Day three at SiGMA Rome 2025 had all the energy you’d expect—people making deals everywhere, packed conference halls, and cocktails flowing nonstop. On the surface, everything just worked. But honestly, most people never see the controlled chaos backstage that keeps the whole thing moving.
In this episode of NookTalks, Jeremy Castillo (Head of Sales – EU) sat down with Liam Ashton, who handles Sales & Operations at Molecular Fusion, to dig into what it really takes to deliver a world-class bar experience at a massive iGaming event.
The real work behind the scenes
Liam’s been with Molecular Fusion for almost four years, splitting his time between sales and the nitty-gritty of operations. His job’s a mix of creative problem-solving and straight-up logistics. It all looks effortless when you’re holding a perfectly made drink—but behind the scenes, it’s months of planning and a ton of moving parts.
“We’re not just pouring drinks,” Liam said. “We’re organizing staff, flights, accommodation, bar managers, suppliers—every last detail has to line up perfectly.”
At SiGMA Rome 2025, the Molecular Fusion crew ran 23 bars across the venue. Just imagine keeping all of those staffed, stocked, and running smoothly. Every bar needed a trained team, steady service, all the right gear, and a supply chain that just can’t miss a beat.
Sourcing was its own puzzle. They brought some products in from Malta, found others locally, and when suppliers hit a snag, the team just rolled with it. Quick thinking and on-the-spot fixes—those kept the drinks flowing the whole week.
A culture that never cuts corners
Molecular Fusion’s reputation in the iGaming world comes down to one thing: they don’t compromise on quality. Jeremy, who’s known the team for years, talked about Edward Bonello and how the company’s passion and humility have made all the difference.
Liam couldn’t agree more. For them, delivering the best drinks and service isn’t a bonus—it’s the baseline. Every detail matters, from picking the ingredients to the way each drink looks and tastes. That mindset shapes the guest experience, every single time.
Way beyond gaming events
Sure, people know Molecular Fusion for their work at iGaming conferences, but their reach goes way past that. Over the years, they’ve handled weddings, birthdays, corporate gigs, and all kinds of private parties.
One of their wildest projects? A floating cocktail bar on a boat. The team’s always ready to flex—whether you want something sleek and formal or totally offbeat, they’ll shape the experience to fit.
From South Africa to Malta
Liam also talked about his own journey. He grew up just outside Port Elizabeth in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, but Malta’s been home for almost ten years now.
Malta’s close-knit vibe and the opportunities there have really helped him grow. Plus, working events across Europe—drawing on everything from his roots in South Africa to his life in Malta—taught him to stay flexible and solution-focused, no matter what comes up.
Mixology with a twist
When the conversation turned to cocktails, Liam’s eyes lit up. He loves drinks that blend simplicity with sharp technique. His go-to? The classic daiquiri—rum, lime, sugar. It’s all about nailing the balance. Get it right, and you’ve got a crisp, refreshing drink that’s perfect for a warm day outdoors.
At the SiGMA Rome event, their menu mixed the classics with a few showstoppers. Guests could grab a Negroni, an Old Fashioned with a hit of aromatic orange oils, a tropical Singapore Sling, or the real crowd-pleaser—the Cryo Bramble.
The team used liquid nitrogen to freeze raspberries, so when they hit the glass, the drink let off this crazy, smoky cloud. It looked awesome and tasted even better. That’s Molecular Fusion: mixing science, flair, and flavor in every glass.
Every event, made to order
Liam summed it up—customization is at the heart of what they do. Clients get to choose everything: the bar’s look, the staff’s outfits, the whole cocktail menu. The goal? Make every event feel personal, right down to the last detail.
And getting started is easy. Whether you’re planning a huge conference or a small, private party, Molecular Fusion’s team is ready to brainstorm, quote, and deliver exactly what you want.
Raising the bar at SiGMA Rome 2025
The conversation ended at the bustling Machete & Trifecta stand, one of Molecular Fusion’s most visited sites within all SiGMA events. The preparation and skill of the team had remained noticeable amidst the crowds and continuous demand.
By the end of the SiGMA Rome 2025 event, Molecular Fusion once again showed that truly incredible events stemmed not only from incredible beverages, but from solid planning, flexibility, and people who excelled under stress.
Until the next conference, until the next NookTalks conversation, the bar had well and truly been raised
