Gary Vaynerchuk, will kick off SBC Summit 2025’s first-ever Marketing Academy with an exclusive AMA (Ask Me Anything) session.

This marks the launch of SBC Summit's most ambitious educational initiative yet: four full-day Tech Academies covering AI, Marketing, Web 3.0 & Blockchain, and a new academy set to be announced soon. Designed to deliver hands-on, interactive learning with the world’s leading experts, the programme is open to all professionals with an interest in tech, not just those within the gaming industry.

The Marketing Academy, a key pillar of SBC Summit’s Tech Academy programme, brings together a world-class mix of talent, including Gary Vaynerchuk, content creators, PR professionals, marketing veterans, and SEO experts, for a day of hands-on, high-impact learning. The academy takes place on Wednesday, 17 September at Sala Tejo, part of the MEO Arena.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, commented: "With Tech Academies, we’re making an ambitious upgrade to SBC’s educational programme. It’s a new layer of value for attendees, giving them direct access to world-class expertise they can take home and apply where it matters most."

Vaynerchuk’s ask-me-anything session, which will open the Marketing Academy, is inspired by his New York Times bestseller Day Trading Attention. This high-energy, interactive session gives attendees direct access to one of the world’s most recognised marketers, diving into how to capture and convert underpriced attention across social media, paid ads, influencer campaigns, and emerging brand channels.

Sojmark commented: "Gary will, of course, deliver a keynote on the Super Stage — but we also wanted him at the Marketing Academy, where the setting is a little different. It’s more direct, more immediate, and the focus is firmly on practical insights. And let’s be honest — one session with Gary Vaynerchuk would never be enough."

Next up, attendees will take part in “The Fundamentals of Marketing: A Strategy that Makes Your CFO Lean in”, an interactive masterclass with marketing expert Thomas Balling Rasmussen. With decades of experience in sports betting and iGaming, including a tenure as Group Marketing Director at Betsson, Rasmussen now advises global brands like Entain. He’s also supporting SBC with the marketing strategy behind the high-profile Legends Charity Game, which will see Portugal Legends face off against World Legends in a bid to raise €1,000,000 for charitable causes. In his session, Rasmussen will present a case study on how to maximise your marketing budget by shifting focus from responding to demand to actively creating it. He'll demonstrate the fundamental marketing strategies that are guaranteed to get your CFO on side.

“From Myths to Methods: Advanced SEO Tactics That Move the Needle” will focus on the importance of building a holistic approach to SEO that moves beyond traditional tactics. SEO experts Sean Bianco (Co-Founder, Gainchanger), James Dooley (Chairman, Searcharoo), Craig Campbell (SEO Trainer and Consultant, Craig Campbell SEO), and Karl Hudson (Founder, Searcharoo) will deliver a hands-on session exploring the future of backlinks, Navboost strategies, and high-ROI tactics that align technical SEO with user engagement to futureproof long-term rankings.

Also featured in the Marketing Academy are two practical deep dives into brand protection and influencer marketing, critical focus areas for any business navigating today’s attention economy.

In an ask-me-anything session titled "Communication is Everything: Hear from a Leading PR Professional," Edie Lush (Communications Trainer, Events MC and Journalist) will explore the challenges of preserving brand identity in an age of real-time news cycles and online scrutiny. From crisis communications to cause-driven marketing, attendees will gain candid insights into how PR can be both a shield and a spotlight and how charitable initiatives can support brand equity without veering into ‘purpose-washing.’

"Influencer Marketing: How to Use Social Media as a Primary Channel" will bring together leading social media creators to explore how brands can collaborate with influencers to build authentic and viral campaigns. Like all Tech Academies at SBC Summit, this session is designed to be industry-agnostic, offering valuable insights for professionals across all sectors, not just gaming.

Sojmark concluded: “We’re building something that goes beyond the gaming industry. The Tech Academies are about equipping professionals from all sectors with the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're in gaming, marketing, tech, or something entirely different — there's something here for you.”

Academies are for Expo+ and VIP Event Pass holders only.

You can RSVP to attend our tech academies here.

VIP Event Pass - Access to the show floor, all networking areas and conference sessions, complimentary food and drink from the summit’s food festival and access to exclusive evening networking sessions and parties.

Group VIP Event Pass - Get your passes for just €400 each when you purchase for three or more people (a saving of €200 per ticket!) - perfect for bringing your team along.

Expo+ Pass - Access to the show floor, conference sessions and daytime networking only.

Expo Only Pass - Our free option, which gives you access to the show floor only. This is perfect for individuals from outside the gaming industry that want to explore potential partnerships. Please note, this will not grant you access to our academies.

Operator and Affiliate Passes - Operators and affiliates are eligible for a free VIP event pass. Simply apply.