SiGMA's large event could return to Malta if infrastructure improves, CEO says

The CEO of SiGMA does not rule out the possibility of bringing the company’s main event back to Malta, provided the country’s infrastructure improves.  

Like last year, SiGMA's annual conference, centred largely on the gaming industry, will take place at the Malta Maritime Hub in Marsa between September 2 and 3.

However, this year’s event, dubbed SiGMA Euro-Med will be smaller, with around 12,000 delegates since the larger event, named SiGMA Central Europe will take place in Rome in November with 30,000 attendees.  

Previous SiGMA conferences have been dogged by criticism for exacerbating traffic congestion. 

“We want to make sure that if we were to bring back the large event, the impact on the island and the Maltese people will be positive. This covers every aspect, not just in terms of the economy,” Micallef said, adding that last year’s event contributed €100 million to the economy. 

“However, the negatives of the big event, especially the traffic point of view, have to be addressed. We would love to bring the main event back to Malta – we just need to make sure there is proper infrastructure in place, so that the impact on the Maltese people is only positive.” 

Micallef was speaking following a press tour of the conference venue on Monday morning. 

More than 400 exhibitors are expected to attract around 12,000 delegates. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.

Workers were busy putting the finishing touches on the cavernous venue’s various exhibit stands and stages that are expected to attract around 12,000 delegates – three quarters of whom will be flying in - including 400 speakers and 2,880 affiliates. 

Gunther Micallef Decesare, SiGMA’s head of logistics, explained that the company had to install electricity, air conditioning, internet and toilets in the venue, which has an area of around 20,000 square metres.  

He emphasised that, where possible, the company used local suppliers, which it would also take with it to its overseas events.

Workers busy putting the finishing touches to a stand. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.

In August, Transport Malta said it would be implementing a similar traffic management plan as last year’s. 

The main difference is that more TM officials will be deployed on the first day of the event, and the white taxi drop-off and pick-up point has moved.  

Just like last year, TM plans on implementing a geo-fenced area for ride-hailing cabs, meaning that Y-plate taxis will not be able to drop off or pick up anyone within the general area of the event.  

Instead, ride-hailing cabs will have a designated pick-up and drop-off spot, on the other side of Triq il-Labour in ONE News’ parking lot. Attendees will have to walk for about five minutes and cross the bridge over the main road to reach the event.   

White taxis will have a separate drop-off and pick-up zone located along the road in front of Identità’s office.  

Chauffeur-driven cabs will use Addolorata Cemetery’s parking area as private parking for their cabs.  

While anyone catching a coach or mini-bus will be dropped off and picked up on Triq tat-Tromba, which is a seven-minute walk from the venue.