SiGMA World 2026 has opened at Fiera di Roma, bringing together the gaming and digital technology industries for the Italian stop on SiGMA Group’s international summit circuit. Organizers estimate the event will have an economic impact of more than €100 million on Rome, with the group’s presence in the city projected to generate over €500 million by 2030.
Heathcliff Farrugia, SiGMA Group’s chief international relations officer, presented the Rome gathering at its opening ceremony as a meeting point for the company’s events around the world. Founded in 2014, SiGMA Group focuses on media and events in gaming, emerging technologies and affiliate marketing. It organizes eight international summits and more than 100 related events each year.
The opening ceremony included Tulia Ackson, former president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Antonello Aurigemma, president of the Lazio Regional Council. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sent a message highlighting support for Italian companies operating internationally and the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence. He also noted the technology’s ethical and social implications, alongside the importance of security, regulation and efforts to combat financial crime.
Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates and an early investor in Tesla, SpaceX and Skype, opened the conference program. He compared the potential reach of artificial intelligence with that of the internet and electricity. Sports figures including Giancarlo Fisichella, Gigi Buffon, Walter Zenga and Nicola Ventola also appeared at the event.
Several panels on the first day focused on industry regulation, including action against unlicensed operators and how to balance consumer protection with the competitiveness of licensed businesses. These issues are particularly relevant to the Italian market.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.