WATCH: the untold story of SiGMA Europe 2024, a behind-the-scenes documentary
In November 2024, Malta became the epicentre of the global gaming industry as SiGMA Europe 2024 unfolded at the Malta Maritime Hub (MMH). A captivating, all-access unveils the high-stakes drama and rigorous artistry behind organising one of the world’s largest and most prestigious gaming conferences. Hosted by SiGMA Group, this event marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
, Founder of SiGMA Group, leads a dedicated team through a series of demanding tasks that culminate in this extraordinary event. From diligent venue planning and logistics coordination to navigating unpredictable weather, the documentary captures the resilience required to bring the event to life. “What we’ve accomplished here today is a testament to the dedication and teamwork that defines SiGMA,” says Pulis, reflecting on the monumental efforts required to organise such a massive gathering. The SiGMA team faced numerous obstacles, including 10 days of unsettled weather, strong winds, and rain, yet managed to pull off a seamless opening day. Despite these challenges, the first hour of the expo greeted attendees with clear skies and sunshine, a symbolic moment that set the tone for the successful days ahead.
The documentary also highlights the remarkable transformation of the MMH shipyard. Over three weeks, 2,000 workers toiled tirelessly to convert 45,000 square metres of active port space into a world-class venue. This ambitious project brought together more than 1,000 specialists from across the globe, who built over 600 stands. The meticulous planning of every detail—from the foundation of displays to the final finishing touches—was essential in creating a memorable experience for the 27,000 delegates who attended SiGMA Europe 2024.
As SiGMA continues to push the boundaries of innovation, this provides an intimate look at the passion and determination behind an event that unites gaming industry leaders from around the world. It’s a true testament to the dedication of a team committed to excellence, showcasing not only the event’s scale but also the unity within the industry. This documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the hard work, creativity, and perseverance that fuels SiGMA’s continued success. “Every year, the challenges grow, but so does the spirit of collaboration and ingenuity,” Pulis adds, underlining the unmatched spirit of the SiGMA team.
SiGMA’s evolution over the years
SiGMA has been taking place in Malta for the past ten years, since 2013. It started off at Eden Arena in St. Julian’s, welcoming a humble 2,000 delegates in 2014. In 2017, the show moved to the MFCC canopy in Ta’ Qali, and the expansion required setting up an adjacent hall in the area. Fast forward to 2023, and the show moved to a much bigger venue in Marsa, the MMH.
However, the growth of the show, coupled with the limited infrastructure in a small country like Malta, meant the event faced new challenges. As Eman Pulis puts it, “While the scale of the event has expanded, so have the complexities of organising it, especially in a city that was not built for such large-scale events.”
The challenges were not only logistical but also related to local infrastructure. Traffic congestion became a major concern with an average of 40 new cars added to the streets each day. Limited hotel beds posed further issues, with many delegates needing to secure accommodation in neighbouring towns. Additionally, the limited flight connections in November made international travel a logistical challenge for delegates and speakers from around the world.
Despite these hurdles, the team at SiGMA pushed through with remarkable ingenuity and determination, pulling off an event that exceeded expectations and solidified SiGMA’s place as the leader in the global gaming industry.
SiGMA’s global expansion and upcoming events
As SiGMA looks ahead, the excitement continues to build with an ambitious roadmap for 2025. The group will be hosting seven major events, each strategically placed in key global hubs. Among these, SiGMA Eurasia in Dubai, happening 23-25 between the February, stands out as a particularly important milestone, marking SiGMA’s continued expansion into the Middle East’s growing emerging tech market. Additionally, SiGMA’s newest event location in Sri Lanka, scheduled for December 2025, will bring together industry leaders from Asia and beyond to explore new opportunities in one of the region’s most promising gaming and tech markets.
With seven exciting events planned for 2025, stay updated on SiGMA’s roadshow, and follow SiGMA’s initiatives into shaping the future of gaming.
