When asked about his expectations for the 2025 edition of GAT Cartagena, the executive director of GAT Expo, told us that they expect a ‘massive attendance with a highly specialised audience, made up of operators, associations, suppliers, developers and new players interested in emerging verticals such as eSports, online gambling and artificial intelligence-driven solutions.
He pointed out that the technological dynamism and sustained expansion of the Latin American market generate an extremely favourable context for this new edition of the event.

In this regard, he stressed that ‘the digital transformation of the sector has sparked a growing interest in companies looking to upgrade, invest strategically and establish valuable partnerships’. He reaffirmed his optimism regarding the impact of the event: ‘We are confident and optimistic that GAT Expo Cartagena is the ideal convergence point to connect innovation with business opportunities, attract national and international talent and facilitate the exchange of knowledge in a high-level networking environment’.

Regarding the novelties that GAT Expo Cartagena will present in relation to the Colombian market and its international projection, José Aníbal highlighted that the event will function as ‘a forum where not only regulatory updates will be provided, but also an in-depth analysis of the market and its projection’. He added that ‘this edition will offer a comprehensive proposal that combines specialised academia, commercial exhibition, interactive areas and spaces for professional networking, covering the land-based, online, sports betting and cutting-edge technology sectors’. 

He then referred to GAT Cartagena as the kick-off event for GAT Events' international calendar, “which will continue with GAT CDMX in August, GAT Bogotá in September, GAT San Juan in October and GAT Santo Domingo in November, strengthening the brand's footprint in key markets in Latin America and the Caribbean”. 

‘The exclusive circuit of five events is strategic to broaden the visibility of participating companies, sponsors and exhibitors, reach out to global leaders and obtain measurable business results in established and emerging markets,’ said José Aníbal.

A SPACE FOR CONSENSUS

Regarding the event's role as a facilitator of dialogue between operators, regulators, and suppliers, José Aníbal is proud of the contribution they have been making on a sustained basis with the event for more than two decades. 

‘One of the main values of GAT Expo is to serve as a meeting platform for the various industry players. Through thematic panels, academic conferences and forums with representatives of regulatory bodies and industry associations, we have contributed to an open and constructive dialogue on Latin American regulatory frameworks and their challenges.
Our role as organisers of face-to-face fairs has promoted the exchange of experiences between countries and the building of consensus to move towards modern, inclusive regulations that are in line with current trends. In this edition we will have the participation of Coljuegos, the Colombian regulatory authority, the Puerto Rican Gaming Commission, associations from Peru, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the country's main trade associations’.

LATAM AGENDA

With regard to the planning of the fair, the schedule was conceived from a regional perspective, highlighting the key role that culture plays in business in Latin America: ‘The planning of GAT Cartagena is designed to adapt to the cultural and commercial particularities of the Latin American region. The agenda balances rigorous academic spaces with more relaxed moments of socialising, recognising that in our culture, personal ties and closeness are essential to generate trust and close business deals.
‘Flexible schedules are also contemplated to enjoy social activities in iconic places of the city with careful attention to every detail to ensure a professionally, culturally and personally enriching experience,’ concluded José Aníbal. 

The first day of GAT Cartagena on Monday 28 April combines an interesting and very formal academic agenda with an outdoor networking space at the Sunset Bahía de Cartagena as a great attraction for visitors. What impact do you expect this dynamic to have on attendees?

I think it's a perfect combination. The integration of technical and academic content with social and entertainment experiences ensures an added value to the event, making it a memorable experience. The conferences and talks will provide analysis, regulatory updates and discussion of key issues among the players in the gaming ecosystem.

Meanwhile, networking on board a yacht in the bay will provide a relaxed atmosphere conducive to strengthening a very active community, eager for new business relationships. This dynamic is designed to encourage strategic alliances, facilitate negotiations and position GAT as a fair where knowledge and connection go hand in hand.

A GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION

To conclude, José Aníbal Aguirre added a final reflection on the mission of GAT Cartagena 2025: ‘GAT Cartagena 2025 is not only a commercial showcase, but a space to reach a vision on the opportunities and the future of the industry in Latam.  It will be an unparalleled opportunity to experience the evolution of the sector in a high quality professional environment, in a world-class tourist destination with excellent infrastructure, a privileged meeting point to bring together the gaming ecosystem in Latin America’.