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SBC Summit Secures Long-Term Home in Lisbon: A Strategic Partnership Through 2030

By jili tutorial · October 3, 2026

SBC Summit Secures Long-Term Home in Lisbon: A Strategic Partnership Through 2030

Introduction: A Landmark Commitment to Portugal’s Capital

The SBC Summit, one of the global gaming and betting industry’s most influential events, has formalized its future in dramatic fashion. A newly signed long-term agreement confirms Lisbon as the host city for the flagship summit through 2030, representing a substantial commitment that extends well beyond the previously announced 2027 edition. This strategic move signals confidence in both the city’s capabilities and the event’s continued growth trajectory.

The agreement, signed jointly with Turismo de Portugal (the national tourism authority), the Municipality of Lisbon, and Lisboa FCE—a non-profit organization overseeing the city’s major exhibition and congress venues—cements the organizer’s dedication to the Portuguese capital for the next several editions. While the 2027 dates were already locked in, this new deal adds 2028, 2029, and 2030 to the calendar, giving all stakeholders unprecedented clarity and stability.

Behind the Agreement: Who Signed and Why It Matters

The Key Partners

The multi-party agreement brings together distinct but complementary stakeholders:

What This Means for the Industry

For the thousands of exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and media representatives who participate in SBC Summit each year, this agreement provides something invaluable: predictability. Knowing the event’s location and timing years in advance allows businesses to plan budgets, allocate staff, book exhibition space, and coordinate marketing campaigns with far greater confidence. It also signals to the broader industry that Lisbon is not merely a temporary venue but a long-term strategic partner in the event’s evolution.

Why Lisbon? The Strategic Rationale

World-Class Venue Infrastructure

The combination of the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and the adjacent MEO Arena offers SBC the scale required for its increasingly ambitious program. Together, these venues provide:

This infrastructure allows SBC to deliver the blend of exhibition, conference, networking, and entertainment that has become the event’s signature experience.

Lisbon’s Growing Appeal as a Global Events Hub

Since the SBC Summit first arrived in Lisbon in 2024, the city has proven itself an exemplary host. Its appeal goes beyond convention centers:

What the Leaders Are Saying

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC

Sojmark’s enthusiasm reflects more than corporate strategy—it’s a personal and organizational alignment with the city:

“We’re happy to formalise the way we feel by committing to this city till 2030. Onwards and upwards. The agreement gives SBC and our attendees and partners the stability to plan and invest for the future. Knowing exactly where we’ll be and for how long means we can keep pouring everything into making the Summit bigger, better and more valuable for everyone who comes through the doors.”

He added:

“We are very happy to have the support of the city we have chosen to host our biggest and most ambitious event. Year on year, Lisbon is proving to be the perfect fit, and we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received from the city so far.”

António Ramalho, President of the Executive Board at FIL

Ramalho framed the partnership in terms of mutual growth and Lisbon’s broader ambitions:

“We are committed to working alongside SBC, supporting its ambitions and creating the conditions for the Summit to continue growing in Lisbon. Events of this scale and international reach are key to positioning Lisbon, Parque das Nações and FIL at the forefront of the global events industry, reinforcing our city’s ability to attract and successfully host some of the world’s leading events.”

The Growing Impact of the SBC Summit on Lisbon

A Phenomenal Year in 2026

The most recent edition of the SBC Summit showcased both the event’s growth and the impact it creates for its host city. Early indicators point to a truly international gathering:

This level of activity translates into tangible economic benefits: restaurants, transportation services, retail outlets, and local businesses all benefit from the influx of international visitors.

A Legacy of Iconic Moments

The 2026 edition cemented Lisbon’s place in the event’s history with a truly landmark moment. The Leadership in Sports Business keynote featured an extraordinary lineup that many industry observers consider one of the most high-profile ever staged in Europe:

This star-studded panel exemplified the Summit’s ability to attract some of the most influential figures in sports, technology, and business—all converging on Lisbon.

New Features and Programming Innovation in 2026

The third edition of the Summit in Lisbon introduced an expanded and diversified agenda designed to serve a growing and segmenting audience.

Affiliate Leaders Summit

Recognizing the increasingly important role of affiliates and performance marketers in the industry, SBC launched a standalone summit dedicated specifically to this community. This dedicated event space offers:

Global Prediction Markets Forum

This new forum addressed the rapidly evolving landscape of prediction markets—a topic of growing relevance as sports betting, political forecasting, and financial markets increasingly intersect. The forum provided a platform for discussing regulatory approaches, technological infrastructure, and emerging business models.

African Gaming Forum

With Africa emerging as one of the world’s most promising gaming markets, this dedicated forum offered critical insights into:

High-Profile Keynotes and Entertainment

Fabrizio Romano: The Transfer Guru

The 2026 Summit featured a keynote from Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer journalist known worldwide for breaking major signings before anyone else. His insight into the inner workings of football transfers provided a unique perspective for an audience deeply interested in sports business dynamics.

Charles Oliveira: From the Octagon to the Stage

UFC champion Charles Oliveira shared his story, offering insights into athlete branding, sports management, and the intersection of traditional sports and the betting industry.

INFINITY Lisbon: Tiësto Headlines

The Summit closed with the now-established INFINITY Lisbon event, which brought a festival-like conclusion to the proceedings. Headlining this year was Tiësto, widely regarded as one of the best DJs of the modern era, providing attendees with a memorable end to their time in Lisbon.

Looking Ahead: SBC Summit 2027 and Beyond

Key Details for 2027

These dates are now locked in, offering exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees the certainty they need to make their own arrangements well in advance.

The Road to 2030

With the agreement now extending through 2030, SBC and Lisbon are aligned for long-term partnership. Expectations for future editions include:

Practical Information for Potential Participants

For Exhibitors and Sponsors

The 2027 edition offers significant opportunities for brands looking to reach a global audience in the gaming and betting sector. Interested parties are encouraged to act early to secure prime exhibition space and maximize visibility.

For Attendees

Whether you’re a veteran of previous Summits or considering your first attendance, the Lisbon venue offers an accessible and welcoming environment. The combination of professional programming and the city’s attractions makes for a productive and enjoyable experience.

Contact Points

Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership for the Future

The long-term agreement between SBC, Turismo de Portugal, the Municipality of Lisbon, and Lisboa FCE represents more than just a contractual commitment—it’s a statement of shared vision. For SBC, it ensures the stability needed to continue delivering world-class events. For Lisbon, it secures a major international event that drives tourism, showcases the city’s capabilities, and positions it as a leading destination for the global events industry.

As Rasmus Sojmark put it so succinctly: “Onwards and upwards.” The Summit’s trajectory has been consistently upward since its arrival in Lisbon, and with this agreement in place, the foundations are set for continued success through the end of the decade.

The SBC Summit returns to Feira Internacional de Lisboa and the MEO Arena from September 21-23, 2027, with planning well underway for what promises to be the most ambitious edition yet.