The World Poker Congress (WPC) organized by Poker Biz and River City Group took place in Stockholm over 27 – 28 June and was the first international conference to unite the online and offline poker industries. Keynote speeches were given by three of the world’s top poker executives: World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffery Pollack, World Poker Tour CEO and founder Steven Lipscomb and PartyGaming Marketing Director Vikrant Bhargava. The WPC confirmed the synergy existing between the land-based and online gambling industries, as well as the fact that poker will not be merely a passing fad.

Leading organizations such as Sportingbet, Boss Media and the International Poker Federation piloted breakout sessions covering crucial topics. Marketing strategies, legal considerations, management systems, mergers and acquisitions, player relations, televised tournaments and fraud solutions were all discussed. The closing plenary session featured a roundtable discussion among a panel of professional and amateur poker players, giving industry representatives a unique opportunity to communicate face to face with their customers.

With concurrent tracks covering terrestrial and online poker, attendees learned about each distribution channel, the points of common ground between the two industries and the potential for further convergence. It was also an opportunity for members of each industry to learn about the other and, more importantly, for them to connect with each other. River City Group and Poker Biz have not yet announced plans for a 2007 event, but have been encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by both industries and the attendance numbers at this year’s event. (E-07.11.06)

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