Currently at HK airport on my way home so I’m just jotting down unformulated thoughts here. What I can say is that while there were not many Western affiliates there, it was a very informative event and being smaller actually made it easier to meet new faces and do one-to-ones. Only 10 or so exhibitors but those that were there – it was a good chance to take some time and talk. I noticed quite a number of the other programs had reps here to listen in aswell!
One or two of the speakers cancelled but I went to quite a few of the seminars and have sheets of notes. It’s a complex market, but one I will definately be looking to when I get back. Without the information I collected I have to admit I would have spent a long time floundering around…the culture differences are fascinating, but not that difficult to overcome if you can identify the areas where thought is required. Speaking as an affiliate at least. Met some very interesting Asian based industry people too whose knowledge will be invaluable.
The Venetian is -amazing- ! The rooms superb, staff friendly…just so big too! Macau itself – not a lot to it but when you see the building work on the Cotai Strip (the Venetian is essentially standing alone at this point) it’s going to be massive in a couple of years. Food was fantastic, everything is so cheap here too. Only 40 mins to HK by Turbojet which in itself worked smoothly (well, the outward ride was bumpy!) and the fact they do check-in and immigration at Macau Ferry terminal makes life very easy.
Overall? Well worth the trip if you want to learn about Asia and want to make contacts in the region. If you’re not interested in Asia then CAC in Europe is probably better, but if you are then this has proved basically essential. The info I gleaned on payment processing alone was worth the visit.
The key thing is that the online gambling market here is about where the US was in Y2K. Good chance to learn and get in early. I wasn’t sure at first, but now I know I will definately be back next year.
Cheers
Ian