IMGL Magazine July 2022

IMGL autumn conference

When culture needs to mingle with gaming The different attitudes and approaches to gaming throughout the world are largely linked to the religious and cultural beliefs which form the basis of accepted norms. The panel will delve into the question: how does, and should, gaming mingle with culture? We will compare, notably, the position in the Middle East where gaming is for the most part illegal, as embedded in the notion of its shame and unacceptance according to Sharia law, to India’s more positive attitude, as reflected in the Mahabharata, one of India’s oldest mythological epics, in which “opponents were tested based on their skills at board and dice games rather than through wars”. Gambling and geopolitics: the Ukraine crisis and its impact on the global gambling industry Ukraine has a thriving gambling industry, a first rate gambling services sector and a population dealing with the awful realities of a Russian invasion. The panel will consider the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the local gambling industry, business and operational supply chains and longer term repercussions for the global gaming industry. A fantastic opportunity to meet, renew old friendships and make new connections in the iconic destination of London plus a Royal venue for our Gala evening An important feature of our IMGL family is the opportunity to connect and share ideas, “break bread” with fellow professionals and explore new ideas over networking events and receptions. The Planning Committee’s events calendar is designed to allow for plenty of fun and social interaction with friends and colleagues over the conference days. Our Opening Reception will be held at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, a short stroll away is the beautiful and lively Marylebone district, home to many wonderful cafes, restaurants, a world-class art gallery, an internationally renowned concert hall and independent shops. This will be followed by our younger lawyers Next Gen event on the Wednesday evening. Some of us are excluded from that one. We are delighted to be able to host our Gala Dinner evening at the historic Kensington Palace Pavilion. With 400 years’ worth of history, Kensington Palace still remains a working Royal residence of great historical importance. It was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns and today it accommodates the offices and private apartments

of a number of members of the Royal Family. We hope that you will enjoy a truly memorable evening surrounded by history in the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Palace and its formal gardens. Our Closing Reception will be held at the grand and eccentric Home House, a magnificent private members club fusing 18th century splendour with 21st century style. Why not take a couple of extra days either side of the conference to explore London or make your way across to Europe via air or Eurotunnel to round off our London gathering. The London Planning committee and my co-chair Quirino Mancini look forward to welcoming you to London 2022 for another premier IMGL event. My thanks especially to our London committee organising members for their help and dedication in creating an exciting conference agenda and a selection of wonderful venues for our social gatherings. Panel highlights are to be found overleaf and to register your place at what promises to be the most important event of this conference season, please visit: https://imgl.regfox.com/2022-imgl-autumn-conference

IMGL Magazine • July 2022 • 55

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker