SiGMA Asia 2025 returns to Manila: Highlights from the first two days of vibrant events
SiGMA Asia 2025 is officially underway, kicking off with a vibrant mix of cultural immersion, high-energy networking and world-class entertainment. The June 1st and 2nd pre-conference days offered delegates meaningful activities and social opportunities, setting the tone for an exciting week in Manila.
Manila Week marks the inaugural SiGMA Asia Summit at the citys largest convention centre, the SMX, . The Philippines is quickly emerging as a global hub for land based gaming and emerging technologies, making it an ideal location for this landmark event. The countrys gaming sector has rapidly grown into one of the most influential worldwide, highlighting Manilas importance on the global iGaming stage. Plan your week and dont miss keynotes, panels and networking sessions by checking the full schedule.
Official Pre-Event Celebration lights up Manila
The SiGMA Asia 2025 festivities commenced on June 1st with an electrifying pre-event celebration at Uma Nota Manila, setting the tone for the days ahead. The evening offered a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, networking and anticipation for the summit. The celebration served as a prime opportunity for delegates to engage with industry peers, bringing? together top-tier industry representatives in an energetic atmosphere.
Pre-Registration in full swing
The momentum of SiGMA Asia 2025 picked up on Monday, June 2nd, as exhibitors and delegates began arriving for pre-registration. At the SMX Convention Center Manila, exhibitors collected their badges and familiarised themselves with the expansive expo floor. With hundreds of booths and interactive tech showcases set to open the following day, many used this opportunity to coordinate setups and network with fellow exhibitors, ensuring they were well-positioned before the official doors opened.
At the nearby Conrad Manilas Harrison Room, the delegate pre-registration hub was buzzing throughout the day. The setting fostered early relationship building among affiliate marketers, tech innovators and C-level executives. With conference passes in hand and schedules beginning to fill, the tone was set for a week of purposeful networking and opportunity.
The Welcome Reception, held at the elegant C-Lounge in Conrad Manila, offered attendees a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere to kick off the summit.
Open to all ticket holders, this gathering was the perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the week ahead, forge new partnerships and reconnect with industry colleagues. With stunning panoramic views of Manila Bay as a backdrop, delegates mingled over cocktails and light bites.
A transformative visit to Smokey Mountain
On the morning of June 2, a group of SiGMA Asia delegates embarked on a profound journey through the heart of Tondo, Manila, as part of an immersive walking tour of Smokey Mountain. Organised in collaboration with the SiGMA Foundation and guided by local leaders from Smokey Tours, this experience offered an unfiltered glimpse into one of the Philippines’ most historically significant urban communities.
Smokey Mountain today represents both the hardships and the perseverance of Manilas urban population. The guided walking tour, operated by the Bless the Children Foundation through Smokey Tours, educates visitors about the harsh realities faced by this community with 100% of the tours profits going back to feeding programs, medical check-ups and educational initiatives.
Delegates were able to witness firsthand how people live and work, the experience underscored the importance of socially responsible innovation and highlighted the potential role the iGaming industry can play in driving positive social impact. Learn more about the SiGMA Foundations initiatives here.
Immersive creativity at Drip Splash Philippines
On the afternoon of June 2, SiGMA Asia delegates indulged in a vibrant and immersive experience at Drip Splash Philippines, located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. Drip Splash, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia, has made a significant mark in the Philippines with its unique approach to art entertainment. This exclusive Paint and Sip session offered a delightful blend of creativity, relaxation and social interaction, serving as a networking platform, allowing participants to connect in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Evening highlights: Toasts and tournaments
The SiGMA Poker Tournament at PokerStars, Okada Manila kicked off later that evening. The tournament attracted a diverse mix of players from seasoned poker pros to enthusiastic first-timers.
The Forbes Ballroom at Conrad Manila transformed into the epicenter of recognition and celebration for the iGaming and affiliate industries during the SiGMA Asia Awards supported by BETCONSTRUCT. The awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements across 32 categories. With a focus on creativity, leadership and innovation, the event celebrated those shaping the future of iGaming in Asia and beyond, check out the standout moments and major wins from the night here.
Adding a philanthropic dimension to the evening was the highly anticipated live charity auction. Featuring exclusive luxury items and commissioned artworks, the auction encouraged attendees to give back, with all proceeds supporting the SiGMA Foundations global initiatives aimed at improving lives through education, healthcare, and social programs. A total of 15,200 was raised, with Match Liquidity claiming four of the five auctioned items, see the full breakdown here.
An additional highlight of the evening was the iGathering Dinner, an exclusive networking event sponsored by Winfinity. Held at the renowned Alba Restaurante Espa?ol, the dinner brought together a select group of C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators for an evening of meaningful dialogue and high-level networking.
Guests were treated to a curated menu featuring Albas signature Spanish dishes, including Paella Valenciana and Cochinillo Asado. The warm, elegant atmosphere of Alba provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging insights, exploring potential collaborations and building lasting professional connections.
A week of insight and innovation
With the momentum from two incredible pre-conference days, SiGMA Asia 2025 is ready to deliver a powerful main event. Attendees can expect world-class speakers, cutting-edge exhibitions and insightful panels tackling the future of gaming, blockchain, affiliate marketing, regulatory frameworks and more.
Stay tuned as we continue our coverage of the biggest land based retreat in Asia, live from Manila!
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