In this Team Talk, we sit down with Blažka Svoljšak, our Marketing Manager whose role blends strategy, coordination, and communication. From organizing Comtrade Gaming’s presence at major industry events like ICE Barcelona, SiGMA Sao Paulo and SBC Rio de Janeiro to driving product visibility through content and media, Blažka ensures the world hears our story. Join us as we explore what it takes to thrive behind the scenes and make an impact on the global stage.
1. You’ve been with Comtrade Gaming for almost two years. How would you describe your journey so far, and what led you to this role?
To be completely honest, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into at first. Coming from a fast-paced marketing agency world and working with big fast-moving consumer goods brands, I was used to constant change and creativity - something I’ve always loved. What drew me to this role was the chance to try something new and challenge myself in a completely different industry.
The iGaming world moves quickly too, but in its own unique way, with plenty of opportunities and unexpected turns. Since joining, I’ve learned a lot, not just about the industry, but also about Comtrade Gaming as a company. I now have a much better understanding of how we operate, especially when it comes to events and marketing. It’s been a journey of growth, curiosity, and pushing myself to think more strategically. And the best part? There’s still so much to discover. I love a good challenge, so... bring it on!
2. You manage our presence at major global events like ICE and SiGMA. What goes into preparing for something of that scale?
Event preparation starts months in advance and involves a lot of coordination - from locking in stand design and paperwork to arranging transport, travel plans, catering, hostesses, marketing materials, and media coverage. It's a massive puzzle where every piece needs to fit perfectly by a strict deadline. The most exciting and at the same time the most challenging part is seeing months of planning come to life. These events are high stakes; a lot of people depend on them, and the goal is always to stand out and make a lasting impression. It’s not just about showing up, it’s about showing who we are.
Some of the funniest (and most stressful) moments always happen behind the scenes—especially right before an event opens.
At ICE in Barcelona, we had designed a booth with a spacious storage room. Or so we thought. When we arrived onsite, we discovered that the “storage” was the size of a slightly bigger phone booth. We had four full pallets of water, power banks, merchandise, and promotional materials to unpack—and nowhere to put them. So, we got creative: hiding things under couches, behind plants, and squeezing boxes into every little corner we could find. It felt like playing a giant game of Tetris with giveaways and event gear.
Then who could forget SBC Summit Lisbon. The night before the SBC Summit, we were still setting up at 10 in the evening, and the agency responsible for our booth promised it would all be cleaned and ready by morning. But when we arrived early the next day—dressed in suits and shirts, ready for the show—we were met with dust, paint, and trash everywhere, the booth was a disaster. It looked like a construction site. My heart dropped. But then something great happened: without hesitation, everyone rolled up their sleeves—in suits and heels—and got to work. I ran to a neighboring booth to borrow a vacuum cleaner, and we just started cleaning and organizing. I even chased down the venue's cleaning crew to help.
By 10:00 a.m., when the doors opened, the booth was spotless. We were a bit sweaty, but the stand looked clean—and that shared moment of pulling together under pressure made it all worth it.
3. You also handle product communication, from LinkedIn posts to interviews. What’s your approach to making our stories stand out?
Our goal on LinkedIn is to stand out and spark curiosity - showing not just who we are, but why we matter. We focus on the business side of things, sharing updates, industry trends, and how we’re adapting to them. At the same time, we dive into more technical content that highlights our technology and how it supports clients. Interviews play a big role here; they help us reach people who want more than just company news. We aim to provide useful, insightful content that goes beyond promotion and brings value to the reader.
To me, a good product story is clear, relevant, and human. It should address a real need, be grounded in experience, and ideally leave the reader with something new - an insight, idea, or even a question worth thinking about.
4. Your role involves juggling many priorities. How do you stay organized and motivated?
I’ve always worked better under pressure; it gives me that extra push. Deadlines keep my calendar full, especially with our growing number of events. Staying organized is key, but equally important is knowing when to pause. When the pressure builds up, I take a step back - breathe, reset, and keep going.
Sports help a lot, I unwind by running, hiking, or hitting the gym. Evenings with my partner or friends, often over a glass of wine, help me recharge and stay grounded.
High-pressure situations, like big event deadlines, often bring surprises. Things don’t always go as planned, especially when entering new markets like Brazil. That’s where resourcefulness comes in, adjusting quickly, solving problems on the go, and moving forward without losing momentum. There’s no time to look back, just find the new path and make it work.
5. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your work at Comtrade Gaming?
I’m excited about the upcoming events; SBC Summit Lisbon this September, ICE Barcelona in January 2026, and SBC Summit Rio in March. Preparations are already in motion, and we’re also expanding our media presence in Brazil with a new website on the way. There's a stronger focus on digital marketing too - creating better content, optimizing our website, and using data to better understand what works.
What keeps me going day-to-day is the dynamic environment and the amazing people I work with. I genuinely enjoy coming to work and that makes all the difference. I’ve always been driven to grow and improve, and my motto is simple: whatever you do, do it with a smile. Just smile.
Blažka’s story is a reminder that some of the most impactful work happens behind the scenes - from meticulous event planning to crafting stories that shape how the world sees Comtrade Gaming. Her energy, adaptability, and drive to keep learning reflect the very spirit of our team. As we continue to expand our presence across new markets and channels, it’s people like Blažka who ensure our message is not only seen but truly felt.