SBC Digital Summit North America is fast approaching, we’ve been chatting with our event sponsors to find out what they’re most excited about.
Michael Daly, VP North America of Catena Media, advised businesses to ensure that they don’t become ‘too short-sighted’ when it comes to overcoming COVID-19.
What are you looking forward to at the SBC Digital Summit North America?
The speakers are the highlight and with each virtual conference these sessions get better in terms of interactivity/Q&A. But the networking is also improving so looking forward to that as well.
What would be your biggest bit of advice for betting and gaming businesses trying to mitigate the impact of COVID-19?
Don’t get too short-sighted. COVID is changing the “now” and while it will have longer term implications, it cannot be the only driving factor in your long-term strategy.
What are you promoting at SBC Digital Summit North America?
Awareness of Catena Media and the affiliate opportunity in current and future states. Affiliation is still a relatively new concept in the US gambling space and we aim to help new operator partners understand the value a global scale affiliate can bring to their North American market.
What industry innovation will capture the most attention in 2020?
Not sure it will capture the most attention but it will be the most fundamentally important: AI utilization. For us, it is the integration of AI to allow deeper content across more channels. But many operators and other vendors are bringing AI into their mix in a myriad of ways.
Which operator has impressed you the most in 2020?
As it relates to the gambling industry, and not just online, I honestly have to say Sands Corporation. They are not a fan of online, and active opponents in most ways, but their response among the US land based operators in how they dealt with their employees during COVID-19 was just about the most humane from day 1 and set the example that many others followed (or should have). So I’ll give credit where credit is due.
What partnership has stood out in the past 12 months?
Regulatory partnerships on poker are finally seeing some activity thanks to the changing COVID landscape. Glad these pooling agreements are in place.
Which parts of the conference agenda have caught your eye?
Not one thing in particular as there are many sessions that should be informative and interesting this year.