SiGMA World opens in Rome; the gaming summit is worth 100 million
The Italian leg of the international circuit takes place at the Fiera di Roma. The organisers estimate an economic impact of over 500 million by 2030. The panel discussions will focus on regulation and tackling unlicensed operators
Key points
A summit for the gaming and digital technology industries, with an estimated economic impact of over 100 million euros on the capital’s economy. SiGMA World 2026 has opened at the Fiera di Roma. This is the Italian leg of the SiGMA Group circuit. Founded in 2014, the company specialises in media and events in the gaming, emerging technologies and affiliate marketing sectors, and currently organises eight international summits – from Manila to Mexico City – as well as over a hundred side events each year.
An economic impact of over 500 million euros by 2030.
The figure of 100 million was cited during the opening ceremony by Heathcliff Farrugia, the group’s Chief International Relations Officer, who described the Rome event as the meeting point for summits organised around the world. Over the longer term, estimates released by the organisers prior to the opening suggest that SiGMA’s presence in Rome will generate an economic impact of over 500 million euros by 2030.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Tulia Ackson, former President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Antonello Aurigemma, President of the Lazio Regional Council. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, sent a message to those present. He highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting Italian businesses in international markets and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence – which must be addressed whilst taking into account its ethical and social implications – as well as the importance of security, regulation and the fight against financial crime.
Things like the internet and electricity
The conference was opened by Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates and one of the early investors in Tesla, SpaceX and Skype, who compared the impact of artificial intelligence to that of the internet and electricity. Also on stage were figures from the world of sport, from Giancarlo Fisichella to Gigi Buffon, Walter Zenga and Nicola Ventola.
Industry regulations
Part of the first day’s panel discussions was devoted to the sector’s regulations: tackling unlicensed operators and striking a balance between consumer protection and the competitiveness of authorised businesses. This is an issue that is of particular relevance to the Italian market.
