The 13th edition of IMEX America, the largest gathering of global stakeholders in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry in the United States, took place from October 7-10, 2024, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. This year’s event marked new records and underscored the meetings industry’s robust recovery after several challenging years.

With 15,800 participants, including 5,758 buyers from 75 countries—4,300 of whom were hosted buyers—and 3,500 exhibitors, IMEX America 2024 exceeded expectations. The event featured a 7% increase in exhibition space with over 400 booths and saw an impressive 85,000 pre-scheduled meetings across three days. IMEX America has now set a new standard for the MICE industry, even surpassing its European counterparts, such as IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM Barcelona.

Dubrovnik Shines as Croatia’s Premier Incentive and Event Destination

The Dubrovnik Tourist Board's Convention Bureau represented Dubrovnik at IMEX America on a joint stand with the Zagreb Convention Bureau. Croatian MICE offerings were highlighted by well-regarded hotel brands like Sun Gardens Dubrovnik and Maistra Hospitality Group, alongside DMC agencies such as Terranautica, Supertours, Intours, Bantours, Katarina Line, and Kontura DMC.

Dubrovnik captured the interest of business travel planners, particularly from the U.S., Canada, South America, and Australia. A total of 40 meetings were conducted, reaffirming Dubrovnik's reputation as Croatia’s top choice for incentive travel and corporate events, partly due to the convenience of direct flights and key international connections. The direct route from New York has notably enhanced Dubrovnik's appeal in the North American market. Specific requests for events in 2025 through 2027 included hotel site tours, unique venue recommendations, and detailed information on incentive programs that showcase Dubrovnik's cultural, culinary, and excursion options.

Fostering Trust and Partnerships in MICE

IMEX’s "Smart Monday" pre-event program on October 7 explored topics from AI and negotiation to community integration. Panels throughout IMEX delved into purposeful prosperity, collective impact, and leadership rooted in trust. Studies on MICE industry trends, including the Northstar/CVENT Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, predict significant growth in incentive travel and forecast a more moderate price increase in 2025, emphasizing a shift toward long-term, consultative partnerships.

Dubrovnik’s participation at IMEX America 2024 reaffirmed its strong presence in the global congress market, positioning the city for continued business collaboration and event opportunities in the coming years.

Nowadays, online casinos are available from anywhere. You LOVE them for this too, right? However, you will not be able to register in all casinos. Depending on your age, your area, and other things. So, KYC ensures compliance and increases online security. In this article, you will discover what it is and how to do it.

What is KYC?  

Casinos have started implementing KYC (or Know Your Client) to comply with regulations. In simple terms, it involves verifying the player's identity.

On a broader level, KYC prevents fraud, money laundering, and similar issues. But more commonly, it helps ensure that minors and individuals from restricted areas cannot access the casino.

Overall, KYC benefits both the casino and the player. While it has drawbacks (which we will discuss later), it is a sign that the casino follows safety regulations.

What documentation is required?

• The basic documentation needed is an official identity document.
• Sometimes, proof of address may also be required, such as a utility bill.
• You may also need to provide banking information.

Identity Verification

The process varies by casino. Usually, you'll need to upload high-quality scanned copies of your documents (so that the text and photo are visible).

After this, some casinos may ask you to take a selfie next to your ID or with your computer screen open to the verification section or chat with the support team. In some cases, you can verify your identity through live chat. Recently, technologies like biometrics have also started to be used.

In a licensed casino, the procedure usually takes 24-48 hours. With Lad Brokes, for example, I got my KYC completed in just 14 hours (but it might vary across regions).

When is it requested?

Your identity may be verified when you first register or when you make your first withdrawal. It's rare for casinos to require verification twice (once during registration and again at withdrawal). While this practice can be found in some casinos — especially if you are withdrawing large amounts—it is not typically welcomed by the gambling community.

If you want to know when you will need to go through the KYC process, you can ask in advance, even before registering. If you can’t find the information in the FAQs, ask through the chat icon.

However, note that if you only play in demo mode, for example, trying free pompeii slot, KYC is not requested.

Pros & Cons

While it may not seem like there is any advantage to you as a player, it actually benefits you tremendously to know that the casino follows these standards. Here are the main advantages of KYC (and disadvantages too).

Are there any alternatives to traditional KYC?

Alternatives to KYC can be divided into two parts. First, some options streamline the process using emerging technologies. For example, live chat or facial recognition with biometrics. Both can reduce the time required for verification to just a few minutes (compared to the days it used to take for support teams to check submitted documents).

On the other hand, with the rise of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, more casinos are adopting a simplified KYC process. Since cryptocurrency withdrawals allow for anonymity, these casinos have less of a need to verify personal information.

There are also casinos that don’t require identity verification at all. While this may seem more convenient, it directly impacts the level of risk involved.

Final thoughts

When choosing the casino where you'll play, consider your personal preferences. Even if you lean toward a site without KYC, you know the pros and cons, at least now.

Ideally, you want to ensure that the casino has KYC but that the process only needs to be done once, such as during registration. This way, you avoid any surprises later on.

Finally, you might want to read reviews about this topic on casino review sites, focusing on the casino you chose. Play responsibly, and good luck!

Finally, hit that massive multiplier in Lucky 88 slot machine or caught that bonus feature you've been hunting for hours? Amazing feeling, right? Until you get to the not-so-amazing part – trying to get your hands on those winnings. Let me share the inside track on how to get your money faster, including some lesser-known tricks that most players overlook.

Verify Your Identity Early (KYC)

Here’s a fact about casinos that might surprise you. They're actually eager to process withdrawals quickly. It makes sense when you think about it – if you get your money fast, you tend to come back and play more. Simple business. The real holdup? It's usually not the casino being slow – it's incomplete or incorrect KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation.

Instead of waiting until you've won to think about verification, submit your documents the moment you create your account. When it comes to documents, a bank statement or utility bill is your best bet – just make sure it shows your full name, current address, and has the company's logo. It needs to be recent though, within the last 3 months. As for ID, always go with your passport. Passport copies get approved much faster than driver's licenses – they're just more standardized and secure. 

Tip: Recently moved? Send in proof of both addresses with a quick note explaining the move. You'd be amazed how many withdrawals get stuck simply because addresses don't match up.

Licensed and trustworthy casinos usually complete KYC within 24-48 hours (based on my experience with Winamax, my KYC was over just within 14 hours but the processing time might vary though).

Withdraw Early in the Week

Most guides will tell you to withdraw early in the week, but let me break down exactly when and why, based on real casino operations. Online casinos typically run their payment processing teams in shifts, with the largest team working Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM GMT. However, there's a sweet spot you likely don't know about: Tuesday between 10 AM and noon GMT. Why? The Monday backlog has been cleared, the team is fresh, and you're ahead of the mid-week rush that typically starts around 2 PM.

But it’s more than just the day of the week. Casino payment teams work in processing batches, usually every 2-4 hours. The first batch of the day typically has the shortest queue. Submit your withdrawal right before the next processing batch starts, which for most casinos is around 9 AM GMT. You'll immediately jump to the front of the queue. While casinos don't advertise these batch times, you can spot the pattern by keeping an eye on when withdrawal statuses typically update in your account.

Use E-Wallets

It’s common knowledge that e-wallets process transactions faster than traditional methods. However, there's a bit more than just signing up for a Skrill or Neteller account. Not all e-wallet accounts are treated equally by casinos. Verified "VIP" or "Premium" e-wallet accounts often get priority processing because they've gone through additional security checks. The small annual fee for a premium account can pay for itself with faster withdrawal times.

Also, casinos have different withdrawal limits and processing priorities for different e-wallets. Take Skrill, for instance. They've got some of the highest limits and fastest processing times in the industry, mainly because their systems integrate so smoothly with most casinos. But here's one more piece of advice – set up the connection between your Skrill and casino accounts properly. This means using the same email address for both accounts and completing the e-wallet's own verification process before your first casino withdrawal.

Tip: If you're withdrawing large amounts, split them between two different e-wallets rather than requesting one big withdrawal. This often results in faster processing because smaller transactions typically go through automated approval systems, while larger ones require manual review. Just make sure both e-wallets are fully verified first.

Bonus Tip: E-wallet Rotation

Consider rotating between multiple e-wallets weekly rather than using the same one constantly. This practice keeps all accounts active (preventing dormancy fees), maintains withdrawal limits across platforms, and ensures you always have a backup method ready. Create a simple rotation schedule based on each casino's maximum withdrawal limits for optimal efficiency.

From November 1 to March 31, all motor vehicles in Croatia must use daytime running lights or low-beam headlights during the day, as per the Road Traffic Safety Act, the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) stated today.

"Bicycle and personal transport vehicle drivers will face a €60 fine for failing to comply with legal safety regulations”, according to the Ministry of the Interior (MUP).

Additionally, moped and motorcycle drivers are required to keep their low-beam lights on year-round during daylight hours. Violating this rule will result in a €30 fine.

Bicycle and personal transport vehicle drivers must use one white light on the front and one red light on the rear from dusk to dawn and during daytime when visibility is low.

Non-compliance with these lighting regulations will result in a €60 fine for the driver, the MUP has confirmed.

The "Croatia Naturally Yours" project promotes sustainable tourism by enhancing Croatia's natural environment. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Croatian National Tourist Board, the initiative funded the Tourist Board of Konavle for planting native tree seedlings.

In 2024, 10 cypress trees were planted at Prahivac and 5 each in Zvekovica and Pendovo Selo, following guidance from the Faculty of Forestry in Zagreb.

Each tree bears the "Croatia Naturally Yours" emblem, symbolizing a commitment to eco-friendly tourism that celebrates and protects Croatia’s natural heritage.

The 2025 City of Dubrovnik Budget has been approved by a majority vote of council members. Focused on investment, EU funding, and enhancing citizens' quality of life, the budget amounts to €160,550,868 (over 1.2 billion Kuna). Marking a 34 percent increase from last year, this budget is the largest in Dubrovnik’s history.

A significant portion of the funds is allocated to capital infrastructure projects, both ongoing and new in 2025. Mayor Mato Franković noted that the total city budget eight years ago was €57 million, while in 2025, the budget for the Department of Construction and Project Management alone reaches nearly €55 million.

Among the most substantial investments is the construction of the Dubrovnik Elderly Care Center, offering residential care for 270 users and community services for an additional 410. Other major projects include the EU-funded expansion of Mokošica Primary School and planned upgrades also include the energy-efficient renovation of Marin Držić Primary School, Gospino Polje Sports Hall, and the construction of the Orašac school gym, among others.

The city also aims to start a €3 million Community Services Centre in Gruž, covering half the costs with municipal funds and the other half through the Croatian government.

Road improvements are planned for over 20 streets, including Iva Vojnović, Andrije Hebrang, and Branitelja Dubrovnika, with all works to be completed before the tourist season.

The Department of Education, Sports, Social Welfare, and Civil Society's budget has nearly doubled since 2017 to €25.5 million in 2025. Cultural initiatives see a 29 percent increase, with €450,000 for individual and organizational cultural projects. The implementation of visitor reservations under the Dubrovnik Pass, part of the city’s Management Plan, is one of 2025’s significant cultural projects.

As part of the main celebration of UNESCO World Heritage Year in Dubrovnik, this morning Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek, alongside Mayor Mato Franković and his team, attended the unveiling of UNESCO symbols at the city’s main entrance, Pile Gate. The ceremony featured a performance by Dubrovnik’s City Brass Band and a red carpet laid out at Pile. Another UNESCO symbol was placed at the eastern entrance of the historic center, at Ploče Gate.

This gesture reaffirms Dubrovnik’s commitment to protecting and preserving its heritage at an important milestone for the city. The minister and mayor also presented Tonči Janković with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated work in restoring Dubrovnik’s monumental heritage.

The Dubrovnik City Council declared 2024 the "Year of UNESCO World Heritage" in honor of several key anniversaries: the 45th anniversary of Dubrovnik’s historic center being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 15th anniversary of the Feast of Saint Blaise being included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the addition of archival collections from the Dubrovnik Republic period to UNESCO’s "Memory of the World" list last November. To date, over 180 cultural, scientific, educational, and other programs have been organized as part of the celebration, with the main events continuing through October 27.

Today, several museums are open for free entry: the Maritime Museum at St. John’s Fortress and the Ethnographic Museum at Rupe Granary are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Natural History Museum from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and archaeological exhibitions at Revelin Fortress from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Dubrovnik Art Gallery and Dulčić-Masle-Pulitika Gallery will be open until 8 p.m., the Marin Držić House until 8:30 p.m., and the Museum of the Homeland War until 9 p.m.

The Cathedral Treasury is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the museums at the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković announced plans during a recent City Council session to place a retired MIG fighter jet atop Srđ Hill, cementing it as a landmark of historical significance. “The MIG is a symbol of the city and liberation,” Franković remarked, referencing the jet’s role during Croatia’s Homeland War and its symbolic flyover of Srđ Hill as the city faced aggression in the early 1990s.

With Croatia now acquiring new Rafale jets, the MiG-21s that have long served the Croatian Air Force (HRZ) are being phased out. To preserve the legacy of these historic aircraft, a number will be retired from active service and donated as museum pieces. Franković submitted an official request for one such jet to be displayed at Dubrovnik’s Imperial Fortress, with government support already secured.

“This monument will have great symbolic value,” the mayor explained, adding that design and positioning for the aircraft will soon be underway. The placement on Srđ Hill, overlooking Dubrovnik, will be a fitting tribute, bringing the story of the city’s resilience and liberation into focus for visitors and locals alike.

Across Croatia, retired MiG-21s have already found homes in various public spaces. A total of 11 such jets have been displayed in parks, memorials, and even universities. The Aero Park in Vrsar holds an aircraft with an open cockpit, while another, known as “Zubo,” sits at Pribislavec Airport near Čakovec. In Zagreb, one MiG has been placed outside the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and another stands in the Memorial Park of the 153rd Croatian Army Brigade in Velika Buna.

In a nod to its legacy, the ‘Avenger of Dubrovnik’ MIG, famously piloted by Ivan Selak in his daring 1992 defection from the Yugoslav National Army (JNA) to Croatia, is now displayed at the Aviation Technical Centre in Pleso.

Franković’s vision for a MIG on Srđ Hill aims to make it a “monumental landmark,” honoring both Croatia’s wartime history and Dubrovnik’s spirit of resilience, as the city continues to blend its historical narrative with symbols of enduring strength.