Malta\u2019s convenient positioning in the centre of the Mediterranean has made it very popular with conference organisers, with many participants turning this into a working holiday and choosing to extend their stay with a short break before or after.<\/p>\n
This does mean that there\u2019s no longer a quiet season in Malta, with the months between November and March taking on a different kind of business traveller alongside tourists who prefer to visit in the cooler period.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re planning on attending Sigma or any of the other conferences, we\u2019ve got you covered with everything you need to know before you visit.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16753″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Accommodation in Malta Gets Busy” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Conference period means that all the larger hotels are booked from months in advance and charge an extra premium. Now\u2019s the time to secure your base. Hotel Valentina is the ideal option, as it\u2019s located in the heart of St Julian\u2019s, which is where many of the Sigma events are held. You\u2019ll be able to walk to all the awards ceremonies and the networking dinner without having to stress out to get a cab in peak hours.<\/p>\n
The other advantage to choosing Hotel Valentina is that it also offers a haven where you can relax and unwind outside of the notorious convention chaos. You\u2019re close to the action, but you can switch off when needed, maybe relaxing at the bar or by the pool weather permitting[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16784″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Scope Out the Location Ahead of Time” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]With thousands expected to attend the convention, don\u2019t get caught out rushing to meetings at the last minute. As soon as you have your schedule of events and meetings, plan out your itinerary and your timings carefully. If you\u2019re using the official shuttle service be aware that these get very busy very fast, so chances are you’ll need to wait around for quite a bit before it\u2019s your turn. Moreover, you will be dropped off a 10 minute walk away from the venue.<\/p>\n
In case of important meetings, we advise you to plan to get there at least 30 minutes before as the sheer amount of attendees makes everything move slower. Check the official Sigma website for the updated plan of the conference floor so that you know your way around and won\u2019t need to waste time figuring out where you are.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Plan Your Meals Wisely” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The conference venue offers a food court, but this gets extremely busy. Make sure you take bottled water with you so you don\u2019t end up parched while waiting for a 30-minute queue at the food stalls. Try to time your lunch break a bit ahead of the rush hour that happens at around 12.30pm. Alternatively, if you\u2019ve enjoyed a good breakfast at Hotel Valentina you\u2019re better off waiting until everyone is at the first afternoon workshop or session and the court is quieter.<\/p>\n
In the evening, bear in mind that the influx of visitors to the Maltese Islands means that many of the best restaurants will be fully booked. At Hotel Valentina we\u2019ll be happy to book you in at The Avenue, where our guests can enjoy a 10% discount. The added bonus is that you\u2019ll be dining right in the luxury setting of Portomaso, with a view of the gorgeous marina.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16789″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Set Your Agenda, But Leave Some Free Spots” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]It\u2019s always a good idea to reach out to potential business contacts ahead of time so you can schedule meetings. After all, you don\u2019t want to reach Sigma blind. However, don\u2019t make the mistake of cramming every single hour of the day with a meeting. Some of the best networking is the spontaneous kind!<\/p>\n
Give yourself some time to meander at leisure around the stand every day and don\u2019t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. After all, everyone\u2019s there for the same thing.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16758″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”After-Parties Treat Guests Like Royalty” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Once you hit the conference floor you\u2019ll be inundated by invitations to join drinks and events held by various companies. If you have the energy, don\u2019t refuse. First of all you\u2019re guaranteed the best food, drink and entertainment at these events and, even if you don\u2019t know anyone, you\u2019ll soon find someone to chat to.<\/p>\n
The biggest brands go all out in their efforts to impress, so expect some big names DJing, too. You will also get the chance to experience some of the premium night time locations on the Maltese Islands with zero effort.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16794″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Get There Early for the Best Goodie Bags” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Let\u2019s not be shy about it. The awesome goodie bags given out at Sigma are also one reason why this conference is so popular. We\u2019ve got four words for you: get there before 9.30am. This is when the big guns are still available and you\u2019ll be able to pick up the latest gadgets and tech for free. Show up any later, and you\u2019ll be stuck with the branded keychains and the mouse mats no-one uses. Cheeky? If you can\u2019t beat them, join them!<\/p>\n
.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Finally, Don\u2019t Forget To Pack Your Swimsuit” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]It may be November, but this month has been known to throw some excellent warm weather our way. Hotel Valentina is located very close to picturesque St George\u2019s Bay, so if you get tired of the networking you can always head back to base and give yourself some R&R with the Mediterranean as your backdrop , maybe sipping a refreshing drink and soaking the sun from our gorgeous rooftop pool.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”16778″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”In Malta For Sigma? Here\u2019s All You Need To Know” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]November means…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":16773,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,14,16],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-16752","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-experience","8":"category-locations","9":"category-seasonal"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n