Introduction
The Digital Dragons Conference 2024, held in Krakow on May 19-21, was a resounding success, drawing over 2,500 participants from around the globe. Renowned as one of Europe’s leading B2B events for the digital entertainment industry, this year’s events featured 121 lectures and panels, showcasing 191 speakers from prominent companies like CD Projekt Red, Ubisoft and Larian Studios.
Conference Program Highlights
The program was packed with insightful sessions and captivating speakers. Kicking off the conference was a keynote by John Romero, co-founder of id Software and a legend in the gaming industry. His talk on the evolution of game design was both enlightening and inspiring, providing valuable insights into the creative process behind some of the most iconic games.
Another standout session was delivered by Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios. He delved into the challenges and triumphs of developing Baldur’s Gate III, emphasizing the importance of player feedback and community engagement. His candid discussion offered a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a blockbuster game.
The conference also featured an engaging panel on the future of AI in game development, with speakers from NVIDIA, Google, and indie studio representatives. The panelists explored the potential of AI to revolutionize game mechanics, improve player experiences, and streamline development processes. Their discussions sparked lively debates and left attendees with plenty to ponder.
Workshops were another highlight, with sessions l about mastering game narratives led by renowned writer Sam Lake from Remedy Entertainment. This hands-on workshop guided participants through the intricacies of crafting compelling stories in games, providing practical tips and techniques.
B2B Lead Generation and Networking
Digital Dragons proved to be an invaluable platform for B2B lead generation. The conference facilitated over 2,000 business meetings, creating countless opportunities for networking and collaboration. As an attendee, I found the structured networking sessions to be particularly effective. The event's matchmaking system paired me with potential partners and clients, ensuring that every meeting was relevant and productive.
The experience of this year's conference has given me a few key tips for maximizing lead generation through participation in such events. Here they are:
- Prepare in advance. Before attending, you should closely research the list of attendees. I recommend defining who you are looking for at the conference, i.e., specifying your target audience(s). Obviously, according to the needs and goals of different target groups, as well as your own, you will communicate with them differently. However, the advice is universal: such a proactive approach ensures that you connect with the right people. At Digital Dragons, I contacted several companies beforehand, setting up meetings that led to fruitful discussions and potential collaborations.
- Engage actively. Participating in workshops, panels, and social events allows for organic networking. At Digital Dragons, engaging in discussions during the AI panel, for instance, led me to spontaneous interactions with like-minded professionals, opening doors to new opportunities. Active participation demonstrates your commitment and interest, making you more memorable and friendly to potential partners. In this way, you can build a network of contacts with whom you may interact in the future.
- Follow-Up. Remember that the conference does not end for you on the last day specified in the program. Post-conference, timely and personalized follow-ups are crucial. After Digital Dragons, I reached out to the contacts I made, referencing specific points from our conversations. This approach not only reinforced the connection but also showcased my genuine interest in continuing the dialogue. Personalized follow-ups can transform a brief meeting into a long-term partnership by keeping the momentum going and solidifying the relationship.
Conclusion
Proper preparation and sincere interest played a role making the Digital Dragons Conference 2024 an enriching experience, filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. The event underscored the importance of industry gatherings in fostering collaboration and innovation. For B2B players in the gaming industry, such interactions are significant. They not only open doors to new business opportunities but also keep you at the forefront of industry trends and developments.
The knowledge and connections gained from Digital Dragons have already proven invaluable, and I eagerly look forward to next year’s event. The conference is a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the digital industry and particularly game business, and its role in shaping the future of interactive entertainment is undeniable.
Alex Bilyi, Virtuwise.io
