More than 40,000 professionals and 800 exhibitors are set to gather at FIL and MEO Arena from 29 September to 1 October: here are the key strategic themes, from gaming industry leaders and targeted networking to entertainment and new technologies.
There are at least ten good reasons to step away from your desk and attend the latest edition of the SBC Summit Lisbon, taking place between Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Under the tagline The Greatest Show in Gaming, the event organised by SBC has published an editorial guide outlining the key reasons why a trip to the Portuguese capital is well worth considering.
It is not simply a matter of impressive numbers, although they are certainly significant: the event is expected to attract around 40,000 gaming industry professionals from more than 150 countries. The primary aim of the Summit is to provide attendees with actionable insights, a clear view of how the market is evolving and a network of business relationships capable of generating value long after the exhibition doors close.
Whether the business objective is to analyse the entire global ecosystem, explore a specific geographic market, focus on a particular vertical, fill the agenda with high-potential meetings or identify where the next business opportunity may come from, Lisbon offers an extremely fertile environment to explore through these ten key areas.
1. An exhibition area the size of 19 football pitches
The first reason not to miss the event is its exhibition space, covering more than 135,000 square metres, equivalent to around 19 football pitches, across four major themed halls.
SBC brings together more than 800 exhibitors and sponsors representing every segment of the global gaming industry. The exhibition layout has been designed to optimise visitors’ time: Hall 3 is a key destination for companies looking for advanced sports betting platforms, while Halls 1 and 2 form the heart of the online casino, iGaming software and innovative game studio offering.
Hall 4 is dedicated to payment technologies, fintech, cybersecurity and compliance services.
The event extends beyond the main halls, with dedicated specialist hubs positioned throughout the venue. These include the Startup Hub and Player Protection Hub, the latter entirely focused on safer gambling and player protection solutions. Near the main entrance, the Media Hub operates as a live newsroom covering the latest developments across the industry.
2. Six stages and the headline panel featuring Michael Jordan
At a time when the industry is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, constant regulatory changes, evolving financial flows and changing consumer behaviour, the real challenge for operators is no longer simply accessing information, but interpreting it correctly.
The SBC Summit conference programme, accredited for CPD (Continuing Professional Development), has been designed to provide strategic insights through contributions from more than 600 speakers across six main stages.
The Super Stage hosts high-level discussions between CEOs and global regulators, while the Global & Emerging Markets Stage focuses on expansion strategies in newly opening jurisdictions.
The Technology & Innovation Stage examines the pace of technological transformation, alongside the Regulation & Compliance Stage, which focuses on adapting to constantly evolving international regulations.
Completing the programme are the Payment Expert Summit Stage, dedicated to developments in payment and transaction systems, and the Product Innovation Showcase Stage, a new platform designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions in user experience.
The headline event on the agenda will be the highly anticipated panel “Leadership in Sports Business”, which will bring basketball legend Michael Jordan together on stage for the first time with Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, and Jason Robins, Co-Founder and CEO of DraftKings, in a discussion moderated by British journalist Kirsty Gallacher.
3. Hands-on training with Education+
While the traditional conference programme outlines the industry’s broader trends and strategic direction, the new Education+ programme focuses on operational aspects, providing professionals with skills they can immediately apply to their day-to-day workflows.
The initiative has been created to bridge the gap between training theory and everyday operations through a practical, interactive and measurable learning experience.
The programme features four vertical Tech Academies focusing on high-impact areas including artificial intelligence, digital marketing & CRM, Web3 and player experience, with the latter delivered in partnership with Soft2Bet.
Specialist masterclasses will also cover sportsbook trading, casino management strategies and responsible gambling communications.
4. A focus on current trends with the Global Prediction Markets Forum
From a niche phenomenon for enthusiasts to a strategically important topic for the entire gaming industry, prediction markets are experiencing rapid growth and attracting increasing attention from operators, regulators and international investors.
To examine the impact of this emerging sector, the Global Prediction Markets Forum will take place on 1 October at the Myriad Hotel in Lisbon, as part of the SBC Summit.
The event will bring together developers, regulators and senior executives to address key issues facing the sector, including integration with traditional sports betting, regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions, the role of technology providers and emerging commercial opportunities.
The dedicated ticket includes access to the working sessions, catering and a copy of the official 2026 Prediction Markets Report produced by SBC Insights.
5. The Affiliate Leaders Summit for performance marketing professionals
Affiliate marketing continues to evolve rapidly, and the Affiliate Leaders Summit provides a dedicated meeting point for media buyers, affiliates and SEO specialists.
The event features a vertical exhibition area with more than 150 exhibitors specialising in affiliate programmes, networks and tracking solutions.
The conference programme runs across two stages focused on conversion and growth, covering everything from advanced SEO strategies to Conversion Conf sessions dedicated to AI-powered automation.
The programme will culminate with the Affiliate Leaders Awards, created to recognise leading companies and professionals in the sector.
Affiliates whose profiles have been approved can attend free of charge, with access to all areas of the SBC Summit.
6. Innovative networking
Recognising that finding the right contacts at large-scale events can be challenging, SBC has redesigned the networking experience by incorporating meetings into a structured programme.
The schedule includes several coordinated tools, starting with SBC Connect Meets, the platform that enables operators, suppliers and affiliates to arrange targeted meetings before arriving in Lisbon.
This is complemented by the Regulatory Gaming Meet-Ups, featuring 21 direct discussion sessions with regulators, institutions and legal experts, as well as Show Floor Tours, designed as themed guided visits to help attendees identify the most relevant stands.
High-paced Speed Networking sessions and Smart Connect, a system designed to match supply and demand and create targeted business connections, complete the networking programme.
7. Entertainment between Infinity Lisbon and Festival Square
Alongside business development opportunities, the event has been designed to make the Lisbon experience both productive and enjoyable.
The programme extends well beyond conference rooms and exhibition stands, with a rich calendar of evening events and entertainment.
Highlights include the closing event Infinity Lisbon, featuring world-renowned DJ Tiësto, the Food Festival with more than 50 food trucks offering international cuisine, and Festival Square, a central area featuring a beer garden and shisha lounge designed for informal networking.
On the logistics side, organisers have secured partnerships with TAP Air Portugal and the Leading platform to provide discounted rates on flights and accommodation, alongside dedicated shuttle services and advance badge collection directly at the airport.
8. A personalised journey through dedicated vertical hubs
SBC provides a global overview of the entire gaming industry while allowing each attendee to tailor their experience according to their own area of expertise.
Those looking to explore specific business functions can access dedicated thematic areas.
The Payment Expert Summit focuses on payment processing, fraud prevention and transaction systems, while the Affiliate Leaders Summit features its own vertical exhibition hall, dedicated conference sessions and industry awards.
The Player Protection Hub provides a dedicated space for discussions around responsible gambling, regulatory compliance and player protection.
Thanks to this modular approach, delegates can either explore multiple sectors or build an entire three-day experience around a single business challenge or market.
9. A high concentration of decision-makers
The true value of a major industry event lies in the quality of the people attending it.
The Lisbon event will welcome more than 40,000 professionals from over 150 countries, but one of the most significant figures concerns the seniority of attendees: more than 30% hold executive or senior management positions with direct budget responsibility, including founders, CEOs, chief operating officers and corporate strategy leaders.
This high concentration of decision-makers gives suppliers, operators, affiliates and regulators the opportunity to engage directly in commercial discussions and develop business partnerships without intermediaries.
The event’s broad international representation also enables attendees to compare developments in mature markets with opportunities in emerging jurisdictions, facilitating the creation of partnerships on a global scale.
10. Centralised event management with Connect
All event planning is managed through the official SBC Connect app.
Available even before the exhibition opens, the platform allows attendees to explore the show floor map, identify companies of interest, contact other participants, schedule business meetings and create a personalised agenda.
During the three-day event, the app helps users navigate the venue’s 135,000 square metres and facilitates networking and business connections.
