SBC Summit 2026: What B2B Delegates Need to Know Ahead of Lisbon
SBC Summit 2026 will unite 40,000 gaming professionals in Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October, with new standalone forums, a structured networking program, and a focus on product innovation.
Key Takeaways
- SBC Summit 2026 convenes 40,000 gaming professionals in Lisbon from 29 September to 1 October.
- New for 2026: Affiliate Leaders Summit operates as a standalone event requiring its own ticket.
- Product Innovation Showcase Stage and structured networking formats address the industry’s shifting business needs.
- Pass type determines access to conference tracks, forums, networking and evening events.
- The SBC Connect app centralises agenda management, messaging and event navigation for all participants.
SBC Summit 2026 returns to Lisbon with an expanded three-day programme, welcoming over 40,000 industry delegates from more than 150 countries. Key upgrades this year include the debut of the Affiliate Leaders Summit as a separate event, new forums addressing African markets and prediction markets, and a Product Innovation Showcase stage. Delegates should review ticket access closely and familiarise themselves with the event layout, networking formats, and the updated schedule to maximise value from one of the largest B2B gatherings in global gaming.
SBC Summit 2026: At a Glance and What's New for Delegates
The SBC Summit 2026 will take place across Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and MEO Arena from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The scope this year includes:
- 40,000+ attendees from 150+ countries
- 800 exhibitors and sponsors spanning four halls
- 600 speakers across five conference stages and specialised Tech Academies
- The return of headline evening events, award ceremonies and the Food Festival
Notably, the event introduces:
- Affiliate Leaders Summit as a standalone conference and expo for 10,000 affiliate industry professionals, requiring a separate ticket
- African Gaming Forum (invite-only) and Global Prediction Markets Forum (ticketed)
- An upgraded Product Innovation Showcase Stage for live demos and the First Pitch startup competition with a €139,400 prize package
- Five new structured networking formats suited for different business objectives
The scale and breadth point to a focus on driving business relationships and knowledge exchange across a fragmented but growing market landscape.
Structured Networking and Tech Academies: Key Features for B2B Operators
For operators, suppliers, and tech professionals, SBC Summit 2026 emphasises curated networking and skills-building:
- Speed Networking: Four sessions for rapid introductions to dozens of relevant contacts
- Show Floor Tours: Themed guided tours (e.g., AI in Gaming, Casino, Sports Betting) connecting attendees with targeted exhibitors
- Smart Connect: Curated one-to-one meetings based on commercial alignment
- SBC Connect Meets: VIP and business pass holders can pre-arrange meetings using the official app
- Regulatory Gaming Meetups: Twenty sessions bringing together regulators and market leaders to dig into policy and commercial challenges across jurisdictions
Tech-focused attendees can participate in expanded Tech Academies (AI, Player Experience, Web3 & Crypto, Digital Marketing & CRM) and masterclasses (sportsbook trading, casino operations, responsible marketing), each requiring an Education+ waiver and advance booking.
"Networking is a crucial aspect of any industry event. Which is why, in 2026, SBC Summit has introduced five new structured networking formats, helping you meet the right people in a way and environment that best suits your style." — SBC Events
Navigating Lisbon: Badge Collection, Venues and Scheduling Essentials
Practical execution is central to time management at an event of this scale:
- Badge Collection: Available at Lisbon Airport (with extended hours from 27–30 September) or onsite at FIL on 28 September; have your registration email or QR code ready
- Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Tues/Wed), 10:00–17:00 (Thurs); exhibitors access from 08:00
- Venues and Entrances: Main event at FIL with MEO Arena for the Super Stage—Affiliate Leaders Summit has its own entrance at Hall 4 (check floorplan in advance)
- Travel: Four free shuttle routes serve major hotel clusters, connecting to FIL from 27 September; taxi and ride-hailing drop-offs are signposted
- Onsite Needs: Dedicated helpdesks, a 24/7 WhatsApp concierge, and live chat on the SBC website ease troubleshooting
- Food Festival: Range of food options and live music; VIP passholders receive a complementary Food Festival card loaded with €30 per day
Programme Highlights: Conference Agenda, Product Launches, and Evening Events
The agenda covers regulatory, commercial, and technology challenges for the iGaming sector, with five thematic pillars: Conference, Education, Exhibition, Networking, and Experience. Delegates can expect:
- Conference Content: 600+ speakers, with coverage spanning regulation, emerging markets, technical innovation, payments, affiliate strategy, and player protection
- First Pitch Competition: Thursday, 1 October, spotlighting five startups chasing a €139,400 prize
- Key Event Moments:
- Tuesday: Michael Jordan, Carsten Koerl (Sportradar), Jason Robins (DraftKings) headline ‘Leadership in Sports Business’ on the Super Stage; evening concert with The Script
- Wednesday: Charles Oliveira shares insights on sports leadership
- Thursday: EDM headliner Tiësto at INFINITY Lisbon closing party alongside Blasterjaxx and others
For B2B delegates, access depends on pass type—Expo, Conference, Networking, Business, VIP—each unlocking a different set of session tracks, evening events, Tech Academies, structured networking, and specialist forums. Double-check access before scheduling.
Maximising SBC Summit 2026: Schedule Building and Pass Information
A personalised approach is recommended. The SBC Connect app allows:
- Early messaging and meeting scheduling with other attendees (depending on pass)
- Conference agenda browsing and personalised agenda building
- Navigation via interactive floorplan
- Pre-registering for eligible networking events within ticket limits
- Purchasing upgrades for Tech Academies and evening events
The Affiliate Leaders Summit and main SBC Summit run parallel but require separate planning and app selections. Familiarising yourself with the conference agenda and exhibitor list can streamline prep.
Frequently Asked B2B Questions
- Affiliate Leaders Summit ticket is required for access to that event
- Payment Expert Summit is integrated into the main agenda, not a standalone event
- Badges are colour-coded to indicate operator, affiliate, or supplier status
- Free Wi-Fi is available; password printed on the badge
- The latest event information is centralised within the SBC Connect app
The path to a productive week in Lisbon is clear: confirm your ticket status, plan travel and badge collection, leverage event tech for meeting management, and allow for the scale and complexity of the event layout. SBC Summit 2026 moves decisively toward a segmented, network-centric model for industry knowledge and dealmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the SBC Summit 2026 from previous editions?
SBC Summit 2026 introduces the Affiliate Leaders Summit as a standalone event, alongside dedicated forums for Africa and prediction markets and a central Product Innovation Showcase Stage. These changes reflect a pivot to industry segmentation and targeted networking.
How do I access structured networking sessions at SBC Summit 2026?
Structured networking options—Speed Networking, Show Floor Tours, Smart Connect, and Regulatory Gaming Meetups—require a Business, Networking or VIP pass, with advance registration via the SBC Connect app to secure slots.
Where are key event venues and entrances for the summit?
The main summit takes place at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), with the Super Stage in the MEO Arena at the south end. The Affiliate Leaders Summit uses a separate entrance beyond Hall 4 at the venue’s north end.
Which passes provide access to which events and features?
Expo, Conference, Networking, Business, and VIP passes each unlock specific areas of the summit. Only the Affiliate Leaders Summit VIP Event pass allows entry to the Affiliate Leaders Conference, while upgrades and add-ons grant access to masterclasses, evening parties and special forums.
How can attendees manage their schedules and meetings efficiently?
The SBC Connect app enables participants to book meetings, save agenda sessions, and register for networking directly on their devices. Early use of the app and review of ticket access is recommended for a productive experience.
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About the author
Oliver Grant
Industry Technology Correspondent
Oliver Grant covers the technology and business machinery of iGaming — platform and data deals, AI and compliance tooling, affiliate and marketing shifts, and the quarterly numbers behind them. The reports lead with the announcement, name the vendors and figures exactly as published, and separate genuine capability from press-release promise. When a supplier ships a new engine or a regulator tightens ad rules, Oliver Grant explains what actually changes for the companies involved.
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