The global gaming industry event returns with its biggest edition yet, marked by innovation, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

The SBC Summit returns to Lisbon next week with its most ambitious edition to date, recording 20% year-on-year growth and reaching a record-breaking 30,000 delegates. This year’s event introduces fresh features designed to tackle the industry’s most pressing priorities, along with a renewed focus on hospitality and networking.

With attendees from more than 130 countries, the summit will be the most international so far, featuring dedicated stages on Global and Emerging Markets, plus regional networking hubs highlighting opportunities across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

The agenda will feature headline keynotes from Gary Vaynerchuk and Randi Zuckerberg, alongside sporting icons, and will debut the new Tech Academies, offering hands-on learning in AI, blockchain, gamification, and marketing.

The expo floor, spanning 135,000 m² and divided into themed zones for easier navigation, will host 700 exhibitors. Delegates can also enjoy lounges, interactive showcases, and nine Food Festival zones offering more than 40 dining options. Notable exhibitors include 1xBet, Altenar, Amusnet, Clever Advertising, Digitain, EveryMatrix, GR8 Tech, iGP, Kaizen Gaming, Optimove, PayFuture, Smartsoft, Soft2Bet, and Stake.

Adding excitement, the show floor will welcome celebrity appearances, including award-winning artist Jordan Dawson, Portuguese actress and influencer Margarida Corceiro, and international footballers such as Cafu, Marco Materazzi, Claude Makélélé, and Marek Hamšík.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said: “We’re excited to return to Lisbon with the SBC Summit. Last year was a huge success and gave us valuable insights into what truly resonates with delegates. This year, we’ve focused on the topics that matter most – from new stages on global and emerging markets to dedicated academies on AI and marketing. And of course, we’ve added those superstar appearances that bring the iconic SBC flair.”

The conference program, spanning six stages (including the new Global and Emerging Markets tracks), will bring together more than 550 industry experts, 44% of whom are C-level executives. Key discussions will cover affiliation, player protection, and the latest developments in martech and payments, complementing the Payment Expert Summit.

At the Super Stage in the MEO Arena, attendees will hear from major sporting legends including Oleksandr Usyk and Rubens Barrichello, as well as football icons such as Kaká, Edwin van der Sar, Roberto Carlos, Michael Owen, and Petr Čech. The stage will also host a Super CEO Panel featuring industry leaders such as Daniel Taylor (Flutter International), Neal Menashe (Super Group), Joanne Whittaker (Betfred), Jesper Svensson (Betsson Group) and Simon Lidzén (Fast Track).

Evenings will transform the MEO Arena into a stage of celebration, with two major award ceremonies. On Wednesday, September 17, the first-ever Affiliate Leaders Awards will honor innovation in the affiliate sector. The following night, the 12th SBC Awards, hosted by legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, will recognize global operators and suppliers across payments, marketing, platforms, and data.

The Affiliate Leaders Summit will also expand, running across all three days with a 40% larger show floor, bringing together leading affiliates and operator programs under one roof.

The week will close with the INFINITY Lisbon Closing Party, on Thursday, September 18, headlined by EDM icons ALOK and Timmy Trumpet, ensuring the summit ends on a high note.

Ahead of the main event, the Legends Charity Game will take place on Monday, September 15, where Portugal Legends face World Legends in a match aiming to raise over €1 million for local and international charities.

Other standout features of SBC Summit include:

• Airport Registration: Pick up your badge at Humberto Delgado Airport (Sept 14–17) for seamless entry.
• SBC Connect App: Network with attendees, schedule meetings, and bookmark sessions.
• Opening Party: Kick off at Urban Beach with world-class DJs Joel Corry and Imanbek (VIP pass holders only).
• Media Headquarters: Meet leading gaming media, boost brand visibility, and join interviews or podcasts.
• Masterclasses: Practical sessions on sportsbook trading, slot design, and Ukrainian regulation.
• First Pitch Competition: Watch startups compete for a prize package worth over €90,000.

“SBC Summit 2025 wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the industry. To our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees – thank you for helping us bring to life what has become the greatest show in gaming,” Sojmark concluded.