5 must-see things at SBC Summit 2026
For those attending the SBC Summit 2026 , get ready. It will be three intense days.
There are conference sessions to attend. Meetings with potential clients. Hundreds of brands to visit in the exhibition hall. Networking events, parties, and everything else.
In fact, your biggest problem might be fitting all of this into your routine. ( Luckily, we have a guide for that too. )
But amidst everything happening throughout the week, there are a few experiences that deserve to be at the top of your list. From sports icons and industry heavyweights to in-person meetings with regulatory bodies and performances by international music stars, we've selected five things you really can't miss at SBC Summit 2026.
To get 30% off VIP, Business, Conference, and Networking passes to access the items below, use code BNLDATAPARTNERVIP at checkout!
01. Michael Jordan, Carsten Koerl and Jason Robins at the Super Stage
This is very important news, everyone.
The SBC Summit 2026 will feature one of the most important keynote sessions ever held in Europe, bringing together three of the most influential figures in the world of sports business: basketball icon, investor and philanthropist Michael Jordan, Sportradar founder and CEO Carsten Koerl, and DraftKings co-founder, CEO and chairman Jason Robins, moderated by Kirsty Gallacher, former Sky Sports News presenter, broadcaster and journalist.
The keynote address, titled “ Leadership in the Business of Sport, ” will take place on Tuesday, September 29th, and will explore the evolution of sport, technology, media, data, and fan engagement from the perspective of three leaders who helped shape the modern sports ecosystem.
As part of the discussion, the link between sports betting and online gaming (iGaming) will be examined, highlighting how the two sectors are increasingly operating in parallel and in collaboration.
Broader themes of leadership will also be explored, including building large-scale global businesses, making decisions under pressure, and how leaders navigate changes in rapidly evolving sports and technology markets.
And the brilliance of the sports stars doesn't stop there. Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will also take the main stage on Wednesday, September 30th, for the lecture " Record Success: Leadership in Sports with Charles Oliveira ". As one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, he will talk about everything from his daily routine as champion to his vision for the future evolution of the UFC, MMA, and other sports.
Access to the Super Stage is available with a VIP Pass , Conference Pass , or Corporate Pass.
Do you already have a pass for the Expo or Networking area ? You can still participate by upgrading to a VIP or Business pass , or by purchasing the ' Super Stage Pass ' (€199) through our official event app, SBC Connect.
Want the best seat in the house? Buy the 'Super Stage Golden Circle Pass '. Priced at €499, this pass guarantees a seat in one of the exclusive front rows for all Super Stage sessions, plus entry to the INFINITY Lisbon closing party with EDM legend Tiësto.
02. Participate in meetings with regulators from around the world at the Gaming Regulation Conferences.
Gaining a better understanding of a market is never easy. But talking directly to those who regulate it offers an incredible starting point.
Therefore, meetings on gaming regulation should be an essential part of the agenda for all participants.
Held over the three days of the event, the sessions will offer participants who wish to better understand a particular market the option of choosing from 20 distinct meetings, which will examine policy changes, developments, and growth opportunities shaping the gaming business in key global markets and regions.
The regions and markets covered include Latin America, Africa, North America, Italy, Malta, Portugal, France, Germany, Asia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, among many others.
Each session will be led by regulators, industry associations, and subject matter experts with direct experience in the jurisdictions under review.
For companies operating in these markets or considering entering them, this direct access is difficult to replicate. Here, participants can hear about regulatory developments from those closest to them, understand how changes may affect their businesses, and connect with people who are already achieving success in the market.
And this is just one of the ways in which the SBC Summit is facilitating these valuable presentations.
Other elements of a structured network include:
⇒ Speed Networking : four dynamic sessions where you can meet dozens of relevant contacts in a short period of time.
⇒ Guided tours of the exhibition hall : eight guided tours that connect participants to exhibitors, grouped around themes such as AI in games, casinos and sports betting, making it easier to discover companies aligned with their interests.
⇒ Smart Connect : personalized one-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers based on business priorities, product fit, and market focus.
⇒ SBC Connect Meets allows eligible attendees to search for registered delegates, filter by company type and industry, and send meeting requests weeks before the event via the SBC Connect app. (Contact features are exclusive to VIP, Networking, and Business pass holders. All pass holders can reply to messages and accept meeting requests.)
Whether it's to better understand a particular market, find a supplier in a specific area, or participate in dynamic conversations, there will be a networking format that suits your style and business needs.
Access to the structured networking program is included in the VIP , Business , and Networking passes.
03. Listen to the most influential voices in the industry on the 'Super CEO Panel'
In addition to the glitz and glamour of NBA stars and UFC champions, the SBC Summit conference will feature its own stars: the leading CEOs in the industry.
The Super CEO Panel: The Industry Speaks, taking place on Tuesday, September 29th, at the MEO Arena's Super Stage, will bring together seven key figures from the industry:
⇒ Jesper Svensson (CEO, Betsson Group)
⇒ Kresimir Spajic (CEO, Allwyn Digital)
⇒ Albert Simsensohn (Deputy CEO of Super Technologies)
⇒ Dieter John (CEO of the Group, FEG)
⇒ Aris Dimarakis (Vice-CEO of Kaizen Gaming)
⇒ Tom Bowry (Director of Strategy at Flutter International)
⇒ Dinos Stranomitis (Director and CEO, Alternar)
With discussions covering the practical advantages of AI technology, global regulation, and the rise of prediction markets, the session will address many of the decisions currently at the top of the industry's agenda.
More importantly, these are senior leaders responsible for addressing these challenges within major betting and gaming companies. Gaining firsthand information on how these leaders are tackling current challenges makes this one of the most important sessions of the week.
And valuable industry knowledge isn't limited to the Super Stage.
The SBC Summit will feature a six-stage conference program covering all aspects of the global betting and gaming industry, including: Global and emerging markets , payments , regulation and compliance , marketing , sports betting and online gaming.
Throughout the program, participants will hear from over 600 industry experts, ranging from marketing and product specialists to regulators and, of course, high-level executives.
Among the names listed on the agenda are:
⇒ Daniela Johansson (Director of Responsibility and Vice-CEO of Paf)
⇒ Vlad Kaltenieks (CEO, BoyleSports)
⇒ Endre Nesset (former president, Coolbet)
⇒ JD Duarte (President, Betcris)
⇒ Savo Bakmaz (CEO and CFO, MaxBet)
⇒ Francesco Postiglione (CEO, Casumo)
⇒ Gonzalo Pérez (CEO, Apuesta Total)
⇒ Xabier Maribona (CEO, Retabet Group)
Whether it's to understand how major operators are approaching new markets or to discover how emerging technologies are influencing the player experience, the conference allows participants to hear directly from the people shaping the industry.
Access to the conference program is exclusive to holders of VIP , conference , or business passes .
See the full conference program here | See the full list of speakers here.
04. Find the biggest names in the industry at the trade show pavilion.
Well, technically it's not a single thing. But it is a single exhibition space, so let's stick with that terminology.
The exhibition space is the heart of the SBC Summit, bringing together some of the biggest names in betting and gaming across four exhibition halls.
And this element of personal contact is important.
Emails, phone calls, and company websites can only tell you so much. The trade show space gives you the opportunity to see products in action, ask questions directly to the teams behind them, and turn conversations with current or potential partners into something more concrete.
To facilitate movement within the exhibition, the pavilions were divided into different areas of the sector:
⇒ Casino and iGaming (Pavilions One and Two) : EGT Digital (A201, A206 and A301), Smartsoft (A211), Amusnet (A411), Playtech (B201), SOFTSWISS (B501), Alea (B213) and many others.
⇒ Sports betting and iGaming (Pavilion Three) : 1xBet (C301), Soft2Bet (C411), BetConstruct (C211), Alternar (C311), Pragmatic Play (C401), Digitain (C218), Sportradar (C431), among others.
⇒ Payments (Pavilion Four) : Payfuture (E311), Trustly (E611), Payhound (E201), Inpay (E306), Paysafe (E216), Big Idea (E316), Nuvei (E520) and many others.
The exhibition floor will also feature specialized areas, such as the Player Protection Hub , bringing together responsible gaming experts and solution providers, and the Startup Hub , offering emerging brands a platform on the global stage.
In addition to the exhibition stands, attendees will also find dedicated lounges, bars, meeting areas, Festival Square , and the Food Festival throughout the exhibition floor. Together, these spaces offer a more relaxed environment to continue conversations, catch their breath between meetings, or recharge for the rest of the day.
With thousands of conversations, products, and potential opportunities spread across the four pavilions, just don't make the mistake of thinking you can afford to miss out.
05. Enjoy The Script and Tiësto at our nightly parties.
Okay, we're not done with the big attractions of the SBC Summit yet.
On Tuesday, September 29th, attendees of the SBC Summit Opening Party will enjoy a headlining performance by the hit and best-selling pop-rock band The Script.
Known for hits like Hall of Fame (featuring will.i.am ) , The Man Who Can't Be Moved , and Breakeven , the band will give an exclusive performance a few days before embarking on a world tour.
Then, closing out the SBC Summit on Thursday, October 1st, EDM icon Tiësto will join Blasterjaxx to headline the INFINITY Lisbon Closing Party, featuring festival-level stage production and complimentary drinks throughout the night.
But the SBC Summit's nighttime parties aren't just about the main attractions. They bring together thousands of participants in a more relaxed atmosphere, offering another opportunity to reconnect with people you met during the day, strengthen new relationships, or simply celebrate a successful week.
Participation in the SBC Summit's evening networking parties is exclusive to those with a VIP , Networking , or Business Pass.
Want to attend INFINITY Lisbon? You can upgrade your pass to the ' Party Pass ' for €149. Click here to upgrade.
Discount
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Make the most of your SBC Summit.
With three days, four exhibition halls, and an intense schedule of conference sessions, meetings, networking, and entertainment ahead, no two participants will experience the SBC Summit in exactly the same way.
However, there are some things that are too good to pass up.
Therefore, plan ahead, leave some space in your
See you in Lisbon!
