Next week, SBC will return to the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace for the third edition of SBC Summit Tbilisi!
Featuring a combination of product discovery and networking on the show floor, evening networking events, and a conference agenda covering everything from regulation to innovation in the region (and even an appearance from a World Cup-winning footballer), if you’re serious about making it in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, SBC Summit Tbilisi is the place to be!
To really take advantage of the opportunities presented at the event, preparation is key. And this is where we come in.
We’ve put together a handy little guide filled with logistical information, event highlights and must-know details to help you take your SBC Summit Tbilisi experience from ‘productive’ to ‘unmissable’.
Essential Preparations for the Summit
When it comes to attending industry events, preparation is your secret weapon.
Having spent over a decade in the events industry, we’ve seen the difference between someone who arrives with a plan and someone who simply “shows up”, and believe us, it’s night and day.
The good news? With a few simple steps, you’ll be miles ahead of your competition.
Ticket Types and Discounts
The event may only be a week away, but we understand some of you like to leave ticket purchasing to the last minute….
If you’re one of those industry daredevils, still finalising your plans, here’s the ticket lowdown:
- Full Event Pass: When we say full event, we mean full event. You’ll have access to all conference sessions, the exhibition floor, evening networking parties, and unlimited access to the SBC Connect app for just US$200!
- Group Pass: Coming with three or more colleagues? Take advantage of our ‘Group Pass’, and secure a Full Event pass for just US$150 each (that’s a $50 discount per ticket!) Top Tip: To ensure you receive this discount, make sure to purchase all tickets together at once.
- Operator & Affiliate Pass: If you’re an operator or affiliate, you could qualify for a free Full Event pass. No catch, no hidden fees. All you need to do is apply before October 10th. Once your operator or affiliate status is confirmed by our team, you’ll be registered and sent a ticket to your inbox.
Download the SBC Connect App: Your Event Sidekick!
Ever wished you had a friendly guide by your side at events?
With the SBC Connect App, you do!
Think of it as your ‘event sidekick’, helping you connect with the right people, plan your schedule, and make the most of every moment.
Here’s why attendees love it:
- 📋 Attendee & Exhibitor Directory: Browse the full list of companies and exhibitors, then create your own “must-meet” list.
- 🔍 Smart Search: Find the right contacts in seconds so you can focus on building meaningful connections.
- 💬 Private Messaging: Introduce yourself before the event even begins. Start conversations early, break the ice, and walk in with familiar faces.
- 📑 Meeting Planner: Arrange meetings ahead of time and walk into the event with a plan (and a full calendar of opportunities).
- 📚 Conference Agenda: Access the full agenda from your pocket. Star the panels that excite you most and never miss a session.
- 🚨 Live Notifications: Stay in the loop with helpful reminders and real-time updates so you never miss a highlight.
- 📺 On-Demand Content: Revisit the sessions you loved, or catch the ones you missed, and share what you’ve learnt with your team.
If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now’s the time — it’s available on both Android and IOS devices!
Need to Sort Travel and Accommodation? It’s not too late!
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, don’t worry, we’ve partnered with several leading hotels, both near the venue and in the city centre, so you’ll always have a comfortable place to recharge during the event. You may have missed the deadline for exclusive rates, but if you’re yet to book your stay, we still recommend some great hotels!
Recommended Hotels:
- Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace (Event Venue – no travel time required)
- Stamba Hotel Tbilisi – approx. 10–15 minutes by car
- Rooms Hotel Tbilisi – approx. 10–15 minutes by car
- The Telegraph Hotel – approx. 10–15 minutes by car
- Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi City Centre – approx. 12–18 minutes by car
If you intend to go directly to the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace from the airport, thankfully, getting around Tbilisi is refreshingly simple:
- Taxi/Bolt: The quickest option from Tbilisi International Airport, averaging around 15 minutes to the Sheraton Grand.
- Bus 337: A slower but scenic journey, reaching the venue in about 45 minutes.
Explore the Wonders of Tbilisi!
Look, we all know that attending industry events is all about making deals and sparking new ideas.
But let’s be real, beyond business, the most enjoyable part of attending events is travelling to new locations, experiencing local traditions and trying delicious regional cuisine!
And whether you want to experience the culture or let your hair down after a week of deal-making, the city of Tbilisi offers plenty of exciting opportunities for you to experience!
A few local highlights:
- The awe-inspiring Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Mtatsminda Park for panoramic views of the city
- The iconic Chronicle of Georgia Monument
- The legendary Tbilisi Baths, perfect for unwinding
- A night at Fabrika, a buzzing creative hub with bars, food, and late-night vibes
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying khachapuri (cheese bread) and Georgia’s famous wine, they’re worth the trip alone!
Want to discover more? Check out our ‘Top 9 Things to Do in Tbilisi’ blog now!
Conference Content
With 14 sessions packed into just two days, SBC Summit Tbilisi is your front-row seat to everything shaping the Eastern European and Central Asian gambling scene.
Think of it as your chance to dive into the big conversations: from breaking down the latest regulatory twists and turns to discovering how to strike gold with the right athlete partnership. Every session has been carefully crafted to give you that all-important 360° perspective on the industry.
And here’s the best part: whether you’ve been in the game for years or you’re just starting to find your feet, there’s something here to challenge your thinking, and send you home with ideas you can put into action well into 2026 (and beyond).
Here are some notable panels to look out for:
- Eastern European Market Insights: Opportunities & Challenges
- Regulating the Future: Navigating Compliance in iGaming
- The AI Evolution: Personalising Gaming Experiences
- Brick & Beyond: The Role of Land-Based Casinos
- Big Games, Bigger Bets – Sports Broadcasting & Fan Engagement
- The Influence of Sports Icons in Gaming & Entertainment
- Stop Fraud Before It Starts: Smarter KYC for iGaming Operators
View the full conference agenda here.
Industry Experts and a World Cup Winner
They say a panel is only as good as the speakers on it.
So it should come as no surprise that SBC Summit Tbilisi has lined up some of the most influential names in the industry to share their personal experiences, industry insights and outlook on the future of the industry!
Across the two days, you’ll hear from the likes of Dainis Niedra (Chief Operating Officer, Enlabs (Entain)), Giorgi Gvenetadze (CCO, Flutter CEE), Giorgi Nadaraia (CMO, betlive.com), Tom Waterhouse (Chief Investment Officer, Waterhouse VC), Nick Laconico (CEO, Megabet Plus), David Japaridze (CCO, Setanta Sports), Elie Honain (Co-Founder & CEO, NES) and many more!!
And of course, the headline act…
Alessandro Nesta!
Yes, you read that right. The legendary AC Milan defender and 2006 World Cup winner will be taking the stage in Tbilisi across both days! Here is how you can catch him:
- Wednesday, 15 October (11:10 am): Alessandro Nesta will present an exclusive keynote on leadership, resilience, and what football can teach us about the gaming industry.
- Thursday, 16 October (12:00 – 12:40 pm): Nesta will join the panel “The Influence of Sports Icons in Gaming & Entertainment” to explore how gaming companies can collaborate with elite athletes to enhance fan engagement, strengthen brand credibility, and drive meaningful partnerships while maintaining responsible gaming standards.
- Meet & Greet: Grab your chance to meet Nesta in person at the ‘Meet & Greet Zone’ (A29) (sponsored by Smartsoft) on 15 October at 11:45 am
View the full list of speakers here.
The Exhibition Floor: The Heart of the Show
If the conference is the brain of the summit, then the exhibition floor is undoubtedly its beating heart.
Blending fresh ideas with natural deal-making, the exhibition floor is your go-to hub for collaboration and discovery. It will bring you face-to-face with some of the biggest names across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Whether you’re eager to explore the newest platforms, test out tools, or simply see what your competitors are up to, the show floor is buzzing with possibilities.
Even better, it gives you the chance to connect directly with leading operators, suppliers, affiliates, payment providers, and regulatory experts—all under one roof.
Among the exhibitors already confirmed are Betlive, Bilderlings, BSW, ECT Laboratory, Fast Track, InnovaPlay, Optimo, Setanta Sports, Source Code Lab, Sumsub, The Kingdom Bank, Titan Group, and Warmy.io.
Networking Opportunities
Some of the best deals and conversations don’t happen at the booth; they happen over coffee, cocktails, and late-night chats.
That’s why, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to chat on the show floor or ready to spark up a conversation at our dedicated evening networking events, there are plenty of opportunities for you to flex your networking muscles.
Daytime networking facilities include:
- Catering & Refreshment Areas (B10, B30)
- Media & Speaker Lounge (B70)
- SBC Connect Lounge (A27)
Evening events (where the magic happens):
- Opening Party: Wednesday, 15 October, 19:30 – 00:00, at Stamba Hotel
- Closing Party: Thursday, 16 October, 21:00 – 02:00, at Republic Event Hall
View the full event schedule here.
And One Last Thing..
Whether it’s locking in deals, soaking up insights, or grabbing a selfie with Alessandro Nesta, SBC Summit Tbilisi is going to deliver moments you won’t want to miss. Just remember to tag your highlights with #sbcevents so the whole community can follow along.
See you in Tbilisi! Get ready for two days of business, culture, and more than a little fun.
