Humanity has long been enthralled by the art of storytelling. From the ancient hand paintings in Spain’s Maltravieso cave, created 64,000 years ago, to Egyptian hieroglyphics chronicling a civilisation’s rich history, and religious prophets passing down sacred tales, storytelling has been the foundation upon which knowledge, culture, and personal reflection are built.

In more recent times, the tradition of storytelling has evolved into diverse forms. And no, we’re not just talking about Microsoft PowerPoint. Every week, thousands of people across the globe gather at conferences, exhibitions, and events to hear the personal insights and experiences of some of the world’s leading visionaries.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a surge of transformative presentations that have left a lasting impact across all aspects of life. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, these talks have reached millions. From inspirational presentations like Sam Berns’ ‘My Philosophy for a Happy Life’ and RSA’s The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us’ to educational TED Talks such as ‘Top Hacker Shows Us How It’s Done’ or Steve Jobs’ iconic 2007 iPhone reveal, these presentations continue to shape public discourse. Some, like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘We Should All Be Feminists,’ challenge societal norms, while others, such as Conor Neil’s ‘How To Start a Speech’, offer insights into the art of presenting itself!

In every format, storytelling remains a powerful vehicle for sharing ideas, fostering connection, and inspiring change.

SBC Summit, taking place at the Feira Internacional De Lisboa & MEO Arena from September 24-26, is expected to offer its 25,000 delegates a unique opportunity to gain groundbreaking insights and learn from the personal experiences of leading industry experts through 20 dedicated presentations.

To emphasise the significance and potential impact of these sessions, this blog post—the first of two—will provide an in-depth exploration of all the presentations scheduled for the SBC Summit. We will outline the key takeaways from each of them, discuss the broader industry topics they cover, and introduce the speakers who are poised to deliver potentially game-changing insights.

Getting Geo-Specific in Africa: Tailoring Tech for Success

What you can learn (keywords): Africa, operator, Mojabet, player acquisition, player retention, technology, solutions, market dynamics, low-bandwidth regions, acquisition strategies. 

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of how Mojabet successfully acquires and retains players through tech-driven, highly specific solutions.
• Insights into market dynamics in Africa and the challenges of operating in low-bandwidth regions.
• Exploration of innovative player acquisition strategies tailored to the African market.
• Real-world examples of how targeted solutions lead to successful player acquisition and retention results.

Speakers:

• Evgen Belousov joined GR8 Tech as CEO in 2023, bringing with him extensive experience in the iGaming and tech industries. Prior to leading GR8 Tech, Evgen held several key leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer at Parimatch Tech, where he played a significant role in scaling operations and overseeing product development from 2021 to 2023. He has a deep background in business strategy, technology integration, and product innovation, which has been instrumental in GR8 Tech’s growth since his appointment. Evgen’s vision focuses on driving innovation and creating scalable, tailored solutions for the iGaming sector.
• Paris Anatolitis is the CEO of Moja Group, a prominent player in the African sports betting and gaming market. He took on this role in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industries. Prior to joining Moja Group, Paris held leadership roles at Betsson Group, where he served as Commercial Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia from 2017 to 2022, focusing on market expansion and product development. With a strong background in business strategy and market growth, Paris is now leading Moja Group’s efforts to capitalise on emerging opportunities in Africa, driving innovation and customer engagement across the region.

Companies:

• GR8 Tech is a top technology provider offering scalable, tailored solutions for the iGaming industry. Specialising in innovative platforms and tech services, GR8 Tech helps online gaming operators streamline operations, enhance user experiences, and drive business growth. The company is committed to supporting clients in navigating the evolving iGaming market with cutting-edge technology.
   
• Moja Group is a leading company in the African sports betting and gaming market, known for its innovative approach to online gaming and customer engagement. The company focuses on delivering top-tier gaming experiences and driving growth in the rapidly expanding African market. Moja Group leverages cutting-edge technology and market expertise to offer a competitive edge in sports betting and gaming across the region.

Where: Super Stage (MEO Arena)
When: Tuesday, 24th September
Time: 13:00-13:30

Behind the Bet: The Unseen Tech Driving Paridirect’s African Success

Presentation sponsored by: Veli Group

What you can learn (keywords): PLAYONGO, Paridirect, Africa, VeliTech, limited internet accessibility, finance, retail to online transition, strategic technology, operational challenges, growth, user engagement.

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of how PLAYONGO leveraged VeliTech’s solutions to address challenges like limited internet access and financial inclusion in Africa.
• Insights into the transition of bettors from retail to online platforms in diverse African markets.
• Exploration of how strategic technology applications transformed operational challenges into growth opportunities.
• Real-world examples of enhancing user engagement and driving success across Central Africa.

Speakers: 

• Irakli Kakhidze is a strategic leader in the iGaming and tech industries, serving as Head of Platform and Games at VeliTech since August 2023. Known for his innovative leadership, he previously held key roles such as Software Development Manager at Newage IO and CTO at Veli Group. His ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive product innovation has been instrumental in transforming technical challenges into scalable solutions. Irakli is recognised for his vision and execution in growing complex tech-driven platforms in competitive markets.

Companies: 

• VeliHorizon is an advanced iGaming platform offering comprehensive solutions for operators, including seamless integration, scalability, and customisable features. It focuses on enhancing the overall gaming experience through innovative technology, ensuring smooth operations and optimised performance.
• VeliGames is a game development arm that specialises in creating engaging, high-quality games tailored to the needs of the iGaming industry. It focuses on producing immersive, user-centric gaming experiences, driving player engagement and retention across diverse markets.

Where: Conference Room Two (Casino & iGaming)
When: Tuesday, 24th September
Time: 13:30-14.00

2025: The Year AI Lights up Your Sportsbook

Presentation sponsored by: Stats Perform

What you can learn (keywords): Artificial Intelligence, sports betting, AI-powered products, international sportsbooks, product impact, benefits, case study.

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the sports betting industry.
• Insights into the real-world impact of AI-powered products on international sportsbooks.
• Exploration of the benefits that operators can experience by integrating AI into their betting platforms.
• Case studies that highlight the success and advantages of using AI-driven solutions in the sports betting market.

Speakers:

• Alex Lanegger is currently the SVP of Product at Stats Perform since August 2023, previously serving as VP of Data Strategy from January 2023 to September 2023. He has extensive experience in sports data and media, having held key roles at DAZN, where he led direct-to-consumer strategies for FIBA Media. Earlier in his career, Alex was a professional basketball player for teams like UBSC Graz and Kapfenberg Bulls. His leadership blends sports expertise and tech innovation, focusing on product strategy and data-driven growth.

Companies: 

• Stats Perform is a leading sports data and analytics company, using AI and advanced insights to enhance decision-making, fan engagement, and in-game betting. Partnering with major sports leagues and operators, it delivers cutting-edge solutions for teams, media, and betting platforms worldwide.

Where: Conference Room Three (Sports Betting)
When: Tuesday, 24th September
Time: 13:30-14.00

Open Banking and Added Value Services

Presentation sponsored by: NODA

What you can learn (keywords): open banking, financial ecosystems, transparency, consumer control, enhanced security, personalised advice, real-world applications, Noda, fintech, competitive strategies.

More specifically, you’ll gain:
 

• An understanding of the impact of open banking on financial ecosystems and how it enhances transparency and consumer control.
• Insights into the integration of value-added services such as enhanced security and personalised financial advice.
• Real-world applications of open banking by companies like Noda, demonstrating its practical benefits.
• Strategies for businesses to stay competitive in the evolving fintech landscape.

Speakers:

• Viktorija Baburina is the Account Director at Noda, bringing extensive expertise in account management, compliance, and client relations. With leadership experience from her roles at Noda and exactly.com, she is skilled in managing client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Her prior experience in AML and compliance at ABLV Bank adds a strong foundation in risk management and regulatory compliance, making her a well-rounded leader adept at driving success in complex environments.

Companies:

• Noda is a fintech company specialising in open banking solutions, enabling seamless and secure payment processes for businesses. Focused on improving transparency, financial inclusion, and user experience, Noda offers innovative payment solutions that streamline transactions and enhance security for both operators and consumers.

Where: Conference Room Four (Payment Expert Summit)
When: Tuesday, 24th September
Time: 13:30-14:00

Real-Life Insights Driving Player Protection in the Gambling Industry

Presentation sponsored by: EPIC Global Solutions

What you can learn (keywords): data translation, meaningful interactions, EPIC Global Solutions, problem gambling, harm identification, customer interactions, training, quality assurance, player protection, and statistics.

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of how EPIC Global Solutions translates data into meaningful interactions to drive change in the gambling industry.
• Insights from real-life experiences of the team, emphasising their unique approach to identifying harm at the source.
• Exploration of how customer interactions are improved through focused training and quality assurance.
• Discussion on the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for player protection, beyond the statistics.

Speakers: 

• Dave Sproson is the Head of Safer Gambling at EPIC Global Solutions, a role he has held since July 2022, where he focuses on developing responsible gambling strategies and delivering educational programs. He has extensive experience in safer gambling, having previously worked as the Head of Responsible Gaming at Esports Entertainment Group and a Senior Responsible Gambling Executive at LiveScore. His leadership in the industry is centred on harm prevention, risk assessment, and compliance, helping to shape safer gaming practices across multiple sectors.
• Megan Vanderson is the Safer Gambling Manager at EPIC Global Solutions, a position she has held since June 2020. With a focus on promoting responsible gambling practices, she plays a key role in developing harm prevention strategies and educational initiatives. Additionally, Megan is a member of the Lived Experience Council at GambleAware, starting in July 2023, where she contributes insights from her personal experiences to shape gambling-related harm reduction efforts. Her work emphasises safeguarding players and improving industry standards.

Companies: 

• EPIC Global Solutions is a consultancy firm focused on providing data-driven solutions for responsible gambling and player protection. Specialising in identifying and mitigating gambling-related harm, the company offers training, quality assurance, and strategic insights to operators, helping them enhance customer interactions and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. EPIC’s mission is to create safer gambling environments through innovative approaches and real-world experience.

Where: Conference Room Six (Player Protection Symposium)
When: Tuesday, 24th September
Time: 13:30-14:00

Payments Performance: A Merchant’s View

Presentation sponsored by: Worldpay

What you can learn (keywords): Worldpay, payments performance, gambling operators, user retention, fraud protection, revenue boost, innovative strategies, business outcomes.

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of how optimising payment performance can drive success and safeguard your bottom line.
• Insights into the critical challenges faced by gambling operators and how to overcome them.
• Exploration of innovative strategies to enhance user retention and protect against fraud.
• Tactics to boost revenue and revolutionise your business outcomes, staying ahead of the competition.

Speakers: 

• Ian Kay is the VP of Relationship Management, Gaming & Trading at Worldpay, a position he has held since December 2020. With over a decade at Worldpay, Ian has extensive experience in managing client relationships in the global gaming and payments sector. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Relationship Management from July 2016 to December 2020 and as a Senior Relationship Manager from 2013 to 2016. Ian’s leadership is instrumental in driving business development and strategic partnerships in the global e-commerce space.

Companies: 

• Worldpay is a global leader in payment processing solutions, offering secure and efficient services for businesses across various industries, including eCommerce, retail, and iGaming. Known for its extensive reach and reliable payment infrastructure, Worldpay enables seamless transactions, fraud protection, and multi-currency support, helping businesses manage payments and optimise revenue streams globally.

Where: Conference Room Four (Payment Expert Summit)
When: Wednesday, 25th September
Time: 12:45-13:15

The Metaverse in iGaming: It’s Already Here

Presentation sponsored by: EvenBet Gaming

What you can learn (keywords): Metaverse, iGaming, VR technologies, user experience, immersive gaming, online gaming, EvenBet Gaming, engaging UX.

More specifically, you’ll gain:

• An understanding of the current state of the Metaverse in the iGaming industry and the limitations of focusing solely on VR technologies.
• Insights into whether we are already living in the age of the Metaverse without fully realising it.
• Exploration of a wider approach to online gaming that prioritises user experience over technology.
• Discussion on how to create an engaging, immersive, and enjoyable UX for customers in the iGaming space.
• Perspectives from the CEO of EvenBet Gaming on the future of online gaming.

Speakers: 

• Dmitry Starostenkov has been the CEO of EvenBet Gaming since December 2015, leading the company in developing turnkey and white-label poker platforms for the iGaming industry. In addition to his role at EvenBet, Dmitry has been a Strategy Partnership Contributor at Dexsport since May 2021 and previously served as the Chairman of Perpetuum Software from 2008 to 2022. With over 20 years of leadership experience, he also led Enterra Holdings, Inc. as CEO, focusing on custom software development for enterprise applications.

Companies: 

• EvenBet Gaming is a leading provider of online poker platforms and multi-gaming software solutions for the iGaming industry. The company focuses on delivering innovative, customisable poker products and integrating them with casino and sports betting platforms. Known for its scalability, seamless user experience, and advanced technology, EvenBet Gaming helps operators enhance player engagement and grow their online gaming offerings.

Where: Conference Room Two (Casino & iGaming)
When: Wednesday, 25th September
Time: 16:15-16:45