Vietnam 2026
The HOT100 Series
The HOT100 is Winna Media’s flagship gaming executive retreat — an invitation-only, four-day event that brings together Southeast Asia’s gaming elite. Deliberately small. Deliberately exclusive. We built it around one simple belief: the best business relationships are forged away from the conference hall.
Furthermore, HOT100 Vietnam 2026 follows successful editions in Vietnam, Bangkok, and Thailand. As a result, this gaming executive retreat returns to Southeast Asia’s most dynamic market at exactly the right moment — as Vietnam reaches an inflexion point in gaming regulation and market development.
The venue remains a secret, disclosed only to confirmed attendees.
Why Sponsor HOT100?
Here is why the HOT100 gaming executive retreat in Vietnam delivers results that no conference can match.
Every delegate is a decision-maker. Consequently, you will not find a more concentrated group of senior gaming decision-makers anywhere in Southeast Asia. No junior staff, no tyre-kickers — just the people who move markets.
Golf, dinners, and excursions create the conditions where relationships form naturally. Moreover, people feel relaxed, open, and free from the pressures of their day-to-day. The introductions happen at the bar, not the booth.
The four-day programme creates more meaningful contact time than a year of trade show appearances. Therefore, you will leave with real relationships — not just business cards.
Vietnam currently sits at an inflexion point in gaming regulation and market development. As a result, HOT100 2026 brings together the people shaping that story — operators, investors, suppliers and promoters — at exactly the right moment.
Programme of Events
The HOT100 Vietnam 2026 gaming executive retreat follows the proven four-day format. Full details will be confirmed closer to the event.
From HOT100 Thailand 2025
Seamless logistics, a relaxed 5★ setting, and a thoughtfully balanced mix of operators, suppliers, and investors made conversations easy and productive. Roundtables were concise, matching was on point, and I left with meaningful connections and clear next steps. Would gladly return.
The boutique size is what everyone loved — we had time to actually get to know each other. I think many deals were done, and many friendships built. These types of events are much more appreciated than the massive ones where everything is speed dating.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event — it was everything promised. A large group of high-quality people with the right attitude and a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy both business and the social side of things. The low-key but highly organised approach was perfectly pitched.
It was an excellent gathering of thought leaders and business alumni. Networking and business opportunities were excellent, organisation perfect, and the location was stunning.
Superb work from the team curating a fun, engaging event that was interesting, educational, and provided great networking opportunities. 10/10 would absolutely attend again.
Best experience of 2025 by far. Looking forward to 2026.
Register Now
Frequently Asked Questions
The HOT100 is an exclusive gaming executive retreat for senior leaders in the Asian gaming industry, produced by Winna Media. Specifically, it brings together 100 executives over four days at a five-star resort in Vietnam, featuring relaxed networking, sporting activities, business sessions, and exceptional hospitality.
In total, this is our fourth edition — previous events have been held in Vietnam and Thailand in 2024 and 2025.
Delegates are senior executives from across the gaming industry — casino operators, sportsbooks, affiliates, investors, platform providers and aggregators, game suppliers, payment companies, and technology providers. All participants must hold executive-level positions.
Additionally, we maintain a careful balance between buy-side and sell-side, so that everyone gets a valuable experience.
In short, there are no exhibition halls, keynote stages or badge-scanning booths. The entire four days are the networking. Golf, dinners, roundtables and 1-to-1 meetings at a five-star resort create the conditions where real relationships form — not just business card exchanges.
As a result, the boutique size means you actually get to know people, rather than spending four days speed-dating your way around an expo floor.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic gaming markets, with regulation continuing to develop and investor interest growing. We held our first HOT100 at the Hoiana Golf & Resort in Quang Ninh province in 2024, and we’re delighted to be returning for 2026.
In other words, it feels like exactly the right moment to bring the industry together there.
The event takes place at a five-star resort with a golf course in Vietnam. However, we share the venue details with confirmed attendees only.
We keep the venue secret to ensure maximum privacy and security for our delegates. Moreover, everyone finds out at the same time — when they confirm their place.
We apply strict entrance criteria for HOT100 delegates. To be considered, get in touch with Rosalind Wade directly at rozwade@winnamedia.com or +44 (0)7717 539509. Winna Media reserves the right of final approval on all attendees.
Your ticket covers return transfers from the arrival city to the resort, three nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks throughout the event, and all activities. Please note that flights are not included.
Non-sponsors may send one representative. In addition, sponsors may send up to two company representatives, plus invited guests, depending on their package.
There is a range of exclusive sponsorship packages available, from Headline Sponsor through to individual event moments such as the Golf Tournament, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, Lanyards and more. For full details, contact Rosalind Wade at rozwade@winnamedia.com.
The Winna Club is an invitation-only membership that extends the HOT100 experience throughout the year. Benefits include access to industry dinners, regular intelligence briefings, a private member directory, and discounts on sponsorship packages.
Furthermore, HOT100 sponsors and attendees are eligible to join. Find out more at winnamedia.com.
Get in touch with Rosalind Wade directly — rozwade@winnamedia.com or +44 (0)7717 539509. She’ll be happy to help.
Secure Your Place
The HOT100 Vietnam 2026 gaming executive retreat is invitation-only. Places are limited to 100 executives, split equally between buy and sell sides. We allocate tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, secure yours before someone else does.
For sponsorship and attendance enquiries, contact Rosalind Wade directly.
The venue will be revealed to confirmed attendees only. Participants must be executive level. Winna Media reserves the right of final approval on all attendees.
Focus Gaming News is a media group that produces a daily online newspaper tailored to international gaming executives. With over 100,000 monthly readers worldwide, our publication delivers timely and relevant news on the gaming and iGaming industries. Our five daily editions, each tailored to a specific global market (Europe and North America, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Brazil), deliver actionable intelligence and expert analysis to inform business decisions. They also provide:
– Industry news: updates on land-based casinos, regulation, legislation, sports betting, and online gaming.
– Product and trend reports: in-depth reports on the latest products and trends in the industry.
– Expert interviews: exclusive interviews with key specialists in the industry.
Our goal is to provide accurate and timely information to gaming executives, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
Global Gaming Insider is your destination for industry-defining news, analysis, and thought leadership. Our modern digital platform puts you in control – follow the topics, companies, and countries that matter to you, and receive updates tailored to your interests. Global Gaming Insider brings together the most recognisable media products in gaming: Global Gaming Insider magazine; The Huddle video podcast and GGI Friday.
Gaming International Online magazine was launched in early 2019 having originally been a selection within Casino International dedicated to iGaming.
Enjoying monthly distribution as a stand-alone digital publication to global Gaming professionals, Gaming International Online also delivers a weekly newsletter to our subscription base and appears in print as a monthly section within Casino International.
The magazines remit is to focus on the latest innovations and innovators within the Gaming space, as well as bring in-depth interviews, product reviews and expert columns and opinion pieces to its readership.
Want to find out more about how we can support your business? Get in touch today!
Contact Information:
Ben Goodayle (Publication and Event Manager)
BGoodayle@datateam.co.uk | 01622 699123
Ronnie Drag (Account Executive)
RDrag@datateam.co.uk | 01622 699178
HUIDU (www.huidu.io) is a platform connecting iGaming operators and providers, dedicated to gathering high-quality connections in the gaming field and connecting services for millions of game manufacturers worldwide.
iGamingCalendar.com is the free global hub for iGaming and gambling industry events worldwide. Discover trade shows, conferences, summits, training courses, and networking events, all in one place. Sign up for weekly event updates and download the free iOS App to stay connected with the industry year-round. https://www.igamingcalendar.com
iGaming Republic started with a simple idea: the gambling industry works better when people talk to each other.
We bring together operators, suppliers, regulators, and players to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build a genuine sense of community. As an independent platform, we tell stories honestly and offer a fair view of what’s really happening across the global iGaming industry.
We’re not a traditional newspaper — we’re a modern publishing and media distribution network built for a digital-first world. Our mission is to make industry information move faster, reach farther, and spark better conversations.
Our focus comes down to three things:
We follow the highest editorial standards and believe in telling the truth — never skewing reality to push a narrative. With 25+ years of combined iGaming experience, we understand the industry’s nuances and bring that knowledge to every piece of content we share.
We’re a young, driven team determined to reshape how media flows through the iGaming sector. Crypto-savvy and insight-led, we bridge the gap between traditional gaming and the fast-evolving digital economy.
At our core, we care about openness, responsibility, and progress. iGaming Republic isn’t here to sell a vision — we’re here to amplify the conversation and help the industry connect.
iGamity is an innovation-focused media platform covering the global iGaming industry. We showcase studios, game reviews, Founder spotlights, iGamity Talks, industry insights, and global event coverage.
Every Spin Has a Story.
Michael Charlton, Independent
Mike Charlton is a British business leader with more than 30 years’ experience building betting, gaming and lottery businesses across Asia-Pacific — from founding Ladbrokes’ first Asia office to leading Entain’s Asia-Pacific growth strategy for over a decade.
Across his career, Mike has taken products from concept to multi-million-dollar revenue and built government relationships at ministerial level in some of the region’s most complex regulatory markets — including projects spanning China, Vietnam, India, France, Russia, the Philippines, Japan and the USA. He served concurrently as Director across four Entain Group subsidiaries, combining commercial delivery with governance oversight throughout a career spent navigating the fast-changing world of Asian gaming regulation.
Since stepping down from Entain in 2025, Mike has relocated to Cambodia and now works as an independent strategic advisor, helping emerging technology and regulated-market businesses navigate commercial strategy, market entry and growth across the region.
A fluent traveller of the region’s boardrooms as much as its back-alleys, Mike holds Chinese language qualifications, a China Permanent Resident’s Card, and driving licences across three countries — proof that he doesn’t just talk about market entry, he lives it. Away from the desk, he’s a keen golfer (and former Chairman of the Beijing Golfers Club) and a long-distance trekker, always chasing the next challenging route, on the course or off it.
Mike brings three decades of frontline experience building betting and gaming businesses in some of the world’s toughest, most rewarding markets — insight shaped as much by boardrooms as by the ground-level realities of doing business across Asia.
Luís Mesquita de Melo, Partner, J.A. Pinto Ribeiro & Associados
Luis has a wealth of over 23 years of experience during which he assumed a broad range of legal roles, extending from teaching law to advisory positions at Governments highest level, senior corporate executive positions and private practice. He was Executive Vice-President, General Counsel and Joint Company Secretary for Sands China Ltd. with a leading role in the development of the Las Vegas Sands Corp Group business opening the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel and the Four Seasons Macau, successfully listing Sands China Ltd in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and obtaining financing for the Group’s business in Macau in excess of USD$ 5 billion. He was a Government Lawyer for Macau Legislative Modernization Commission, legal Advisor to the President of the Macau Legislative Assembly and for the Minister of Economy of Portugal. As senior Executive with Sands China, for over five years, he developed an unique set of skills in all matters related to Gaming & Hospitality, Corporate, Banking & Finance and Listing Rules.
He was a Partner of MdME, a Macau based law firm, where he developed the firm’s Gaming & Hospitality practice providing services and advising gaming operators, gaming promoters, gaming equipment manufacturers at all levels of the gaming industry market in Macau and regionally in other jurisdictions.
He was Chief Legal Counsel for NagaCorp (HKEx 3918).
NagaCorp Ltd. is the largest hotel, gaming and leisure operator in Cambodia, and the Company has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”) since 2006. In fact, NagaCorp became the first company with operations in Cambodia to become a public listed entity, as well as the first gaming-related company traded on the Stock Exchange. Its flagship, NagaWorld, is Phnom Penh’s only integrated hotel-casino entertainment complex, under a 70-year casino licence that will run till 2065, as well as a 41-year monopoly within a 200km radius of Phnom Penh that expires in 2035.
Chief Legal Officer for Asian Coast Development Ltd.
Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd. (ACDL) is an international development company specializing in integrated resort destinations. ACDL, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ho Tram Project Company Ltd, is the developer of the Ho Tram Strip, a group of integrated resorts to be located on more than 400 acres of land and more than two kilometers of pristine beach in Ho Tram, and approved in an Investment Certificate issued by the Government of Vietnam.
The Ho Tram Strip will ultimately comprise:
The Grand – Ho Tram Strip, our 1,100 room integrated resort
The Bluffs, our Greg Norman designed Championship golf course
General Counsel for Hoiana South Development Ltd. (“HASD”)
Hoiana Resort & Golf is Vietnam’s premier US $4 billion, 985-hectare luxury beach integrated resort standing as one of the largest integrated destination casinos in Southeast Asia. Operating under a foreigner-only gaming framework, the property features a major gaming floor with 140 tables, nearly 300 electronic machines [asgam], and an ultra-exclusive high-roller VIP Sky Casino. Its operational Phase 1 boasts over 1,200 luxury hotel keys [asgam], an award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. links golf course, and more than 20 dining venues along a 4-kilometer beachfront. Backed by international investors.
Awards and Recognitions
Chambers and Partners Asia 2014, General Business Law (Band 2): Luis Mesquita de Melo is widely recognised as “a true gaming specialist.” He brings to his work the especially notable advantage of having been an executive with a major gaming operator, giving him valuable insights into that business and the associated financial, regulatory and hospitality spheres.
Chambers and Partners, Asia-Pacific Region, Gaming & Gambling 2014 (Band 1): Luis Mesquita de Melo is considered one of the best gaming lawyers in Macau. Peers say: “He’s very strong in this area,” and praise his experience gained as a result of being former in-house counsel at Sands China. He has recently been advising clients outside of Macau, including those in Vietnam.
Chambers and Partners, Gaming & Gambling Global-wide (Band 3): Macau-based Luis Mesquita de Melo of MdME is well known for his gaming work and is described by peers as “an excellent lawyer.” He has over two decades of experience and has previously worked as general counsel for a gaming operator in Macau, working on its IPO and establishment of a resort in Macau.
Other Activities
Katrina Nepomuceno, Special Counsel, Gruba Law
Katrina de Lima Nepomuceno is Special Counsel at Gruba Law and has over two decades of experience in the Philippine gaming industry. She has worked extensively with key government institutions and regulators, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and the Philippine Congress. Combining deep regulatory experience with expertise in corporate strategy and high-stakes M&A transactions, she offers practical insights into the legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations essential to succeeding in the Philippine gaming market.
Atty. Nepomuceno is a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years of experience in corporate law and regulatory compliance, and is a member of the Philippine Bar. She is widely recognised as one of the few legal practitioners in Southeast Asia with deep specialisation in gaming law. covering both land-based and internet gaming operations.
She previously served as Vice President for Legal, Corporate Secretary, and Compliance Officer of Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (now DigiPlus Interactive Corp.), a publicly listed gaming and leisure conglomerate in the Philippines. She also served as President of its subsidiary. AB Leisure Global. Inc. In these roles. she led corporate legal strategy. advised on regulatory compliance. and oversaw high-stakes negotiations involving mergers. acquisitions. and joint ventures. Her work regularly interfaced with key government regulators such as PAGCOR. CEZA, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), DENR, DAR, and the Philippine Reclamation Authority, as well as the Philippine Congress.
Atty. Nepomuceno was instrumental in crafting internet gaming policies for the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and served for nearly two (2) decades as legal counsel to First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation, a pioneer in Philippine online gaming licensing. Her contribution to the evolution of gaming regulation in the region has been recognised through speaking engagements at international gaming conferences in Macau. Singapore. the United States, and Europe.
In addition to her work in the gaming sector. Atty. Nepomuceno provides strategic legal counsel to local governments and has led key development projects. She advised the City of Bacolod on the Php2.1Billion Bacolod Super City Project, a major public-private partnership. She currently advises on the city’s flagship housing initiative, the Yuhum Housing Project, under the national 4PH program. Her government relations practice includes extensive experience in legislative engagement and multi-agency coordination.
David Carruthers, Principal & CEO, David Carruthers Consulting
David Carruthers: A Driven Leader, Accomplished Entrepreneur, and Transformative Business Consultant.
David Carruthers is a seasoned executive with an exceptional track record of success as a CEO, entrepreneur, and business consultant. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his dynamic leadership style and proven ability to navigate complex challenges, has propelled him to the forefront of the business world.
A champion of innovation and transformation, a master of business strategy, he navigates global challenges with confidence, has a proven track record of accomplishment, a true visionary leader with a passion for excellence.
David’s boundless energy, proven ability to succeed, self-discipline, and infectious sense of humour set him apart. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire and motivate teams have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.