With more than 40,000 attendees, 800+ exhibitors and sponsors, and a conference agenda covering every corner of the global gaming industry, SBC Summit offers no shortage of opportunities to learn and do business.
But with so much on offer across the three days, we understand that even the most veteran event goer needs time and space to sit down, relax and maybe get some casual networking done.
That’s why experiences such as the Food Festival and Festival Square play an important role in the overall event experience.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between meetings, continuing a conversation with a prospective partner over drinks, or looking for a way to unwind after a busy event day, both are designed to help you make the most of your time in Lisbon.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect from the Food Festival and Festival Square, and why both have become essential parts of the SBC Summit experience.
SBC Summit Food Festival: Fuel Your Day Without Leaving the Action
Picture this: you’ve spent the morning attending insightful conference sessions, having productive meetings, and making connections on the exhibition floor.
Your stomach starts rumbling, and you’re looking for a bite to eat, only to find limited food options, long queues, and the nearest alternative is a 15-minute Uber ride away from the venue.
Well, you do not have to worry about any of that at SBC Summit.
Here’s how our Food Festival makes things different:
- Six Food Festival Zones: Located throughout the venue, ensuring you’re never far from a coffee, snack, lunch, or refreshing drink between meetings and conference sessions.
- 50+ Food Vendors and Trucks: From local Portuguese favourites to international street food, the wide variety of options helps keep queues short and choice plentiful.
- Networking-Friendly Spaces: With astro-turfed seating areas, palm trees, bean bags, and benches, the Food Festival offers a relaxed environment to continue conversations and connect with industry peers away from the exhibition floor.
- A True Festival Atmosphere: Live DJs and entertainment create an energetic backdrop throughout the day, giving attendees the opportunity to recharge, socialise, and enjoy the event experience beyond the conference rooms.
And now the part you’ve probably been waiting for: what kind of food is on offer at the festival? Well, a lot!
Here’s just a taste of what we have:
- Local Portuguese Favourites: It would be a shame to travel all the way to Lisbon without sampling the local cuisine. Expect Portuguese pastries, fresh seafood, traditional BBQ dishes, and other regional specialities.
- Global Street Food: Culinary dishes from across the globe, from Asian to Mexican, there’ll be something to suit every taste.
- Healthy Options: Looking for something lighter between meetings? You’ll find salads, fresh juices, and protein-rich meals designed to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Choices: A wide range of plant-based options ensures every attendee can find something they’ll enjoy.
- Coffee and Pastries: Perfect for a quick breakfast, mid-morning pick-me-up, or afternoon recharge between sessions.
- Drinks and Refreshments: Whether you’re after a soft drink, beer, wine, or a glass of sangria, you’ll find plenty of options available across the Food Festival.
Who Has Access to the Food Festival?
VIP Pass holders will receive an RFID wristband to use at the Food Festival, giving them complimentary access to breakfast, lunch, and drinks from any of our food trucks. The wristband includes a daily allowance of up to €30 per day to spend.
Affiliates, regulators, and operators who qualify for a complimentary VIP Pass enjoy all of these benefits at no cost, with no ticket purchase required.
All other pass holders will need to pay for their meals and drinks from the Food Festival on a pay-as-you-go basis, so if complimentary food is something you’re looking for and you already have an SBC Summit ticket, consider upgrading your ticket (to a VIP Pass) by emailing [email protected].
Festival Square: Where Networking Continues After the Show Floor Closes
New for 2026, Festival Square is a dedicated social hub designed to bring the festival atmosphere to SBC Summit. Located beside the main entrance of the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, it offers attendees a vibrant space to relax, connect, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the event.
During the Day
With live music, food and drinks, and plenty of space to meet and unwind, Festival Square provides a welcome escape from the bustle of the exhibition floor.
Whether you’re taking a break between conference sessions, catching up with colleagues, meeting clients, or continuing conversations sparked on the show floor, Festival Square offers a relaxed setting for informal networking and business discussions throughout the day.
After the Halls Close
When the exhibition halls close, Festival Square shifts up a gear.
Live music, buzzing bars, entertainment, and end-of-day networking create the perfect atmosphere to continue conversations and build new connections before heading to the Opening Party, INFINITY Lisbon, the SBC Awards, and other evening events taking place across the week.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy day, expand your network, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Festival Square ensures the SBC Summit experience continues long after the conference agenda ends.
The Festival Square features five different themed bars, so there’s something for whatever your preference:
- Beer Garden
- Wine Bar
- Cocktail Bar
- Piano Bar
- Shisha Bar & Lounge
And because no festival experience is complete without music, each bar will feature live performances throughout the evening.
From laid-back acoustic sets to lively entertainment, the music helps create an atmosphere that encourages attendees to stay, connect, and make the most of the time between the exhibition floor closing and the evening networking events getting underway.
Tuesday 29 September and Wednesday 30 September – Festival Square is open until 20:00.
Thursday 30 October – Festival Square open until 17:00.
Who Has Access to Festival Square?
All ticket types have access to Festival Square.
Final Thoughts
When you spend three days learning, networking, and exploring the global gaming industry, everyone needs a chance to recharge. That’s exactly what our festival spaces are designed for: places to meet, eat, unwind, and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting.
Whether you’re catching up with colleagues, hosting clients, or building new relationships, these spaces provide the perfect environment to take a break from the exhibition floor while still making the most of every moment at SBC Summit.
Ready to Experience SBC Summit 2026?
With more than 40,000 industry professionals, 800+ exhibitors & sponsors, a world-class conference programme, and networking opportunities taking place across every corner of the event, SBC Summit 2026 is where the global gaming industry comes together to do business.
Operators, affiliates, and regulators may be eligible for complimentary VIP passes, while suppliers and other industry professionals can choose from a range of ticket options tailored to their objectives.
View ticket options and secure your pass today.
