SBC Summit 2026: A Practical Guide for iGaming Operators and Professionals

The SBC Summit 2026 will take place in Lisbon from September 29 to October 1, bringing together 40,000 industry professionals at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the MEO Arena. The event adds new formats focused on affiliation, emerging regions, and prediction markets, with over 800 exhibitors, 600 speakers, and forums dedicated to Africa and prediction markets. This article reviews the key changes, structure, access, and must-see agenda to maximize the three days.

SBC Summit 2026: Structure and Figures for the Industry

The 2026 edition consolidates the SBC Summit as a global meeting point with:

• 40,000 attendees from over 150 countries
• 800 exhibitors and sponsors spread across four pavilions
• 600 speakers across five stages, including the Super Stage
• Parallel forums: Affiliate Leaders Summit, Global Prediction Markets Forum, African Gaming Forum
• Structured networking, parties, VIP dinners, and award ceremonies

The event is aimed at operators and providers, as well as affiliates, regulators, and technical profiles.

News: Affiliate Leaders Summit and Regional Forums

The Affiliate Leaders Summit operates for the first time as an independent event within the SBC Summit, designed for the affiliation ecosystem and performance marketing. 10,000 attendees from this segment are expected, with their own conference program (two stages) and separate exhibition area. Access is only granted with a specific ticket, not valid with the general SBC Summit pass.

Two thematic forums are added:

• African Gaming Forum: an exclusive invitation-only event for regulators and operators focused on regulatory and business challenges in Africa.
• Global Prediction Markets Forum: focusing on leaders in prediction markets, exploring both trends and future opportunities in its own space.

Access to these forums may require separate tickets or direct invitations.

Innovation and Networking: Focus on Product and Effective Connections

Product Innovation Showcase Stage

The new Product Innovation Showcase Stage offers live demonstrations, launches, and the First Pitch competition, where five startups compete for a prize package valued at €139,400 on October 1. This area also hosts the sector investment track.

New Networking Formats

With five structured networking formats, the SBC Summit aims to optimize valuable contact generation:

• Speed Networking: quick sessions to connect with multiple profiles.
• Show Floor Tours: guided tours grouped by themes (AI in gaming, casino, sports betting).
• Smart Connect: one-on-one meetings, curated by product and market affinity.
• SBC Connect Meets: allows eligible attendees to search for and schedule meetings with other delegates using the SBC Connect app.
• Regulatory Gaming Meetups: 20 sessions bringing regulators and market leaders together to discuss regulatory changes and expansion.

Access and pre-registration depend on the type of pass. These activities are primarily available for holders of Business, Networking, and VIP Event passes.

Applied Training: Tech Academies and Masterclasses

The expanded program includes technical academies in AI, user experience, Web3, crypto, and digital marketing, as well as specific masterclasses on betting trading, casino operations, and responsible marketing. Access requires the purchase of an Education+ upgrade (€249 per academy) and pre-registration through the app.

Operations and Logistics: Access, Transfers, and Event Services

• Badge Collection: It is recommended to pick up the badge in advance. Lisbon Airport allows this from September 27 to 30, and the venue from September 28.
• Opening Hours: The event opens from Tuesday to Thursday, from 10:00 to 18:00 (Thursday until 17:00). Exhibitors can access from 08:00.
• Differentiated Tickets: SBC Summit and Affiliate Leaders Summit have separate access and registrations; plan your route according to the agenda and meeting locations.
• Free Transfers: Four shuttle routes connect key hotels with the venue, dropping off next to Registration 1 (to the south). Taxis and Bolt have stops to the north and south.
• Dining: The Food Festival offers multiple options with rest areas and live music; VIP passes include €30 daily for consumption.
• Help and Assistance: SBC staff positioned at the venue and stand B813, helpdesk for exhibitors, and 24/7 digital support through the assistant Bruna (WhatsApp: +1 352 768 0805) and Live Chat.

Essential Agenda and Access by Passes

Some highlighted milestones:

• Tuesday, September 29: Michael Jordan (Sportradar), Carsten Koerl and Jason Robins (DraftKings) open the Super Stage. Inaugural party with The Script.
• Wednesday, September 30: Charles Oliveira leads a session on success and leadership in sports.
• Thursday, October 1: Final First Pitch for startups and closure with Tiësto at INFINITY Lisbon, alongside Blasterjaxx and other DJs.

Access levels vary depending on the pass purchased: Expo, Conference, Networking, Business, VIP Event Pass, and Affiliate Leaders Summit VIP Event Pass, each with different privileges for areas, conferences, and social events. It is recommended to check restrictions before planning meetings and attending key sessions.

Organizing the Agenda: SBC Connect and Digital Resources

SBC Connect centralizes management of meetings, agenda, spaces, exhibitors, and interactive maps in a single app (App Store & Google Play). It allows contacting other attendees based on pass permissions, scheduling networking activities, and visualizing locations before the event. Each version (general Summit and Affiliate) is specific; customize your experience from the app.

Education+ passes, upgrades for Super Stage or INFINITY Lisbon can be purchased via SBC Connect. The app offers examples of agendas based on professional profile type: operator, casino, marketing, payments, and sports betting.

Quick Links and Operational FAQs

It is recommended to bookmark before traveling:

• Activity program and conference agenda
• List of exhibitors and venue map
• Breakdown of ticket options and upgrades
• Practical travel information and support contact

Some frequent clarifications:

• The general pass for SBC Summit does not grant access to the Affiliate Leaders Summit and vice versa.
• Payment Expert Summit is integrated into the SBC Summit, requiring no separate entry.
• Accreditations are color-coded to distinguish operators, affiliates, and other profiles.
• Free Wi-Fi is available, and the password is printed on the badge.
• All agenda and location information is centralized in SBC Connect.

The organization hopes that this guide facilitates planning for a key week in the global iGaming sector, accelerating networking, learnings, and direct contact with industry leaders.