon in Mexico. More and more entrepreneurs are attending our conferences and panels because they are the ideal occasion to update themselves, share experiences and see the dimension that new growth opportunities offer for portfolios and physical equipment with all the necessary complements for the operation of casinos with cybersecurity, latest design furniture and technology, as well as payment gateways that present favourable conditions, taking into account the dynamics of the market and the online world.

Now for example in Cartagena, we will have very interesting conferences on the application of artificial intelligence to the world of entertainment, the impact of technology in online gaming and the need to shield the security of the draws with tools that create confidence in the player.

Last year we had a record of visitors from more than 40 countries and many enjoyed the tournaments that we are implementing at GAT Cartagena and GAT Showcase Bogotá, incorporating the theme of e-sports with live Valorant, Formula 1 and football matches that transmit energy, youth and fun in the exhibition halls.

Can you give us a preview of your plans for the 25th anniversary of GAT Expo?

We will be celebrating 25 years of GAT with a Colombian party to be held in the main square of the Las Americas Convention Centre in Cartagena de Indias on Tuesday 9 April, after the end of the academic day. We will present to our guests a sample of folklore, autochthonous dances and traditional music, with typical Cartagena food, Caribbean cocktails and interaction of the attendees with all the artistic part of the party.

Finally, we would like to sincerely congratulate GAT Expo for these 25 years of existence, and mention that SoloAzar is also celebrating its twenty years of life, with great satisfaction for the work we have been doing. It would be an honour if you could leave us a message to commemorate this special moment.

To the friends of Soloazar we congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts for your 20 years of presence as specialised communicators in the gaming industry. You are relentlessly, innovatively and with great height, you honour the profession of the journalist and, especially in our case, it is a great joy to be able to greet you personally in the meetings that we share in Colombia and in other fairs where we perceive your sincere friendship and human warmth. May you continue to reap success and show new ways of covering the news events in the world of entertainment and gambling.

Thank you very much Aníbal, for taking a moment to greet us on our anniversary. See you at the GAT Expo 2024, which starts on April 9, until April 11, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.