This event is over and registration is no longer available.

IMGL Autumn Conference Sponsors

Sponsorships are now available. Click here for details. Contact IMGLdirector@aol.com for more information.

Platinum Level

NOVOMATIC Group of Companies
www.novomatic.com

NOVOMATIC is one of the largest integrated conglomerates of the international gaming industry. Founded by the entrepreneur Prof. Johann F. Graf the Group comprises affiliated companies in 45 countries, produces high-tech gaming devices and exports to 80 countries.

Consistent investments in research and development, an eagerness to do pioneer work, a distinct feeling for trends and a total commitment to quality have made the NOVOMATIC Group a major player of the international gaming industry. Responsible Gaming, an extreme customer focus, respectability and technological trendsetting as well as quality standards which are exemplary in the gaming industry and beyond, build the foundation of international success.

Gold Level

Fox Rothschild LLP
www.foxrothschild.com

Fox Rothschild LLP is a national law firm with nearly 600 attorneys practicing in 19 offices coast to coast. We’ve been serving clients for more than a century, and we’ve been climbing the ranks of the nation’s 250 largest firms for many years, according to The National Law Journal. Ranked by Chambers Global among the top gaming lawyers worldwide, Fox is home to one of the largest gaming law practices in the United States, complete with skilled attorneys who possess decades of experience helping clients domestically and internationally achieve success in this highly regulated industry.

Bronze Level

Gamblit Gaming
www.GamblitGaming.com

Gamblit Gaming is the leading technology provider in the emerging interactive entertainment meets gambling space, enabling a wide range of game genres to accommodate gambling experiences in online and on-site deployments worldwide. Gamblit’s platform provides all essential regulated technology, customer operations, and licenses; freeing up game developers, publishers, and casino operators to focus on making the best possible game experience for their players. Founded with the goal of bridging the gap between games and gambling, Gamblit’s executive team has deep roots in both industries. The company is headquartered in Glendale, California.

Gaming Laboratories International
www.gaminglabs.com

For nearly 25 years, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC has been the world leader in providing independent testing, inspection and certification services to the gaming, wagering and lottery industry. GLI also offers independent network and information security assessments to its regulatory, lottery and supplier clients. With 20 laboratory locations located across Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and South America, GLI is the only global organization of its kind to hold U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, 17020 and guide 65 standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries.

Kalff Katz & Franssen
www.kalffkatzfranssen.nl

Kalff Katz & Franssen Attorneys at Law is widely recognised for their solid and business oriented expertise in many sectors of the entertainment industry. The firm has a strong international profile specifically in the gaming sector.

The Gaming Team of Kalff Katz & Franssen exclusively focusses on advising and litigating on behalf of the international gaming sector. Clients range from blue chip land based and remote gaming operators, manufacturers, PSP´s, ISP´s, platform providers, media companies, broadcasting companies, financial institutions, sport organisations to institutional investors.

Head of the gaming team Justin Franssen received consistent band 1 rankings in Chambers Global Guide. Chambers Global Guide comments: “He maintains a strong involvement in shaping gambling legislation in the Netherlands.” and, “he has a strong and deep passion for the industry and his clients, is very committed and works day and night.”

Ungaretti & Harris
www.uhlaw.com

Ungaretti & Harris has one of the most highly regarded Gaming Law Practices in Illinois and all of the Midwest. Our gaming attorneys are recognized as top practitioners by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois, and other ranking organizations. U.S. News and World Report, in conjunction with Best Lawyers, has awarded our Gaming Practice with a Tier 1 ranking in Illinois—the highest ranking possible.

From licensing, suitability and compliance issues to administrative and disciplinary hearings, we have the credibility and experience our clients need. Our partners include a former First Assistant Attorney General, a former Illinois Gaming Board chief legal counsel and Assistant U.S. Attorney, and a former Illinois Gaming Board legal counsel. We have credibility with regulators and investigatory agencies as well as solid understanding of procedures and decision-making criteria in Illinois.

Operating out of our Chicago headquarters, our attorneys work in true partnership for the benefit of our clients. Our lawyers know each other. They communicate effectively, coordinate efficiently, and are easily accessible when needed by their partners. We feel that this enables us to provide our clients with outstanding legal representation and service.

Conference Program
(as of 3 November)

Autumn Conference Program

WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

8:30 – 10:00
Registration Open
Lobby, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence

City Walking Tours
(optional – additional supplement applies)

8:45
The Evolution of Florentine Architecture
Meet in the Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior

9:30
Highlights of Renaissance Florence
Uffizi Gallery
Meet in the Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior

1:00 – 2:00
Luncheon
Frescobaldi Wine Bar Restaurant
Via dei Magazzini, 2-4/R, 50122 Florence

4:00 – 5:00
IMGL Business Meeting
Dante Room, St. Regis
Piazza Ognissanti, 1, 50123 Firenze
all IMGL members are encouraged to attend

5:30 – 7:30
Welcome Reception 
SE·STO on Arno Terrace, Westin Excelsior
Sponsored By Fox Rothschild
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence

Dinner is on your own in an area restaurant.

THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER

8:30 – 4:30
Conference Registration Open
Sala Feste Foyer, St. Regis
Piazza Ognissanti, 1, 50123 Firenze

9:00 – 9:10
Welcome
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Joerg Hofmann, President, IMGL and Senior Partner, MELCHERS, Germany

9:10 – 9:30
Presentation & Demonstration of New IMGL Website
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Marc Dunbar, Partner, Jones Walker, LLP, Florida
Marc Ellinger, Partner Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, L.C., Missouri

9:30 – 10:00
Keynote Address
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis

10:00 – 11:15
The Controversial Image of Gaming in the Face of the Media and the Public Opinion: What, if Anything, is the Industry Doing to Redress It?
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
The controversial image of gaming in the face of the public opinion: a risky and addictive vice, a popular form of entertainment, a lucrative and unrenounceable source of tax revenue and jobs for the governments or a bit of everything?  What, if anything, is the gaming industry doing to effectively redress an often biased, misjudged and distorted view largely pushed and supported by the media across the world?
Moderator: Sue Schneider, Partner, iGaming North America and Malta iGaming Seminar, Missouri
Speakers: Andrew Gellatly, Head of Global Research Services, GamblingCompliance, United Kingdom
Peter Howitt, Solicitor, Ramparts and CEO, Gibraltar Betting & Gaming Association, Gibraltar
Quirino Mancini, Partner, SCM Lawyers, Italy
Franz Wohlfahrt, Attorney, Law Office of Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt and former CEO, Novomatic, Austria

11:15 – 11:45
Networking Break
Winter Garden Foyer, St. Regis
Sponsored By Kalff Katz Franssen 

11:45 – 12:30
Point of Consumption
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. RegisThe UK and Germany introduced new tax regimes which include a high impact for operators in Europe who offer services to customers in these countries. Experts from both jurisdictions present an overview on the current situation and discuss the ways the industry can deal with this.
Moderator: Joerg Hofmann, Partner, Melchers Law Firm, Germany
Speaker: Frieder Backu, Partner, SSW Schneider Schiffer Weihermüller, Germany
Charles Gerada, Director, Jeffrey Green Russell Limited, United Kingdom
Peter Howitt, Solicitor, Ramparts and CEO, Gibraltar Betting & Gaming Association, Gibraltar

12:30 – 1:45
Awards Luncheon 
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence
IMGL Gaming Regulator of the Year – Europe and the Presidents Award will be given
Speaker: Carlos Hernández Rivera, General Director of the DGOJ, Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations, Spain

2:00 – 3:15
iGaming Development: Learning from Other Mistakes & Successes 
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
This panel will compare and contrast the United States new entry into iGaming with the more mature European market.  The panelists will explore how the European market developed, the mistakes it made and how it moves forward and will compare each of those steps with the nascent US market in igaming.  Issues with geo-location, payment processing and the regulatory environment will be featured in this analysis.
Moderator: Marc Ellinger, Partner Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, L.C., Missouri
Panelists: Thomas N. Auriemma, Member, Compliance Committee, Penn National Gaming, Pennsylvania
R. Paul Davis, General Counsel, Counting House (IOM) Ltd., Isle of Man
Diane Mullenex, Partner, Head of Gaming and Gambling Practices, Pinsent Masons, France
Birgitte Sand, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark

3:15 – 3:30
Networking Break
Sponsored By GLI

3:30 – 5:00
Sports Betting and its “distant” cousin: Fantasy Sports Leagues
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
The gaming market is based on reliability. Sport betting is the history, the future, and the nucleus of the market. How much does sports integrity matter and what can operators and regulators do about it worldwide? What are the sport security and legal implications to the sports gambling industry arising from the growth of North American online fantasy sports leagues, particularly the so-called “daily” or “weekly” leagues.
Moderator:  Stefano Sbordoni, Partner, Studio Sbordoni, Italy
Speakers: Santiago Asensi, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Spain
Jorge Godinho, Associate Professor, University of Macau, S.A.R. China
Joe Kelly, Partner, A&L Goodbody, Ireland
Kevin C. Quigley, President and Managing Member, Hamilton Quigley & Twait PLC, Minnesota

6:30
Walk to the Castle
Meet Guide in Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior & St. Regis

7:00 – 10:00
Gala Dinner 
Palazzo Borghese
Via Ghibellina, 110, 50122 Florence
Sponsored By Novomatic

FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER

8:30 – 9:30
Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Ungaretti & Harris

9:00 – 2:00
Registration Open
Sala Feste Foyer, St. Regis

9:00 – 10:00
How to Enhance Your Standing with a Regulator
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
This session will be a frank discussion of the some of the pitfalls & problems which registrants with a regulated jurisdiction encounter & the impact upon their registration. Regulators will canvass how the Regulated can avoid these issues & improve their standing in the regulated world.  Included within the scope of discussion will be whether registration is a right or privilege, the right to counsel during the investigation leading to registration or renewal or & whether an attorney/client privilege exists.
Moderator: Michael Lipton, Q.C., Senior Partner, Dickinson Wright, LLP, Canada
William Bogot, former Counsel, Illinois Gaming Board and Partner, Ungaretti & Harris, Illinois
Kevin P. Mullally, Vice President of Government Relations & General Counsel, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC  new
Birgitte Sand, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
Andre Wilsenach, Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Alderney

10:00 – 11:00
Social Gaming: The Future of the Industry and Regulatory Issues
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Within few years only, the social gaming industry has rapidly grown, and there are no indications for an end of this success story. This panel will address the future of the industry as well as key regulatory issues. What were the key transactions that made it possible? Where is the industry going in the near future? What are the trends and challenges that we can observe? As per regulation: Are social games really an unregulated area? And what does the relevant legal framework consist of in Europe and the world?
Moderator: Tal Itzhak Ron, Chairman, Tal Ron, Drihem & Co., Israel
Speakers: Tina Kilmer, Vice President, Product Compliance, Bally Technologies, Nevada
Dr. Simon Planzer, Partner, Planzer Law, Switzerland; Lecturer in Law, University of St. Gallen HSG
Prof. I. Nelson Rose, Professor of Law, Whittier Law School, California

11:00 – 11:15
Refreshments

11:15 – 12:15
Current Issues in Gaming Regulation
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Gaming regulatory investigations are a necessary evil for initial licensure, license renewals, disciplinary actions and review and approval of Key Persons.  When your client gets questioned during any of these types of investigations does the client have a right to counsel?  Is this just an issue unique to the US?  What about “spousal” issues?  Does who you are married to affect one’s ability to get licensed?  Can you be “married to the mob” and still get licensed? If your spouse has a felony conviction should that be a bar to licensure?  What about parent/child or sibling relationships?  Are any of these relationships a valid basis to deny a license?  How can you ensure consistency in regulatory decisions within a jurisdiction?  Can an applicant or licensee review investigative reports for accuracy prior to a regulatory action?   Are these controversies a US problem only?   If so, how do other non US jurisdictions handle these various types of license investigations and decisions and why may they be more successful and cost effective?  Join us for this lively discussion!
Moderator: Donna More, Partner, Ungaretti & Harris, Illinois
Speakers: J. Kelly Duncan, Partner, Jones Walker LLP, Louisiana
John Maloney, Principal and General Counsel, Law Offices of John K. Maloney, California
Keith C. Miller, Ellis & Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor of Law, Drake University Law School, Iowa
​Hilary Stewart-Jones, Partner, DLA Piper UK LLP, United Kingdom
Robert W. Stocker II, Member, Dickinson Wright PLLC, Michigan

12:30 – 1:30
Networking Luncheon
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior

1:45 – 2:45
Financial Blocking – an Enforcement tool with Future?
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Following Norway now Germany and the Netherlands plan to use Financial Blocking as enforcement tool against unlicensed online gaming operators. The panelists discuss the technical background and legal as well as practical challenges of Financial Blocking in Europe.
Moderator: Wulf Hambach, Partner, Hambach and Hambach, Germany
Speakers: Christian Chmiel, CEO at Web Shield Ltd., Germany
Justin Franssen, Head of Gaming, Sports & Entertainment Practice Group, Kalff Katz & Franssen, The Netherlands
Joakim Marstrander, Partner, Deloitte Tax & Legal, Norway

2:45 – 3:45
Latest Developments in the Gaming World
Sala Feste Ballroom, St. Regis
Moderator: Nick Nocton, Director, Jeffrey Green Russell Limited, United Kingdom
Speakers: Susan Breen, Partner, Mishcon de Reya,United Kingdom
Nick Casiello, Senior Partner, Fox Rothschild, New Jersey
Sean McGuinness, Partner, Lewis & Roca, Nevada
Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons Lawyers, Australia
Jaka Repansek, Partner, RePublis d.o.o., Slovenia

4:15
Meet in Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior for Winery Tour

4:00 – 8:30
Winery Tour in Tuscany, Tasting & Closing Reception
Villa Le Corti
​Via San Piero di Sotto, 1-5, 50026 San Casciano In Val di Pesa FI, Italy
Motor coach transportation provided

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER

9:00 – 3:30
Outlet Shopping Excursion
The Mall & Prada
(optional — supplement applies)

SPECIAL EVENTS

As of 28 October 2014

WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Sightseeing Walking Tours & Group Luncheon (optional)

The morning sightseeing tour and luncheon are NOT INCLUDES in the conference delegate or guest registration fees. An additional supplement of $175 USD applies. Please see the registration information for further details. Advance reservations by 20th September are required due to availability. Prepayment is required. In case of cancellation after 20th September, refunds will be given only if another delegate is accommodated in your place on the tour.

General Information:
Maximum group size – 15 per guide.
Comfortable shoes required.
The tours include walking on rough terrain throughout the entire itinerary. They may not be suitable for people with ambulatory problems.
Casual attire and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes recommended
Choose from three tour options:

Highlights of Renaissance Florence
9:30

Visit the main square and Medici’s Palaces in Florence’s city center.

For centuries, these landmarks have been the center of the political, economic and religious life of the city. The squares of Florence have a thousand stories –both funny and tragic–to tell of the powerful. With the goal of making the public spaces around Florence more beautiful and alive, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany ordered the construction of palaces and churches–built and adorned by world-famous architects and masters of art.

ITINERARY
• Three-hour walking tour to Piazza (square) Santa Maria Novella
• Piazza San Lorenzo
• Piazza Duomo
• Piazza Signoria
• Piazza Pitti and its palaces

The Evolution of Florentine Architecture 
8:45

On this tour we follow the evolution of Florentine architecture — from the medieval tower-house to the renaissance palace. The tour starts at the Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of the civic power of Florence and, for a time, home to the great Medici family; their former residence is now Florence’s City Hall. Walking through the cobbled streets,  you will proceed to Palazzo Davanzati. Originally home to a rich Florentine merchant family, this has now been restored to its original state. We will then visit the Palazzo Medici Riccard, which is representative of the transition from the medieval tower-house style to the Renaissance palace. Home of the wealthy Medici banking family, the interior of the palace displayed their wealth. Their private chapel, sumptuously decorated by Benozzo Gozzoli, is open to the public.

ITINERARY
3 1⁄2 hour walking tour of the visiting the interiors of:
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Palazzo Davanzati
• Benozzo Gozzoli Chapel

Uffizi Gallery
9:30

A three-hour walking tour through the streets of Florence to the Uffizi Gallery.

This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world.  Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally-acclaimed masterpieces, and includes works by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.

The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top floor of a large building erected by Giorgio Varsari between 1560 and 1580 to house the administrative offices of the Florentine City State.  The Gallery was created by the Grand-Duke and was subsequently enriched by various members of the Medici Family, who were great collectors of paintings, sculpture and works of Art.

ITINERARY
Three- hour tour of the Uffizi Gallery and Vesari Corridor. You will walk from the Westin Excelsior to the Gallery and then to the luncheon afterwards.  This tour includes walking up stairs, on rough terrain throughout the entire itinerary.  It may not be suitable for people with ambulatory problems.

Group Luncheon (Included in sightseeing tour package)
12:30 – 2:00
Frescobaldi Ristorante & Wine Bar
Via dei Magazzini, 2-4/R, 50122 Florence

A place of culture, enjoyment and enjoyment and sophistication, where the main focus in wine with great food. All of the walking tours will end at dei Frescobaldi Ristorante & Wine Bar is located in the city’s historic heart in the Piazza Signoria. It offers a complete panorama of wines produced by the Frescobaldi family, all accompanied by the most classic Tuscan dishes.

Welcome Reception
5:30 – 7:30
SE*STO on Arno Terrace, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence
Sponsored by Fox Rothschild
(Included in the conference registration fee)

The rooftop of The Westin Excelsior is has gorgeous panoramic terrace that allow you to indulge in what is reputed to be the best view of Florence available. The glamour of Florence is your backdrop as you great old friends and meet new colleagues.
Cocktail or Business attire suggested

THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Awards Luncheon
12:30 – 1:45
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Florence
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee.)

IMGL President Joerg Hofmann will be honoring the 2014 Regulator of the Year and an IMGL Member with the President’s Award.

Gala Dinner
7:00 – 10:00
Palazzo Borghese
​Via Ghibellina, 110, 50122 Florence
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee. An additional supplement applies for Guests.)

Sponsored by

The Gala Dinner will be in a Florence Palazzo in the countryside. More details will be provided soon. Motor coach transportation provided.
Formal or Business attire and comfortable shoes suggested.

FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER

Luncheon
12:30 – 1:30
Vespucci Room, Westin Excelsior
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee.)

Winery Tour in Tuscany, Tasting & Closing Reception         
4.00 – 8.30
Villa Le Corti
​Via San Piero di Sotto, 1-5, 50026 San Casciano In Val di Pesa FI, Italy
motor coach transportation provided
(Included in the Delegate conference registration fee. An additional supplement applies for Guests.)

Take a ride into the country side for the Closing Reception. You will guided on a private tour of a local winery and then enjoy homemade regional food by the locals. More details to follow. Motor coach transportation provided.
Casual or Business attire suggested

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Shopping Addiction (Optional)
9.00 – 2.00
The Mall
​Via Europa 8 50066 Leccio Reggello (FI)
Optional – supplement applies
Meet in Hotel Lobby, Westin Excelsior. Motor coach transportation provided

The Mall & Prada Outlets
Those who love to dress well and like Italian style will enjoy a visit to The Mall & Prada Outlets. At The Mall you can buy unique, high quality clothing and accessories from the most important brands in the world at very good prices. The Mall overlooks the beautiful Valdarno countryside.

Here it is possible to find all the most important designer shops including Valentino, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Giogio Armani. The shops are close to each other, so you can all of them, time permitting. Gucci, Fendi and Emanuele Ungaro show their jewels in wide and refined spaces.

IMGL Autumn Conference Hotel Information

The Westin Excelsior, Florence and the St. Regis Florence are the host hotels for the IMGL Autumn Conference. The hotels are across a city square from each other. The conference events will take place at both hotels. Please see the Schedule of Events for more details.

THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR FLORENCE

Piazza Ognissanti, 3
50123 Florence
Italy
T: +39 055 27151
www.westinflorence.com

ABOUT THE WESTIN EXCELSIOR:

The Westin Excelsior is an undisputed masterpiece in it’s own right – a stunning renaissance Palace with cutting edge contemporary interiors flawlessly paired with unique renaissance features. A perfect mix of style and design. The 171 guest rooms and suites each beautifully decorated in period style offer a taste of Florentine tradition.

THE ST. REGIS FLORENCE

Piazza Ognissanti, 150123 Florence
Italy
T: +39 055 27161
www.StRegisFlorence.com

ABOUT THE ST. REGIS:

Historic palace designed by Brunelleschi in the historic center of Florence and ideally located along the Arno River, minutes away from the city’s finest shopping, museums and the world famous Ponte Vecchio. Iridium Suites by Clarins – SPA Discover an unmatchable experience of wellness and relax at the hotel SPA. Restaurant Winter Garden by Caino Gastronomy is the heart of The St. Regis Florence experience, home to an innovative cuisine concept serving unforgettable flavours, from classic Florentine recipes to tastes from the Mediterranean. Reflecting Florence’s rich artistic heritage, the 81 spacious guest rooms and 19 distinctive suites demonstrate discrete opulence and refined elegance.

This event is over and registration is no longer available.

IMGL Autumn Conference Speakers

(As of 3 November)

Keynote Speakers

Carlos Hernández Rivera, General Director of the DGOJ, Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations, Spain

Speakers

Santiago Asensi, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Spain

Thomas N. Auriemma, Member, Compliance Committee, Penn National Gaming, Pennsylvania

Melissa Blau, Director, iGaming Capital, United Kingdom

William Bogot, former Counsel, Illinois Gaming Board and Partner, Ungaretti & Harris, Illinois

Nick Casiello, Senior Partner, Fox Rothschild, New Jersey

Christian Chmiel, CEO, Web Shield Ltd., Germany

R. Paul Davis, General Counsel, Counting House (IOM) Ltd., Isle of Man

Marc Dunbar, Partner, Jones Walker, LLP, Florida

J. Kelly Duncan, Partner, Jones Walker LLP, Louisiana

Marc Ellinger, Partner, Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, L.C., Missouri

Justin Franssen, Head of Gaming, Sports & Entertainment Practice Group, Kalff Katz & Franssen, The Netherlands

Andrew Gellatly, Head of Global Research Services, GamblingCompliance, United Kingdom

Jorge Godinho, Associate Professor, University of Macau, S.A.R. China

Wulf Hambach, Partner, Hambach and Hambach, Germany

Joerg Hofmann, President, IMGL and Senior Partner, MELCHERS, Germany

Peter Howitt, Solicitor, Ramparts and CEO, Gibraltar Betting & Gaming Association, Gibraltar

Joe Kelly, Partner, A&L Goodbody, Ireland

Tina Kilmer, Vice President, Product Compliance, Bally Technologies, Nevada

Michael Lipton, Q.C., Senior Partner, Dickinson Wright, LLP, Canada

John Maloney, Principal and General Counsel, Law Offices of John K. Maloney, California

Quirino Mancini, Partner, SCM Lawyers, Italy

Joakim Marstrander, Partner, Deloitte Tax & Legal, Norway

Keith C. Miller, Ellis & Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor of Law, Drake University Law School, Iowa

Donna More, Partner, Ungaretti & Harris, Illinois

Diane Mullenex, Partner, Head of Gaming and Gambling Practices, Pinsent Masons, France

Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons Lawyers, Australia

Nick Nocton, Director, Jeffrey Green Russell Limited, United Kingdom

Mary O’Loughlin, Head of Legal – Business Development & B2B, Paddy Power plc, Ireland

Dr. Simon Planzer, Lecturer in Law, University of St. Gallen HSG, Switzerland

Kevin C. Quigley, President and Managing Member, Hamilton Quigley & Twait PLC, Minnesota

Tal Ron, Partner, Tal Ron, Drihem & Co. Israel

I. Nelson Rose, Professor of Law, Whittier Law School. California

Stefano Sbordoni, Partner, Studio Sbordoni, Italy

Sue Schneider, Partner, iGaming North America and Malta iGaming Seminar, Missouri

Hilary Stewart-Jones, Partner, DLA Piper UK LLP, United Kingdom

Robert W. Stocker II, Member, Dickinson Wright PLLC, Michigan

Andre Wilsenach, Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Alderney

Franz Wohlfahrt, Attorney, Law Office of Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt and former CEO, Novomatic, Austria

Things to See And Do

Visit the Uffizi Gallery
​The Galleria degli Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western World. The Renaissance paintings that you will find are quite unique because they are one of a kind. These are paintings by famous artists such as Michelangelo and da Vinci.

Sit down at the Revoire Cafè and watch the beautiful Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi
This beautiful open piazza is just in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and it’s surrounded by different statues: a “David” replica, Nettuno, and at the Loggia dei Lanzi (an amazing outdoor sculpture gallery) the statue of Perseus with the head of Medusa by “Benvenuto Cellini,” the Rape of the Sabine women and many others. In the squares you will also find a great number of restaurants and bars ;). Just sit down on the steps of the Loggia or in a bar, and admire the beauty of this square!

Visit San Lorenzo’s Market
Take the time to visit one of the food markets in central florence: There are two closed markets — one is San Lorenzo (the largest and oldest) – the otherSant’Ambrogio. Here you’ll get the chance to live the real florentine feel… you will smell, see and touch the freshest products and above all you will get to taste whatever catches your attention!

Visit the Duomo and get to the Top of the Cupolone
Climbing Florence’s Duomo, with the huge cupola by Filippo Brunelleschi, is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can do in the center of Florence. From there you can dominate the whole city and have a unique view. But, beware! The steps to get on top are 463, pretty challenging even for the trained ones!

Have an aperitif-snack at The Biblioteca delle Oblate
After climbing the Duomo steps you definetly deserve a nice rest. Why don’t you have a snack or an aperitif at the Caffetteria delle Oblate, with the great view of the Duomo! The caffetteria is located on the roof terrace of one of Florence’s public libraries: the Biblioteca delle Oblate! It’s a popular study spot for young Italian students during the day, but in the evenings the program and views of the city create an atmosphere comfortable for a mix of ages.

Walk along the Arno River and Cross The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence’s landmarks and probably the most photographed bridge in the city.
The most famous bridge of them all was built at the narrowest part of the Arno. It’s distinguished as being the only remaining bridge to have houses and shops on it. In part this is because something important was built on top of those:the Vasari Corridor. This secret passageway built by Vasari for Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565 links the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace. In 1593, the jewelry stores that tourists so love were brought to the bridge on command of Ferdinando, the Medici heir who thought that the previous tenants – butchers – smelled too bad in his corridor.

During WWII, the treasures of the Uffizi gallery were stored in the Corridor. Hitler had been on a tour of it at the start of the war, and perhaps because of this, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge spared bombing during the German retreat of August 1944.

See the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is most famous square in Florence with a magnificent panoramic view of the city, and it’s located in the Oltrarno district of the city. The view from this observation point overlooking the city is justly famous and has been reproduced on countless postcards and snapshots over the years. To get there you will have to walk the tiny streets of San Niccolò neightborhood and you will probably see Clet’s Studio in San. Clet is a famous french artist that decided to set up his studio in Florence, a quick visit will surprise you!

Get lost in Oltrarno
The Oltrarno, the section of Florence on the other side of the river from Piazza Della Signoria, is the more “intimate” area in Florence, (compared to the rest of the city) and in many ways feels like a small town. In this area you will find a lot of history and art heritage: monuments, museums, churches, palaces, parks: Pitti Palace, the Old Bridge, Santo Spirito Square, the Gardens of Boboli, but also handcraft shops, artisan workshops, mosaic-makers, wood carvers, gilders, goldsmiths carrying on a century-old tradition of both spirit and working methods. And last but not least a great number of restaurants and cafes maintaining the typical atmosphere.

Restaurants
There are many excellent and unique restaurant options when dining on your own in Florence.
Click here for some suggestions.