IMPORTANT - CAP Euro Event Changes

[jetset]

I honestly do not believe that this event can be regarded as separate and distinct from the legitimate enquiries - albeit by a "minority" - as to its association with CAP/AMI.

I therefore do not perceive enquiries such as the commercial arrangements surrounding the claimed change of ownership of CAP Euro - AAC as a "derail".

Considering the lies and deceptions that have characterised CAP-AMI manoeuvres recently, there is certain to be curiosity and perhaps even cynicism concerning this move... and the apparent lack of transparency that accompanies it.

Surely the ownership of the event would not have been simply handed over without an agreement in place, and if that is the case why are the broad terms of such an agreement being kept under wraps?

I don't personally know Alex Pratt, but people who's opinion I respect have vouched for him and I accept that unreservedly.

I'm afraid the same cannot be said for some of the other industry people who must presumably have been involved in this high profile transaction and brand change.

[alexpratt]

Hey There,

When I said derailing - I meant in the sense that I could see this thread suddenly switch into a discussion about CAP, their online offering, the new management etc etc.

I can though also see why people would see this as relevent to this thread because afterall the events and mag did used to be tied up very closely with CAP and again I understand the sceptisism based on the various statements etc etc that have been released in the past. I think the only way for me to maintain and also gain people's trust is to continue what me and my team have done from the start 2 1/2 years ago with the events and mag and that is to be 100% up front, honest and decent

The hardest thing for me at the moment is convicning people I don't work for CAP and that iGaming Business isn't owned by CAP and the events and mag wern't simply a contract publishing/event agreemeent. I have been involved from the start and am determined to not let this business disappear because of what ever has happened with CAP - The feedback we get on the events and the mag have consistantly been positive and yes we have made mistakes and I hope we have learnt from the majority of them, BUT it would pain me massively to see what we have taken care to build suddenly dissapear.

Anyhow I am going on - What I am trying to say is that really only time will tell with regards to what I am telling you as you can either believe me now or watch and check me at every stage and I hope in 3, 6, or even 12 months I will have proven that I am a man of my word and will not BS or skate around an issue and really have one aim and that is to deliver the best mags and events in our industry.

On the finanacial side - I can only re quote what I said before - See below - I am sorry this is vague but it really is all in the air as there is a lot to agree on and discuss and these things take time.

In terms of the financial side of the events - It is all being discussed and is honestly up in the air right now - I understand people's waryness (how do you spell that?) especially based on past statements etc but I, the events, the magazine etc have always been decent and honest and put affiliates interest first and I promise I will continue this going forward - When things are finalised and clear I will update everyone

[RobWin]

Hey There,

When I said derailing - I meant in the sense that I could see this thread suddenly switch into a discussion about CAP, their online offering, the new management etc etc.

I can though also see why people would see this as relevent to this thread because afterall the events and mag did used to be tied up very closely with CAP and again I understand the sceptisism based on the various statements etc etc that have been released in the past. I think the only way for me to maintain and also gain people's trust is to continue what me and my team have done from the start 2 1/2 years ago with the events and mag and that is to be 100% up front, honest and decent

The hardest thing for me at the moment is convicning people I don't work for CAP and that iGaming Business isn't owned by CAP and the events and mag wern't simply a contract publishing/event agreemeent. I have been involved from the start and am determined to not let this business disappear because of what ever has happened with CAP - The feedback we get on the events and the mag have consistantly been positive and yes we have made mistakes and I hope we have learnt from the majority of them, BUT it would pain me massively to see what we have taken care to build suddenly dissapear.

Anyhow I am going on - What I am trying to say is that really only time will tell with regards to what I am telling you as you can either believe me now or watch and check me at every stage and I hope in 3, 6, or even 12 months I will have proven that I am a man of my word and will not BS or skate around an issue and really have one aim and that is to deliver the best mags and events in our industry.

On the finanacial side - I can only re quote what I said before - See below - I am sorry this is vague but it really is all in the air as there is a lot to agree on and discuss and these things take time.

IMO Alex you are still doing no more than you have in the past by still Branding the CAP name and further benefiting the owners of CAP. If you are so intend on continuing along these lines then why not just put all of your efforts into Branding the "iGaming" name and doing your own magazine and your own "iGaming Branded Conference" ?? Otherwise, no matter how many ways of Sunday that you spin it you are still benefiting CAP...bottom line!

[alexpratt]

Understood - The mag is actually called iGaming Business Affiliate Magazine - You will see this for the next issue (April/May) although may shorten this to iGB Affiliate Magazine

The problem was this wasn't planned - I landed in Macau to attend AIG and whilst sitting drinking beers with SpearMaster the texts, calls and emails started arriving about the whole situation and all I knew was that there was some urgent changes to be made and set about making these happen. At the time the name wasn't what was super important to us so we went with something generic hence Amsterdam Affiliate Conference, Budapest etc etc -

This importantly meant that we could the domain, could rebrand quickly and easily and then afterwards we could then re look at the brand etc and make a decision on whether we want a central name such as iGaming Affiliate events, a new brand or keep the generic terms but tbh everything has changed in just 2 weeks for me and I am just trying to keep up, we have literally had to get a logo, redesign the mag, get an event brochure done, print 8,000, post them, get a website up, get pr out, speak to all the clients, and so on.

Its been one hell of a ride and isn't over yet, still lots to discuss, finalise etc - This is why things are aren't 100% clear at the moment as there really is a shed load going on in the back ground on top of the usual work of hosting and organising a show, publishing mags, developing the business etc.

[RobWin]

Understood - The mag is actually called iGaming Business Affiliate Magazine - You will see this for the next issue (April/May) although may shorten this to iGB Affiliate Magazine

The problem was this wasn't planned - I landed in Macau to attend AIG and whilst sitting drinking beers with SpearMaster the texts, calls and emails started arriving about the whole situation and all I knew was that there was some urgent changes to be made and set about making these happen. At the time the name wasn't what was super important to us so we went with something generic hence Amsterdam Affiliate Conference, Budapest etc etc -

This importantly meant that we could the domain, could rebrand quickly and easily and then afterwards we could then re look at the brand etc and make a decision on whether we want a central name such as iGaming Affiliate events, a new brand or keep the generic terms but tbh everything has changed in just 2 weeks for me and I am just trying to keep up, we have literally had to get a logo, redesign the mag, get an event brochure done, print 8,000, post them, get a website up, get pr out, speak to all the clients, and so on.

Its been one hell of a ride and isn't over yet, still lots to discuss, finalise etc - This is why things are aren't 100% clear at the moment as there really is a shed load going on in the back ground on top of the usual work of hosting and organising a show, publishing mags, developing the business etc.

Thanks for further explaining the situation Alex. This makes a lot more sense now since you put it into perspective there in that last post and I would personally like to see "iGaming Business" flourish and do well.

[spearmaster]

The problem was this wasn't planned - I landed in Macau to attend AIG and whilst sitting drinking beers with SpearMaster the texts, calls and emails started arriving about the whole situation and all I knew was that there was some urgent changes to be made and set about making these happen.

Very true - first thing I asked when I saw him is "Have you seen what happened yet?" knowing that it was likely he was actually on the plane when everything started... by that time his Blackberry was literally buzzing and ringing off the hook...

The next night - over noodles and the Bruce Lee slots - the decision had more or less been made to see what could be done. Obviously he had many more phone calls and discussions to finish first, though.

Throughout this period I was amazed that Alex kept his good humour and that smile on his face (though a bit wry!). I know I certainly couldn't have done that so all credit to him for keeping his composure during trying times!

Obviously it was more than a few days later before Alex could reveal the details of what decision had been reached and what had been done - but I can 100% assure you he was on the situation right from the get-go.

[PokerNations]

Thanks for further explaining the situation Alex. This makes a lot more sense now since you put it into perspective there in that last post and I would personally like to see "iGaming Business" flourish and do well.

Agreed, it's just easier for many of us to support your efforts if CAP or any of their related entities aren't deriving financial benefits in the process.

I know you can't really get too indepth into that currently, because things are still messy. But just realize that is the primary issue for many involved here, we don't want to do anything that is going to result in a benefit for Lou and Warren.

[Casinomeister]

Very true - first thing I asked when I saw him is "Have you seen what happened yet?" knowing that it was likely he was actually on the plane when everything started... by that time his Blackberry was literally buzzing and ringing off the hook...

This is what I was doing when Alex was freaking out over his Blackberry in Macau

But seriously, I'm glad Alex seems to be taking this situation by the horns. I believe he knows what he's doing, and I have faith it'll turn out good for affiliates and the affiliate programs.

[RobWin]

This is what I was doing when Alex was freaking out over his Blackberry in Macau

But seriously, I'm glad Alex seems to be taking this situation by the horns. I believe he knows what he's doing, and I have faith it'll turn out good for affiliates and the affiliate programs.

Cool pic my friend, but I'm surprised to see you on skis and not a snowboard, I personally like snowboarding better now since I started it three years ago...

[jetset]

I don't want to harp on this, but there is a serious question of credibility from the get-go here imo, and that is turning on the lack of transparency which still bedevils this transaction.

Alex's personal and business reputation is such that he does not need to defend himself here, but his board of directors at iGaming Business should be made aware that failing to furnish the fundamental details of this transaction could impact their credibility going forward.

And the cynical will continue to suspect that certain individuals are still intimately and profitably involved (beyond mere sponsorship) in the enterprise, given their previous business deceptions.

I suggest that that would do little to enhance a new and independent events regime such as Alex has suggested in his various posts here.

If this is a straight commercial deal in which iGaming has paid (or is to pay) a consideration to AMI or its management for the exclusive right to take over these events as an independent venture, then I would have no problem at all with that....but it needs to be out in the open and not cloaked as a transaction that is so sudden and messy as to preclude the basics being disclosed.

The truth will eventually out - and if it transpires that iGaming Business was party to a further deception, that will not sit well with the industry imo.