We have the honour of presenting you our interview with one of the industry’s internationally known reporter, Rebecca Liggero of CalvinAyre.com.
The picture was taken at the WhichBingo Awards 2015 organized by WhichBingo.co.uk.
The interview’s focus is to bring you closer to the industry and maybe learn some new things about how to maximize your experience at conferences. And what greater time to ask Becky about these things, than the one when she is actually preparing for one of the greatest igaming events on the planet, the iGaming Super Show which is held in Amsterdam next week between 23rd and 26th of June.
The interview is going to include some never heard infos about Rebecca and some healthy diet and lifestyle tips, so here goes:
Firstly we would like to thank you for this opportunity, we are really interested and I’m sure that all our readers are going to read this with huge interest.
- Name: Becky Liggero
- Age: 36
- Hometown: Wellesley, Massachusetts (Boston)
- Living in: Blackheath, UK (London)
- Favorite Food: Wood Fired Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza
- Must Read Book: The Secret
EEG: Tell us a bit about yourself, we want to know who Rebecca really is, who in our opinion is the main person behind CalvinAyre.com. Where were you born? How did you find this industry?
Becky: I was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, a beautiful suburb about 10 miles outside of Boston. My Mom and Dad are still living in the same home I grew up in and I would describe them both as my hero. I have one younger sister and she is my best friend, although the exact opposite of me. My personality is quite extroverted (for those who haven’t noticed) and I absolutely love spending time with people, I have the best job in the world, I am passionate about exercising, spending time outdoors, going to the beach, eating at nice restaurants and indulging in a fine bottle of red from time to time.
I was lucky enough to literally stumble across this industry after graduating from University and then living in Washington D.C. for four years, I was looking for jobs in the Boston area in late 2004/early 2005 and came across an opening in the Boston Globe for an “online account manager” role at an internet company. Turns out this internet company was Casino City and I loved the work and fell in love with the industry right from the start. I certainly have Casino City’s CEO Michael Corfman to thank for taking me under his wing and providing me with a strong foundation in iGaming, something I will be forever grateful for.
I remained with Casino City for almost five years, had a brief stint with Everest Poker somewhere in between and began working for Calvin and with the CalvinAyre.com team in August of 2009.
EEG: Since there are not that many companies like yours, where do you think CalvinAyre stands now?
Becky: Its been an incredible journey working for CalvinAyre.com since before the site was even launched until today, honestly the best five plus years of my life so far. We’ve grown from a “tablog” (a cross between a tabloid and a blog) to the most popular source for credible news and event coverage in the iGaming industry and greater gambling industry.
EEG: What are the strong points of CalvinAyre.com?
Becky: I am so proud of the outstanding quality of our news and the talented team of full-time writers we have on board. One writer in particular, Steven Stradbrooke, has an incredible ability to write about a dry topic while adding some humor into the piece – I think it’s this twist of “fun” or delivering news “with an edge” that truly separates us from some of the other industry publications out there.
Our video content is also a strong point. We are lucky to have the resources to send full camera crews to cover major iGaming conferences, awards, parties, poker tournaments, etc, and to have access to our own studios in London and Manila for shooting standalone interviews.
EEG: We have noticed that you attend most of the events and cover as much as possible? How is life with all those travels? Guess you already know the receptionist from the airports and hotels.
Becky: I have always had a passion for travel and have been exploring the world ever since I was a baby, something I have my father to thank for. I have also always had a passion for spending time with interesting people and my travel to different events around the world puts me right in my element. What I find so special about attending these iGaming events is I get to see the same people over and over again, so each event serves as a reunion of sorts and they are so much fun to attend.
However, I do cherish my time at home and I think all my travel helps me appreciate the simple things in life more than I normally would.
EEG: With all that travelling and interviews, you must posses a hidden super power? Would you reveal it to the readers?
Becky: I am actually a complete health nut when it comes to exercise, diet and sleep, especially during conferences. Every morning I run for an hour or use cardio machines in the gym, I eat a huge amount of raw fruit and vegetables daily and I try hard to sleep eight hours per night. Obviously the above doesn’t always happen when traveling, but I do my best. Another trick I have is to limit my alcohol intake at conferences I like to enjoy a few glasses of red but hold off on anything too crazy unless I’m camera-free the next day.
EEG: What can you advise new affiliates that are looking to venture in this great industry?
Becky: It’s all about who you know in the iGaming industry, so my advice would be to attend all the conferences you can and network as much as possible. Yes, its important to know what you are talking about, but building relationships and trust will open a lot of doors in our world.
EEG: What were the bumps in your road when you got started in your career and how did you overcome them?
Becky: Well I had never been in front of a camera until I accepted this job! If you want a good laugh, search for some of our videos from 2009 and you will see a different Becky Liggero…I was so nervous…it took me a solid year until I was somewhat confident in front of camera, but now I love it. All it took was a lot of practice.
EEG: We know you have met many, but who is your favourite celebrity?
Becky: For sure its The Hoff! I had such fun interviewing David Hasselhoff at G2E 2012, in fact I had an entire 30 minutes with him and I couldn’t believe how star struck I was.
EEG: Here is the video interview Becky conducted with David Hasselhoff….
Becky: Oh wow, there have been so many fun experiences…if I had to pick one, I would have to say the CalvinAyre.com “post-apocalyptic” themed launch party during the Prague iGaming Super Show in 2010. That night was unbelievable and does stand out from all the rest.
EEG: If you would just open your Youtube search bar, what would you search for?
Becky: I’m not the biggest fan of surfing YouTube, but I would use it to search for songs and full-length movies…
EEG: Alright, here comes the fun part….favourite food, where would you like to travel in Eastern Europe, some part of the region maybe that you haven’t visited yet and favourite destination around the world.
Becky: My favorite food is wood fired buffalo mozzarella pizza. I would like to travel to Poland, I’ve never been but have heard good things. My favorite destination around the world is New Zealand, I adore that beautiful country and the kiwis are such lovely people.
EEG: Where you wouldn’t want to travel in Eastern Europe?
Becky: I am always up for traveling to new places!
EEG: What is your opinion about EEG(Eastern European Gaming – eegaming.org)?
Becky: I’m grateful EEG provided me with the opportunity to share my story through this interview
EEG: Thank you for this opportunity and have a great one!
