Strategic Planning for SBC Summit 2026: A Guide for Operators

The SBC Summit 2026 in Lisbon offers operators a vast array of opportunities to enhance their industry footprint. With a VIP Pass, access extends to four exhibition halls featuring leaders from gaming, sports betting, payments, and player protection. To efficiently leverage this event, a strategic plan is essential.

Day One: Arrival and Initial Exploration

Arriving in Lisbon on Monday, 28 September, operators should first collect their event badge at Humberto Delgado Airport. This quick process allows skipping queues on Tuesday morning. Once settled, attendees can focus on getting ready for a productive conference.

Exploring the Floor

The first official day kicks off at Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena. With complimentary shuttle service available, accessing the venue is straightforward. Breakfast at the Food Festival, using the €30 daily credit, is the ideal start. The iGaming and Sports Betting Zone is the first major area to explore, where meetings with major suppliers like BetConstruct and Soft2Bet are fruitful.

"Personal interactions and strategic business card exchanges happen best on the exhibition floor," notes a frequent summit attendee.

Networking and Learning Sessions

Key Conference Moments

High-profile panels feature speakers like Michael Jordan, Carsten Koerl of Sportradar, and Jason Robins of DraftKings discussing industry leadership. Post-lunch, themed tours such as the AI in Gaming Show Floor Tour showcase cutting-edge technology.

Networking opportunities abound with sessions like the Africa Regulatory Gaming Cocktail Hour, where regulators and market leaders from diverse regions converge. Evenings culminate in networking events like the SBC Summit Opening Party, facilitating further discussions and connections.

Day Two: Delving Deeper

Wednesday, 30 September promises insightful sessions and exclusive meetings. This is a day to explore the iGaming and Casino Zone, engage in Smart Connect meetings, and attend the Education+ Programme workshops. Key themes include Digital Marketing & CRM and the AI Academy, providing in-depth learning.

Afternoon Insights and Networking

Operators gain insights into regulation, player engagement, and compliance through dedicated sessions. The afternoon allows for relaxation in the Platinum Operator Lounge, perfect for networking or a quick recharge.

Final Day and Closing Events

Thursday features final opportunities to engage with industry experts at the Portugal Regulatory Gaming Breakfast. The Responsible Gaming Marketing Masterclass offers a specialized learning experience for promoting responsible gambling effectively.

Innovating and Wrapping Up

Attendees can explore the Payment Expert Summit to discover emerging payment technologies. The Global Prediction Markets Forum, running parallel to the summit, offers unique insights into market trends.

The week concludes with the SBC Awards and the exhilarating INFINITY Lisbon Closing Party, closing three productive days in Lisbon with celebration and entertainment.

For success at the SBC Summit, every minute counts. Use this guide to shape a schedule that meets your business goals and maximizes the event's potential.