From Global Markets to Next-Gen Tech: SBC Summit 2025 Brings a Revamped Conference Programme to Lisbon

Building on the success of its Lisbon debut,  SBC Summit will return to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena on 16–18 September 2025. The event will welcome 30,000 attendees to a six-stage, industry-wide conference agenda spanning global and emerging markets, payments, affiliation, player protection, and new hands-on 'Operator Academy' workshops. 

Familiar to last year’s attendees and bigger than ever, the Super Stage will also return to the MEO Arena to spotlight headline sessions from the industry's biggest names; including movers and shakers from emerging markets like Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe; C-level executives dissecting the Brazilian boom; and European, US, and LATAM leaders rethinking regulation, innovation, and customer engagement. 

Alongside these powerhouse panels, global thought leaders from beyond the sector will deliver exclusive keynotes offering powerful out-of-industry perspectives. Marketing mogul and serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk is already confirmed for this year’s programme, following last year’s edition, which welcomed icons such as Tony Hawk, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Merab Dvalishvili, and Laura Woods. 

Discussing SBC Summit’s upcoming agenda, Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “SBC has always taken pride in delivering educational experiences that tackle the topics and challenges that matter most to our delegates. One of the major highlights of the 2025 edition is that we’ve reshuffled and expanded the agenda to place every major and emerging market firmly in the spotlight. 

Adding a truly global dimension to the educational programme, SBC Summit will feature two dedicated conference tracks — 'Global Markets' and 'Emerging Markets' — running across all three days. 

Delegates can attend the Emerging Markets track to gain insights into Africa (Tuesday), Eurasia and the Middle East (Wednesday), and Asia (Thursday). Meanwhile, the Global Markets track will cover key regions such as Latin America and Brazil (Tuesday), Western Europe (Wednesday), and North America (Thursday). Among the countries featured across both tracks are Georgia, Uzbekistan, the UAE, Mexico, Colombia, Italy, the UK, the US, and many more. 

"Last year, we brought together attendees from 134 countries. This year, we’re going even bigger — with a laser focus on making sure every part of this industry is seen, heard, and represented. Conference stages are often seen as just that. Stages. But these stages are far more than lecture halls. They are  complete with a dedicated networking lounge positioned right beside them, transforming the learning experience into a fully interactive platform." Sojmark added. 

Technology will also take center stage at SBC Summit, with a dedicated conference track exploring its critical role across the industry. Sessions will examine innovation through three key lenses: transformative technologies driving change, advancements in payments technology, and cutting-edge compliance solutions. Delegates will dive into a wide range of topics, from payment innovations in emerging markets and subscription-based casino models to fraud prevention tools and enhancements in UX and UI for sportsbook platforms. 

"Tech isn't just a topic anymore — it's the foundation of every major discussion happening across the industry. That’s why this year, SBC Summit will feature a dedicated technology stage, while also weaving tech innovation into tracks like Affiliate Leaders and Player Protection to reflect the reality of where the industry is headed," Sojmark said. 

The 'Affiliate Leaders' track will take delegates on a focused journey through the key pillars of modern affiliation, starting with martech innovations on Tuesday, shifting to audience engagement strategies on Wednesday, and culminating with a forward-looking discussion on the future of the affiliate industry on Thursday. 

Sessions will explore how affiliates can harness AI to enhance SEO and CRM strategies, the growing influence of affiliate networks, streamers, and influencers, and the importance of localised content. Additional panels will examine the rise of new sports and their impact on affiliate marketing, innovations shaping the sector, and how affiliates can diversify their offerings to increase reach and engagement. 

Finally, recognising the importance of building a safe and robust gaming ecosystem, SBC Summit will feature a dedicated ‘Player Protection’ conference track focused on regulation, research, and safer gambling technologies. 

The opening day will explore pressing issues such as whether stringent regulations are driving players toward illegal markets and how the industry can reshape public perception. Day two will examine the ethics of advertising, the industry's duty of care, and the impact of grey and black markets on player safety. The final day will spotlight collaborative approaches between operators to enhance player protection, the risks associated with alternative currencies, and the evolution of player monitoring technologies. 

Finally, the Operator Academy will give operator representatives the opportunity to dive deep into the core disciplines essential for operational excellence. Through a series of dedicated workshops, attendees will explore key areas including trading, marketing, gamification and player engagement, Web 3.0 and crypto, AI and regulation, compliance, and cybersecurity. 

SBC Summit will take place from 16–18 September at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena, bringing together 30,000 industry stakeholders for an unmissable three-day experience.