In Malta For Sigma? Here’s All You Need To Know
November means one thing in Malta. Sigma Malta Week opens the large scale conference season on the Maltese Islands, with the biggest iGaming convention leading the autumn/winter calendar for corporate conferences, seminars and workshops.
Malta’s 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.
This does mean that there’s 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.
If you’re planning on attending Sigma or any of the other conferences, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before you visit.
Accommodation in Malta Gets Busy
Conference period means that all the larger hotels are booked from months in advance and charge an extra premium. Now’s the time to secure your base. Hotel Valentina is the ideal option, as it’s located in the heart of St Julian’s, which is where many of the Sigma events are held. You’ll 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.
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’re close to the action, but you can switch off when needed, maybe relaxing at the bar or by the pool weather permitting
Scope Out the Location Ahead of Time
With thousands expected to attend the convention, don’t 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’re 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’s your turn. Moreover, you will be dropped off a 10 minute walk away from the venue.
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’t need to waste time figuring out where you are.
Plan Your Meals Wisely
The conference venue offers a food court, but this gets extremely busy. Make sure you take bottled water with you so you don’t 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’ve enjoyed a good breakfast at Hotel Valentina you’re better off waiting until everyone is at the first afternoon workshop or session and the court is quieter.
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’ll be happy to book you in at The Avenue, where our guests can enjoy a 10% discount. The added bonus is that you’ll be dining right in the luxury setting of Portomaso, with a view of the gorgeous marina.
Set Your Agenda, But Leave Some Free Spots
It’s always a good idea to reach out to potential business contacts ahead of time so you can schedule meetings. After all, you don’t want to reach Sigma blind. However, don’t make the mistake of cramming every single hour of the day with a meeting. Some of the best networking is the spontaneous kind!
Give yourself some time to meander at leisure around the stand every day and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. After all, everyone’s there for the same thing.
After-Parties Treat Guests Like Royalty
Once you hit the conference floor you’ll be inundated by invitations to join drinks and events held by various companies. If you have the energy, don’t refuse. First of all you’re guaranteed the best food, drink and entertainment at these events and, even if you don’t know anyone, you’ll soon find someone to chat to.
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.
Get There Early for the Best Goodie Bags
Let’s not be shy about it. The awesome goodie bags given out at Sigma are also one reason why this conference is so popular. We’ve got four words for you: get there before 9.30am. This is when the big guns are still available and you’ll be able to pick up the latest gadgets and tech for free. Show up any later, and you’ll be stuck with the branded keychains and the mouse mats no-one uses. Cheeky? If you can’t beat them, join them!
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Finally, Don’t Forget To Pack Your Swimsuit
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’s 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.
