As organizers of the show, what were the highlights of the recent edition?

BEGE 2022 was exceptional since it returned after a two-year pause, during which we created a comprehensive, engaging and practical program. Over 80 companies were present at the exhibition, showcasing their latest products. We have witnessed over 6000 visitors during the 2-day expo. It is among the biggest attendance on record.

Achieving an uplift in attendance and extending the sequence of growth is a massive achievement for everyone involved in BEGE 2022. This is a fantastic collaboration involving our great team, the gaming community at large and the community of international exhibitors who support the BEGE brand with such passion and creativity. This year we arranged Sales Pitch Zone where leading gaming companies presented their latest concepts. Career and recruitment, responsible gaming forums, payment solutions, live gaming, and slot machine content were all presented to many attendees.

A key event that accompanied the expo was the Eastern European Gaming Summit, during which well-known lectors, vice presidents of different associations, and finance experts discussed the latest regulatory and technological developments in the European region. Other events held during BEGE were the Affiliate Conference and Master class, with eminent gaming business professionals. World-renowned specialists discussed regulations, legislation, financial analyses, and digital and affiliate marketing. All the events were attended by numerous people interested in the discussed subjects, and the halls were constantly full.

What were the main novelties and the latest trends at the event?

This year a large number of online companies took part in the exhibition. Those companies were a matter of great interest to the guests, reflecting the global digitalisation trends. During the session Future of the gaming, there were discussions about metaverse casinos, blockchain technologies, NFT and more. Also, new payment methods, such as crypto, vouchers, digital payments, and credit cards, were duly addressed. Our team had prepared Innovation Zone, where company leaders showed their latest cutting-edge products and solutions. The participants could witness extremely modern technologies and innovative, realistic 3D designs there. Another trend we are witnessing is slot games inspired by major events such as the World Cup 2022. Companies, such as CT Interactive and Amusnet presented their last football-themed games in honour of the World Cup.

What was the feedback from exhibitors and visitors?

Each year during the exhibition, we give anonymous polls to the exhibitors and visitors, and we use the data to improve our next edition. The responses from the participants of BEGE 2022 are extremely positive. People appreciated that we had arranged accompanying events such as the EEGS and Affiliate conference, and they defined them as “useful and important”. The feedback evaluates various aspects such as organization, networking, lectors, quality of the sessions, program, and willingness to attend the event during 2023. A very high percentage of the answers show that participants desire to return for the next edition.

How do you analyze the gaming market's current situation in Bulgaria and Europe in general?

The current gaming market in Bulgaria and Europe is very dynamic. According to the analysis of Research and Markets, Eastern European countries are projected to become the continent's fastest-growing region by the year 2026. The prediction is confirmed by the fact that new operators enter Bulgaria very fast, leading to increased competition in which all operators search for new creative ways to attract and retain customers. The region has a lot of potential and growth opportunities.

What can you comment about BEGE Awards?

BEGE Awards are part of each BEGE exhibition. They have been granted since 2008 and aim to honour individuals and companies for significant contributions and excellent achievements in the gaming and entertainment industry. This year the lavish event took place at Club Megami at Hotel Marinela, Sofia, in front of an audience of industry executives, who saw 18 crystal statuettes handed out to the biggest names in the sector. Mr Angel Iribozov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Association of Gaming Industry in Bulgaria, organized the event and opened the ceremony with an introductory speech. Afterwards, he gave the word to the talented singer Yoanna Dragneva and the charismatic Miroslav Dimitrov to host the ceremony. After the awards were handed out, the party continued with the guest star singers Polly Genova and Band and Kamelia. All guests enjoyed the great music and appalled by the success of their partners and competitors.

What are the dates confirmed for BEGE 2023?

We are very excited to announce that BEGE 2023 will take place in November 2023. This year world-renowned speakers, interesting sessions, discussions, and round tables gathered people from all over the world to participate, so for BEGE 2023, we plan to invite some of the most notable lectors from the field to discuss up-to-date topics, problems, and inventions. Many online companies have already confirmed their participation in the next year’s edition, which makes us proud and eager tobetter the next edition.