“The reaction from LatAm operators to Merkur’s product innovations at Juegos Miami was exceptional”

Can you tell us about your experience at the C-Level event?

The great thing about Juegos Miami is that it provides something for all elements of gaming. The event is a ‘hybrid’ that combines education, discussion, networking, product displays, a convention and a strong social element. Add to that mix the diversity of the attendees, from all of Latin America and the Caribbean, and there is an unique atmosphere. We were delighted to sponsor the opening night’s reception, an event that proved to be an enormous success thanks to the huge number of networking opportunities that it provided.

Merkur Gaming’s experience was one of high expectations, given the upswing in projected visitor numbers and in larger manufacturer representation, and our expectations were largely met. Based on our post-event analysis, Juegos Miami was another success for Merkur Gaming.

Why was it so important for your Americas division to attend the newly-created event?

Because of the event’s unique characteristics (mainly the opportunity to have discussions with important operators in an atmosphere that was considerably more relaxed, timewise, than is usually possible at more conventional trade shows) Juegos Miami presented a definite platform for Merkur Gaming to reach out to visitors from across the region in both a B2B and social environment.

What were the opportunities presented for Merkur Gaming?

For Merkur Gaming, Juegos Miami was all about contacts: existing contacts, of course, but also the opportunity to form new relationships and to begin discussions on new projects and new operator expansions across the region.

Overall, what was the reaction from LatAm casino operators to Merkur Gaming’s product innovations?

In a word, exceptional. In our industry, success breeds success and our best sales references are those customers who have already seen for themselves how our products create ‘buzz’ on their gaming floors. When those customers then have the opportunity to network at Juegos Miami and tell their industry colleagues about Merkur Gaming’s product innovations we can see the reaction in the form of new enquiries and new interest.

Do you reckon the industry will see the creation of more events like Juegos Miami to boost networking in the future?

I can see the potential market opening in Brazil may present such an opportunity but, that one case apart, the annual calendar is already pretty close to capacity for additional similar events.

Networking has always been a key element in the international gaming industry, that is why it is so clearly a ‘people business’. New opportunities that are now provided by social media streams now constitute a new networking stream as news, on all levels, is instant and widespread. In the manufacturer environment online networking is equally as important as the more traditional methods such as trade shows and in-person industry gatherings. The opportunities for vendor to customer interaction are now broader based than ever before and it is certain that new opportunities will continue to be created as technology evolves further.

What’s next on the Merkur Gaming agenda?

In just a few days from now our team will be in Lima for the annual Peru Gaming Show. Once again Merkur Gaming will be the largest exhibitor at the show and, based on the overwhelming success of our presence there last year, we expect, and we predict, another great show: one that is full of excitement, enthusiasm and the kind of vibrant atmosphere that is one of the key characteristics of the gaming industry in Peru. I can absolutely guarantee that Merkur Gaming and its on-site team will play its part to the full.