Celebrating 25 Years of GAT EXPO: Insights from CEO Jose Anibal Aguirre
April 3, 2024 | Exclusive Content
Digital Gaming News had the privilege of conversing with Jose Anibal Aguirre, the CEO of GAT EXPO 2024, to discuss the remarkable journey of GAT EXPO as it celebrates its 25th edition. From its humble beginnings to becoming a key event in the gaming and entertainment industry in Latin America, GAT EXPO has evolved significantly, navigating through various challenges and milestones.
In this exclusive interview, Jose Anibal Aguirre shares his perspectives on the special plans and expectations for commemorating this important milestone, the crucial role of GAT EXPO in the iGaming industry in Colombia, and the exciting lineup of activities and conferences awaiting attendees at this year’s edition. Join us as we explore the past, present, and future of GAT EXPO.
- This year marks your 25th edition. What are the expectations and special plans you have to commemorate this significant milestone?
We are delighted to celebrate the 25 years of GAT Expo with a Colombian Fiesta that includes folklore, music, and Caribbean gastronomy. The party will be held on Tuesday, April 9th at 6 pm in the central square of the Las Américas Convention Center, following the academic session. We will showcase a selection of Colombian regional dances, cumbia, drums, flutes, and traditional costumes to create an authentic and joyful atmosphere for sharing among friends, clients, and allies.
2- How has GAT EXPO evolved over its 25 years of history, and what aspects have contributed to the success and recognition of the fair in the gaming and entertainment industry in Latin America?
Like everyone, we started small, and along this journey, many things have happened: changes in governments, new legislation, social conflicts in South America, and even a pandemic that kept us locked up for more than two years and forced us into the metaverse. We never stopped working, and in the face of every difficulty, we sought new paths. I am truly pleased with the recognition that GAT holds today in the region and the industry’s representation that our fair and events seek as a commercial showcase of real economic achievements. I believe that over five decades, a network of empathy and credibility has been woven into our work. Hence, each meeting is an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship beyond business.
3- Considering the development of the iGaming industry in Colombia, how do you see the role of GAT EXPO in driving and promoting this sector in the country?
Colombia leads in iGaming regulation in Latin America, attracting many international provider companies looking to work in countries like ours due to the legal security it offers. In recent editions, GAT Expo has effectively drawn the attention of foreign platforms and online providers who see Colombia as a great opportunity. In 2024, a large portion of our exhibitors and sponsors are from this digital segment. The importance of holding GAT Expo lies in being the ideal space to bring together all players in the casino and online gaming industry in one venue, facilitating business deals and new commercial partnerships.
4- What are the main sponsors of GAT EXPO this year, and what role do they play in the success of the event?
Pragmatic Play is the Premium Sponsor. Platinum Sponsors include Betconstruct, Evolution, and Novomatic. Other Sponsors include BetPlay, Altenar, Wa Technology, Aristocrat, GLI, PlaylogiQ, and Mobadoo.
These powerful brands, both in the casino segment and in the online gaming vertical, enable us with their investment to conduct a top-level exhibition with a temporary architecture format comparable to major world fairs. Likewise, they are a magnet for new brands interested in these significant markets of Latin America. “If Novomatic succeeded, if Betconstruct grows day by day, and if Pragmatic Play is the new conqueror of the continent, my brand will also try,” a new friend recently told me.
5- What standout activities have been scheduled for this year’s edition of GAT EXPO, and what unique experiences can attendees expect?
Over the past two years, I have dedicated much of my time and effort to explore the fascinating universe of eSports. Currently, in addition to the events I organize as an organizer, I am promoting this discipline, allied with a company of great creativity and professionalism like Mobadoo. Therefore, as part of the celebration of GAT’s twenty-fifth anniversary, we will showcase four eSports tournaments in a spectacular arena featuring competitions in football, Valorant, Counter Strike, and motorsports. Additionally, we have prepared a unique musical show with a Shakira impersonator, our globally renowned artist, who masterfully interprets her songs and movements. It will be a delight for the audience.
6- Tell us about the conferences that will take place this year. What topics will be presented, and what industry experts or leaders will participate in these conferences?
We believe that this year we have consolidated a very attractive academic agenda with international components that will be of great interest to attendees. It is an honor to once again have the presence of Colombia’s regulator, Coljuegos, led today by Marco Emilio Hincapié, as well as the country’s guilds Asojuegos, Cornazar, Fecoljuegos, and Fedelco, represented by their respective presidents and senior members.
Dr. Carlos Liseras, the leading authority in the industry in Paraguay, will also present about the investment possibilities in his country’s market, which has now become an attractive and growing market. Additionally, Dr. Miguel Ángel Ochoa, president of AIEJA, will be part of a panel dedicated to the Mexican market. To discuss Peru’s new regulations, we will be joined by Fernando Calderón from SONAJA along with Ana María Padrós from Team Seven and Georges Didier from Laboratorios GLI.
The panel “Artificial Intelligence in the entertainment industry” will be a must-attend, opening doors and knowledge to the audience about the impact of AI, which has come to stay in all human activity and will specifically grow and become indispensable in the gaming and entertainment industry.
For the first time, we have invited ASFEG, the Women’s Gaming Association, to develop a panel titled “Empowering the industry with equity as a challenge,” which will be moderated by Tatiana Paredes from Multiple Group.
We could not overlook eSports, which will have its own round table on “How to boost eSports betting in Latin America,” with prominent participants.
