After much hype (and the odd moment of panic), Pocket Gamer Connects is finally here – this article being typed live from Pocket Gamer's venue of choice, the Vinopolis in Central London, as if to act as proof.

Today will see indies from across the UK and beyond descend upon the capital to showcase their wares to a room packed full of the industry's best press in the shadow of the Shard.

And all this before the main event tomorrow, when more than 650 delegates from across the international scene to connect at Steel Media's debut conference to debate the issues of the day.

Two for all

Two tracks will dominate Pocket Gamer Connects when it officially kicks off on Tuesday 21 January, with East Meets West – a look at how western devs can make a mark in the lucrative Asian markets, and vice versa - featuring presentations from the likes of Rovio's Peter Vesterbacka, King's Tommy Palm and other speakers from Tencent, Qihoo 360, iDreamSky and scores of others.

Also taking place at the same time is an Indie Rock Stars track, with some of the indie scene's leading lights sharing their insight amongst their peers, with Mike Bithell of Thomas Was Alone fame, Mills Miller of ustwo and TAG Games' Paul Farley amongst the speakers.

But before all this, today's Very Big Indie Pitch will see 50 developers parade their games in front of a succession of the mobile industry's leading journalists from 1pm onwards.

Though all the official pitching slots were booked up long ago, developers interested in watching the pitches progress are welcome to attend and take advantage of the networking opportunities available.

Full details of both events can be found at PGConnects.com, or if you're already in the city, pop along to The Vinopolis, just around the corner from London Bridge Station.