2008 Poker Conference Cyprus - Official Thread

[alexpratt]

Latest PR below

All change for the 5<SUP>th</SUP> ASOP at CAP Euro Cyprus
Following an incredible fourth event in London in January the ASOP (Affiliate Series of Poker) is back and is set to be even bigger and better than ever before<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

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The ASOP (as seen on the Poker Channel Europe) is an international series of poker tournaments specifically for affiliates. The massive prize pools of $20,000 along with gold and diamond winner’s bracelet ensures the competition is always fierce! But what makes this series really unique is that taking part in the qualifying freerolls is completely free of charge; you just have to be an affiliate registered to attend the offline event where the tournament will take place. <o:p></o:p>
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The next ASOP event will be taking place with a backdrop of sun, sea and surf. The event is being held on the sun drenched holiday <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">island</st1:PlaceType> of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comisland</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st=" /><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Cyprus</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> during CAP SpringBreak and the Poker Conference and as always will be filmed and shown on the Poker Channel Europe. <o:p></o:p>
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Unlike previous tournaments though, the field of players is going to be upped to 50 and played as a freeze out following feed back from previous final table qualifiers. Due to legal reasons the organisers are unable to give out cash prizes at this event, however has only ensured even better prizes which now include a seat in the WSOP main event, an even bigger and more bling winner’s bracelet plus paid accommodation in Barcelona for the top 6 finalists. <o:p></o:p>
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Commenting on the ASOP Jeremy Enke, General Manager of PokerAffiliatePrograms.com said:<o:p></o:p>
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"With the amazing growth and recognition of the ASOP tournaments, we wanted to make the poker conference event extra special. So we decided to go "all-in" and give the winner a WSOP main event package, as well as the coveted diamond ASOP bracelet. With over $20,000 in value to the winner, I can't think of a better affiliate freeroll in the history of our industry."<o:p></o:p>
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Since the first ASOP in London back in January 07 the tournament has rapidly grown in popularity with as many as 100+ affiliates trying to qualify in each of the freerolls and with the past champions all looking for a second bracelet this is looking to be the toughest ASOP yet.<o:p></o:p>
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To register for the ASOP go to www.asop.com but don't forget you have to be an affiliate and be attending CAP/PAP events in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cyprus</st1:place></st1:country-region> otherwise you won't be approved. For this event the sponsors are Everest Affiliates and AffiliateClub.com who deserve big thanks because it wouldn't happen without those guys. The freerolls themselves will be taking place on the sponsor’s sites from mid April 08 to mid May 08.

[Catfish]

cyprus is just around the corner for me (from Antalya/Turkey I can take the fast ferry). Too bad I can't play the qualifyer freerolls for the ASOP at Everest from Turkey. The government here has decided to block all poker rooms and gambling/betting sites that accept turkish players ... but at least they are honest about it and admit that it's about protecting their state-owned lottery and sports betting business.

[alexpratt]

I posted this on CAP earlier but in case you don't go there - here is the latest schedule for Cyprus - I still have a few thing to go one here so look out for announcements - Could quite possibly be the best event ever

Mon 19th May

All Day - Poker Conference Delegates Arrive on island and exhibitors set up stand

8pm till Late - Poker Conference Opening Cocktail Party – Most of us will have flown in today on a 5hr+ flight but that won’t stop us having a good time so we have arranged for a cocktail reception to welcome everyone to Cyprus around the hotel pool whilst the sun is setting. The perfect way to start the week! For those on a mission, there will be a club arranged in Limassol for people to head on to.

Tues 20th may

Day 1 of Poker Conference 2008

09:30 – 18:00 – All day Poker Conference – For full schedule please click here

12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch sponsored by Euro Partners and networking in Poker Conference Expo room

15:30 – 18:00 - The first part of the ASOP opens with 50 players fighting it out in the exhibition room to be crowned ASOP SpringBreak Champion and walk away with a seat in the WSOP and the converted ASOP gold and diamond winner’s bracelet. A free bar will be run all afternoon in the expo room for delegates

21:00 – Late - 888.com Sponsored Party. The venue is still to be confirmed but likely to be one of the top bars in Limassol where delegates can let their hair down, network, drink, play poker or simply relax and take in one of the coolest European island cities.

Wed 21st May

Day 2 of Poker Conference 2008 and Day 1 of CAP SpringBreak

09.30 – 17:30 – All day Poker Conference – For full schedule please click here

11.30 - CAP Spring Break Registration open

13:00 – 14:30 – Lunch sponsored by Euro Partners and networking in Poker Conference Expo room for Poker Con and CAP SpringBreak delegates

15:30 – 17:30 – Day 2 of the ASOP in the Poker Conference Expo room – This is where we will play down to the last 6 people so expect some bad beats, tough calls and generally some great poker atmosphere with a free bar running throughout the afternoon

21:00 – Late – Arabian themed party sponsored by Webroute Services. Just a few minutes walk from the Grand Resort this party is set to take us all by surprise and give us a brand new set of benchmarks to measure all future iGaming parties against!!.
The event will be set on a private secluded beach which will be converted into what is expected to be an incredible setting of tents, belly dancers, lanterns and all sorts of surprises making it an amazing CAP SpringBreak launch party.

Thurs 22nd May

Early Morning – Delegates own time to have meetings, swim in the sea, hang out at the pool (or pool side bar) or simply make new friends. We advice you meet people at the Grand Resort since the majority of people are staying there and there is likely to be a hive of networking going on.

10:30 - 13:00 – ASOP Final Table. The moment everyone has been waiting for! Filmed by The Poker Channel Europe this is going to be the best showdown we have ever seen for the ASOP with more players competing than ever before and a seat in the WSOP up for grabs as well as Barcelona hotel rooms and a $10,000+ winners bracelet.

14:00 – 20:00 – Beach BBQ sponsored by Prime Partners & Ego – If you think this is simply a BBQ on the beach with a few friends think again! This is Beach BBQ CAP SpringBreak style with a bit of Cyprus thrown in for good measure. The guys at Ego and Prime Partners are locals to Cyprus so know the best suppliers and the secrets never shared to foreigners before so expect the best in every way from this event!
Taking place at Drops beach café and bar the setting is incredible and literally on the beach so expect and amazing time soaking up the rays in a environment you only ever see on holiday programs. And have no fear, drink and food will be flowing and cooking through out the afternoon and long past sun set so sit back, relax and enjoy an awesome experience with your colleagues, friends and clients.

22:00 – Late – PKR sponsored party - You probably thought you were done for the day OH NO – This is Cyprus and more importantly it is CAP SpringBreak so the party only just got going and our friends at PKR have sourced what can only be the coolest bar in Limassol for us to descend on and show off our brand new tans whilst sipping on a cocktail. Details on the bar is soon to follow.

Fri 23rd May

Morning - Delegates own time to have meetings, swim in the sea, hang out at the pool (or pool side bar) or simply make new friends. We advice you meet people at the Grand Resort since the majority of people are staying there and there is likely to be a hive of networking going on.

13:00 – 18:00 – Sponsored watersports and beach Olympics event on the beach. This one is still being finalized but is likely to involve banana boats, jet skis, volley ball, the legendry CAP vs GPWA tug of war and much more!! Definitely one to wake us up after a week of “work” and get us all in a fun mood for the closing party

21:00 – Late – The closing party - At the start it seemed like it would never come but now we are here it feels like it came too soon. This is an opportunity to close the deals we forgot about, cement the friendships we have made and swap that last business cards we have left. This is the closing party but definitely not a come down because we are planning a huge blow out to finish the Poker Conference and CAP SpringBreak in style and keep you wanting more.
Details will follow but this is definitely one you do not want to miss!

Sat 24th May

Delegate and Sponsors Depart or stay for the weekend

[alexpratt]

I just posted at CAP but didn't want you guys to miss out on the post -

Guys Devilfish just confirmed his flights - He gets in on the Tuesday and is now going to be with us for the whole week and based on the fact this guy knows how to seriously party we better hold on tight - He has already requested to have an acoustic guitar on hand behind the bar at all times and permission to play the hotel piano????

I am determined to go home with a bad beat story or profit from this trip - Bring it on!

[alexpratt]

VERY IMPORTANT - We are shutting registration down on Tuesday morning UK time so make sure you are signed up and registered by then otherwise you are going to have all sorts of problems sorting your badge out - The domain is http://www.event-space.com/capspringbreak/Home.asp and as you know AFFILIATES GO FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you at the best event ever!!

[alexpratt]

You will all love this! Webroute have confirmed they will have a projector at their Arabian nights themed beach party to show the Champions league final - Happy days!!!

[alexpratt]

Sorry on a Cyprus posting mission today! Check these pics of the pool out!!

[scrawnybob]

hi all

I'm gutted but I'm not going to be able to make Cyprus ;-(

after missing Amsterdam I was really getting excited to be going to Cyprus especially as Jeremy et al have put so much into what looks like will be the best one and most productive and useful conference yet

long story short I've ended up with a highly strung (but very sweet) rescue dog (which means I cant leave the damn thing for any length of time - great office partner but gutted it put the kybosh on getting away

hope everyone has a great time and sorry to everyone I was really looking forward to catching up with - I must get organised and meet up with the UK affiliates just for a beer sometime ;-)

looking forward to Barcelona I guess which seems a long way off

cheers scrawnybob

[alexpratt]

Gutted you aren't coming but I know what you mean with the rescue dog - We had one once who was a nightmare - He was about 10 years old or something and named Derrick which really suited him (FYI, I wouldn't name a dog Derrick, it was WoodGreen Animal Shelter)

Anyway - I am going off the subjest of why I posted - For the beach party event taking place on Thursday 22nd May you need to sign up here http://www.egamingonline.com/party.html to get your name on their list and hel;p them out with working out numbers.

Sorry to rub it in scrawnybob but this event will I promise be incredible at an amazing club/cafe/bar right on the beach in the most beautiful weather ever!

[alexpratt]

Loads of important information - This will go to all delegates later but just in case your spam filter is on:

Greeting all CAP & PAP campers!

With all booking forms taken care of, you can breathe a sigh of relief, recline in your chair, and get thinking about the finer things ahead at the Poker Conference and CAP Spring Break Cyprus 2008.

To make this easy, we’ve compiled a quick spot-check of all the things you need to put at the top of your suitcase list. Forgetting these may lead to any of the following – a long wait in airport customs, delay to your time at CAP Spring Break, bewilderment that your Cypriate taxi driver cannot pin-point the exact location of the CAP headquarters (we agree with this one), …delay to your time at CAP Spring Break, and a host of happy memories bulldozed by a sunburn patch the size of Cyprus Island!

So first thing’s first…

1. CAP Spring Break correspondence confirming your booking with us

2. CAP Spring Break Printable Schedule Pack (see below)

3. Passport and travel documents

4. Check baggage restrictions with the airline

5. Flight tickets and hotel booking confirmation

6. Euro currency

7. Address of the CAP venue, Grand Resort, Limassol

8. Travel itinerary to the venue

9. …Sun Screen

Don’t worry, with the exception of getting here and sleeping here, we’ve got all your bases covered in this handy delegate pack which will tell you all you need to know about PAP, CAP and ASOP Cyprus, how to register, the parties, local amenities, and a few last minute flight and hotel booking options for those booking late.


BEFORE YOU LEAVE

If you haven’t supplied us with any special dietary requirements for the event, please send them to me as soon as possible.

And if you still owe payment; please bring along proof of wire transfer and/or credit card to the event as entry can be denied without pre-payment. If you want to pay before arrival, please contact me directly via phone or email and send me your CC details so I can confirm your place.


LOCATION

Grand Resort Address

Grand Hotel & Resort
Amathus Area
3724 Lemesos
Cyprus
Tel: +357 256 34 333


From Larnaca Airport: Approx 30 mins journey time (by taxi €60)
From Paphos Airport: Approx 60 mins journey time (by taxi €70)

Intercity buses also provide public transport from the airport to main towns and cities in Cyprus such as Limossol (just 11km from the Grand Resort)



REGISTRATION

If you are attending CAP Spring Break, the Poker Conference, or taking part in the ASOP tournaments, or all three, you will need to register and collect wristbands to gain access.

These three registration points are detailed in the event schedule below, but for quick reference:

Poker Conference – 09.30, Tuesday May 20th, Grand Resort, outside the Grand Hall, lower level
ASOP Poker Tournaments – 15.15, Tuesday May 20th, Grand Resort, Expo Room
CAP Spring Break – 11.15, Wednesday May 21st, Grand Resort, outside the Grand Hall, lower level

For registration, you should provide printed correspondence confirming your registration with us. This will ensure that queuing times will be kept to a minimum and no one forfeits any part of the event due to late entry.

At registration you will be given a wristband and name badge which you need to keep with you throughout your time at CAP as this will guarantee entry to the conference, CAP Spring Break networking events and parties (with the exception of Prime Partners and Ego’s Beach BBQ and Fortune and Playshare’s closing party where RSVP is required at www.egamingonline.com/party.html and www.playsharepartners.com/invite)

The CAP team will maintain a presence at the registration desk across the full event and will be happy to assist you with you enquiries.


THE SCHEDULE 19 – 24 May 2008

Mon 19th May

All Day - Poker Conference Delegates Arrive on island and exhibitors set up stand

8.30pm till Late – Poker Conference Opening Cocktail Party – Courtesy of CAP, PAP and iGaming Business. Unwind after your long journey at our welcome cocktail reception under a setting sun at Grand Resort’s poolside bar venue Aloha.
Tues 20th May

Day 1 of Poker Conference 2008

09:30 – 18:00 – All day Poker Conference – For full schedule please click here (Registration at 09.30, outside the Grand Hall, lower level)

12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch sponsored by Euro Partners and networking in Poker Conference Expo room
15:30 – 18:00 – First round of ASOP opens with 49 players fighting it out in the expo room to be crowned ASOP Cyprus champion and walk away with a seat in the WSOP main event and the coveted ASOP gold and diamond winner’s bracelet. A free bar to delegates will be run all afternoon in the expo room for delegates

21:00 – Late - 888.com Pool Party – Poolside party at the luxurious Curium Palace Hotel, with spectacular views overlooking the centre of Limassol town.
Wed 21st May

Day 2 of Poker Conference 2008 and Day 1 of CAP Spring Break
09.30 – 17:30 – All day Poker Conference – For full schedule please click here
11.30 - CAP Spring Break Registration open, outside the Grand Hall, lower level

13:00 – 14:30 – Lunch sponsored by Euro Partners and networking in Poker Conference Expo room for Poker Conference and CAP Spring Break delegates
15:30 – 17:30 – Day 2 of the ASOP in the Poker Conference Expo room – This heat will decide the 6 finalists who will compete at tomorrow’s final table. A free bar will operate through the afternoon.
21:00 – Late – Webroute Services Arabian themed party – CAP Spring Break launch party held at a stunning purpose-built beach bar which will be illuminated with candles and lanterns to map out the few minutes walk down the beach from Grand Resort. AND don’t worry football fans as the Champions League final will be shown projected on to big screens


Thurs 22nd May

Early Morning – Delegates own time for personal appointments, or swimming in the sea and lounging by the Grand Resort pool and bars, where the majority of delegates will be staying.

10:30 - 13:00 – ASOP Final Table - Filmed by The Poker Channel Europe, this is the final showdown where one winner will be crowned ASOP Champion, sweeping the table with a seat in the WSOP, Barcelona hotel rooms and winners bracelet worth $10,000 plus.
14:00 – 20:00 – Prime Partners & Ego Beach BBQ party – These sponsors are local to the Cyprus so expect the food to come in Cypriate portion sizes, and prepare to play drinking wars with the sponsors, on their home turf. Taking place at Drops beach café and bar (NB Delegates must RSVP at www.egamingonline.com/party.html)
22:00 – Late – PKR Party – Cocktail night at Cyprus nightspot, the Graffiti Bar, for an extensive drinks menu, flavoured shisha pipes, and an easy atmosphere. Delegates need to find Margaret, Simon or Ordette from PKR to get an invite.


Fri 23rd May

Early Morning – Delegates own time for meetings
14:00 – 17:00 – Cake Poker’s Beach-side cocktail retreat – Pace yourself on day three with mid-afternoon cocktails at the luxurious St Raphael Resort, 5-10 minutes walk along the beach from the Grand Resort.
20:00 – Late – Playshare and Fortune Affiliates CAP Spring Break close party – So exclusive it’s become a Members Only club, delegates can expect millionaire treatment at Cyprus’ famous Sesto Senso club, with a free bar, canapés with a backdrop of summer tunes from the International clubbing circuit. (NB Delegates must RSVP at www.playsharepartners.com/invite)


Sat 24th May

Delegate and Sponsors Depart or stay for the weekend
USEFUL LINKS/NUMBERS

Poker Conference - www.pokerconference.com
ASOP Tournaments - www.asop.comCAP Spring Break - www.capspringbreak.comCyprus Official Tourist Site www.visitcyprus.com
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cyprus www.mfa.gov.cy/
Local Police +357 258 05 050
Local Hospital +357 252 00 000Local Doctor +357 255 73 162Grand Resort Concierge +357 256 34 333Taxi Number+357 255 91 444
YOUR FLIGHT/HOTEL BOOKING
If you’re trying to book a flight last minute, try the following airline operators who provide scheduled flights to Cyprus.
Aegean Airlines www.aegeanair.com
British Airways www.britishairways.com
Cyprus Airways www.cyprusair.com.cy
Easy Jet www.easyjet.com
First Choice www.firstchoice.co.uk/flights
Fly Thomas Cook www.flythomascook.com
Monarch Airlines www.flymonarch.com
XL Airways www.xl.com
CAP venue/hotel, Grand Resort, is closed for website bookings. However, we have a few rooms reserved for last-minute delegates.
Contact our venue agent Margaret Croxson direct on +44 (0)1628 484614 ihcvenues@aol.com
With all spaces filled, the best online gaming event of the season is ready and waiting for you – and we can’t wait to see you there.

Marit Von Stedingk
Head of Customer Services, CAP and PAP Events
marit@igamingbusiness.com
+44 (0)20 7954 3417