This blog post spotlights the firsthand experiences of executives present at the 2023 edition of SBC Summit North America, emphasizing the event’s pivotal role as a networking hub and a catalyst for nurturing relationships. Furthermore, it explores the profound impact of successful networking at the summit, while also providing a glimpse into what delegates can expect from SBC Summit North America 2024.
“Honestly the networking events that SBC curates, the locations you do, the way you have created this all-inclusive package, I don’t think I have ever been to another event quite like it.”
A statement from Sean Topchi, Director of Business Development at Kinectify, an AML platform designed for gaming, summarizing his insights around the networking opportunities available at SBC events perfectly.
For anyone operating within the sports betting and iGaming industry, you will know just how competitive the landscape is. There are a myriad of marketing strategies, innovative technologies and partnerships that can help gain an edge over your competitors, but none of this can be achieved unless you have a strong network of industry peers at your side.
If networking holds the key to success, how do SBC events offer the perfect platform? Can’t this level of connection simply be achieved online? And is this something that can only be fully utilized by those operating within the same region?
With these questions in mind, today’s blog is dedicated entirely to the power of networking at SBC Summit North America – the leading iGaming & sports betting event in North America.
This blog post will delve into:
- How SBC North America brings together every facet of the industry
- How focused networking events improve your networking opportunities
- How networking can benefit international companies
CENTRALIZING YOUR NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
There is an old saying ‘Bigger is better’, and although at SBC we are always looking for the most effective ways to expand our events, we also recognize the value in seamless networking, personal and organic interactions and the power of a good handshake.
A sentiment Max Bichsel, Vice President of Gambling.com agrees with:
As Max states, the trick to successfully forging business connections is your ability to access the right people. SBC prides itself on its ability to centralize like-minded individuals in the same place, at the same time, so you can do that all-important meet and greet whilst also having a great time. This is why each day of SBC Summit North America concludes with a single evening networking event, offering delegates maximum networking potential.
Topchi echoes the importance placed on being able to access leads in one place:
“You don’t have people going to different areas where you have to hunt people down across 25 parties. Everyone is in the same place, so at that point, it’s on you to build the relationship. We have found that it’s been really successful so far.”
Dedicated evening networking events are not the only opportunity delegates have to establish meaningful connections.
Cassie Brickman, Chief Executive Officer at Betting Hero, recognizes the power of the exhibition floor as well as networking parties.
“The organic networking that happens on the exhibition floor has been phenomenal. We were able to coordinate a lot of planned networking, and we were able to accomplish a lot of business and collectively, continue to move the industry forward.”
The 2024 edition of SBC North America will once again contain a variety of networking facilities located on the exhibition floor, as well as industry-specific networking meet-ups.
- Global Gaming Women Meet-Up Breakfast
- African Americans In Gaming Networking Meet-Up
- Tribal Gaming Breakfast Meet-Up
SBC SUMMIT NORTH AMERICA: CROSS-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
So, you’re wandering through the pre-registration networking party looking to establish your first networking opportunity. But who is in attendance? Is it only suppliers and a few operators?
The beauty of attending SBC Summit North America is that, both on the exhibition floor and at the networking parties, there is an abundance of representatives from every corner of the industry, ensuring you can maximize your networking capabilities.
Discussing the variety of industry contacts, Max Bichsel went on to say:
“It’s not only networking with people in the industry but now you have geo-location services and payment services, which are not exclusive to gambling necessarily. There are a lot of new market entrants, whether that’s representatives from capital markets, banks or financers, there are all sorts of different types of groups being represented here.
But that is not all. With regulation continuing to be such a prominent talking point for delegates, SBC has worked extensively over the past two years to bring in top regulators and lawyers with the purpose of aiding delegates in seamless market entry.
Sean Topchi further reflected:
“It’s the fact you have everyone here, so we are having conversations with the regulators and it’s creating such an incredible, collaborative environment.”
A BRAVE NEW WORLD: HOW NETWORKING CAN HELP YOU CROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
So we have established the importance of networking, having a wide array of representatives and how SBC’s intimate gathering allows for organic and free-flowing conversations.
Such opportunities can become even more imperative to chase when you’re not based in the US, but have a lot of partners or potential interest in the country. Something like this?
Here is what Adam Fiske, Chief Executive Office of the Australian-based supplier, Cipher Sports Technology Group, has to say about attending SBC Summit North America:
“Since we first attended an SBC Summit North America in 2021 from Australia, this event has been really important for our business. We had made a lot of connections online through the pandemic, and it was an opportunity for us to solidify and grow these relationships in person.”
SBC Summit North America stands as the prime opportunity to solidify your position within the North American market with face-to-face encounters. Whether you’re an established regional player or an international brand aiming to cement your presence or establish crucial initial connections, this event opens doors to a wealth of valuable networking opportunities.
Christian Barbosa, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Gambling for the Latin American company Futbol Sites shares the unique value gained from attending SBC Summit North America:
“In terms of networking, SBC Summit North America has been a game changer for us. In just one trip you meet the best decision-makers, clients and partners. If we didn’t have SBC Summit North America, we would have to come to the US countless times in a year, and have countless meetings. Attending SBC Summit North America pretty much puts us ahead of the competition in Latin America.”
As Barbosa goes on to say, the strategic location of SBC Summit North America also ensures an environment in which you can bolster your relations and collaborate on a global scale, providing the perfect location to connect with those operating in Europe, Canada, Brazil and South America.
“We are in an emerging market (LATAM), so we are kind of far away from most clients, so this has made it simple and to be honest, crucial for us to attend.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The networking facilities at SBC Summit North America are an invaluable platform for those aiming to forge new connections or enhance their footprint in the North American market.
Whether you’re based in North America or an international brand seeking to enter or enhance operations in the region, the networking events’ streamlined approach, ensures a seamless networking experience for delegates. Moreover, the diverse array of representatives on offer will provide delegates with access to every corner of the industry and beyond, ensuring that everyone can find networking opportunities that align with their specific goals.
If you are interested in gaining access to untold networking opportunities at SBC Summit North America 2024, for a limited time only you can purchase your Super Early Bird ticket giving you access to the full event for the small price of $695. Grab your tickets here.
If you are an operator, you can apply for your free pass here!
Affiliates can also submit an application for a complimentary ticket here.