SBC Summit Rio 2026 attendee guide for Riocentro travel, hotels, badge pickup and networking

Heading to SBC Summit Rio 2026? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

SBC Summit Rio is one of the busiest and most important weeks on the calendar for Brazil’s betting and gaming industry, bringing together operators, affiliates, suppliers, regulators, and decision-makers from across the market.

With so much happening across three packed days of conference, expo, and networking, the key to a great experience is arriving prepared, knowing who you want to meet, and understanding how to navigate the event from the moment you land in Rio.

This guide covers everything you need to know ahead of time:

  • Who’s attending: the types of companies you can expect, plus a reference list from 2025
  • Exhibitors + floor plan: what’s on the show floor, who’s exhibiting, and how to find them quickly
  • Hotels + accommodation support: booking through Via Capi and what to expect on pricing
  • Getting to Riocentro: airport options (GIG vs SDU), travel times, and the easiest ways to get to the venue
  • Badge collection: dates, times, locations, and tips to skip queues
  • Venue navigation: entrances, zones, show floor layout, and the best tools to find your way
  • Networking lounges + meeting spots: where to meet, recharge, and host conversations during the day
  • Food Festival: how it works, where to find it, and what’s included with your pass
  • Conference overview: room-by-room breakdown, key themes, and who should attend what
  • Top sessions to prioritise: Day 1 and Day 2 “don’t miss” picks
  • SBC Connect: how to use the app for meetings, messaging, agenda planning, and floorplan navigation & Outreach Credits (what they are, how many you get, and how to use them effectively)
  • Evening networking events: what’s happening each night and who has access
  • Complimentary shuttle service: the official hotel routes to Rio Beach Club and Riocentro during event week, plus how to use them.
  • On-site help: the fastest ways to get answers during the event
  • Weather + what to pack: a quick checklist for Rio in March
  • Feedback opportunities: how to share your thoughts during and after the event

Who’s attending?

One of the most common (and most important) questions we get is simple: who will be in the room?

While the full attendee list for SBC Summit Rio 2026 won’t be released just yet, as final registrations are still being confirmed, you can already get a clear sense of the calibre of companies involved.

In the meantime, you can explore the full list of 2025 attendees and take a sneak peek at some of the key operators and affiliates expected to be on-site in 2026.

View the 2025 attendee list here.

Some of the OPERATORS in the room include: 1xBet, Aposta Ganha, Bet365, Betano, Betfair, BetMGM Brasil, Betnacional, Betsson, Blaze (exhibiting), Esportes da Sorte (exhibiting), EstrelaBet, KTO, Sportingbet, Superbet, Vaidebet and more.

Some of the AFFILIATES in the room include: 3C Gaming, AdMasters Media, Betpass, Better Collective, Clever Advertising, Eightroom, Flashscore (exhibiting), Gambling Affiliation, Game Lounge, Gentoo Media, Grupo OTG, iGaming.com, MediaTroopers, N365 Group, Odds Scanner, OneFootball, OrtegaTips and more.

The floor plan will also give you a good idea of who’s going to be in a room. Here are some of the brands EXHIBITING: Altenar, Amusnet, BetConstruct, Digitain, EGT Digital, Evolution, GeoComply, Genius Sports, Kambi, Novibet, Optimove, Sofascore, and Wazdan. For the full list, visit the Floor Plan page.

Top tip: Go to SBC Connect and open the Exhibitors tab. From there, you can browse the full exhibitor list and view detailed company information. You can also add exhibitors to your Favourites, making it easy to revisit the companies you want to meet. If you tap on an exhibitor’s stand number, the interactive floor plan will open with their location highlighted, so you can find them quickly on the show floor.

Now that we’ve answered the most important question and you’ve decided to attend, let’s get into the specifics.

Secure the Best Hotel Rates for SBC Summit Rio

We’ve partnered with Via Capi once again this year to ensure our attendees can book their hotels easily, at the best possible rates, with personalised support from our trusted partners so your experience is as stress-free as possible.

You can book your accommodation via Via Capi by visiting this link.

You can filter the available options by price if budget is your main consideration, by proximity if staying close to the venue is your priority, or by accommodation rating (3*, 4*, and 5* hotels are available) if comfort and amenities matter most to you.

What are the prices?

There are plenty of options, so you can choose what fits your budget best. For example, the most affordable option currently available (check-in Monday, 2 March and check-out Friday, 6 March) is R$ 1,482 at DOM Barra Hotel, which is approximately €240. At the higher end, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro (same dates) is R$ 5,826, around €940.

Please note that the prices displayed are inclusive of taxes and fees, so what you see is what you pay, with no hidden extras to worry about.

Top tip: You can contact the Via Capi support team directly via WhatsApp, which makes everything even more convenient.

Good to know – Complimentary shuttle service: Many of our official hotels are connected via complimentary shuttle routes throughout the week, including transport to Rio Beach Club (Opening Party) and the main show (see the “Complimentary Shuttle Service” section below for full routes and timings).

How to Get from the Airport to Riocentro

Rio de Janeiro is served by two main airports: Galeão International (GIG) for most international flights, and Santos Dumont (SDU) for domestic travel.

✈️ From Galeão International Airport (GIG): GIG is about 30–33 km from Riocentro (Barra da Tijuca), and the drive typically takes 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Best option: Uber (or taxi).

The easiest and quickest option is to take Uber or a taxi. Uber is usually much cheaper than traditional taxis, and works perfectly if you want a stress-free ride.

Other ride apps in Rio include 99 and Cabify, but Uber is more than enough if you don’t want to download multiple apps.

Cost: It’s generally not expensive. Last year, I paid R$98 (around €15.80) for this journey.

Public transport: We don’t recommend taking the metro or public transport from GIG to Riocentro because it’s time-consuming and inconvenient, with changes and walking involved, which is not ideal in the Rio heat. There is no direct metro line to Riocentro.

If you still want a budget option, you can take the TransCarioca BRT from GIG to Barra da Tijuca (Alvorada terminal), then connect via taxi/Uber or another BRT route towards Riocentro.

Once you’re in Barra, Riocentro is nearby (around 8–10 km, roughly 10–15 minutes by car).

You can also use BRT line 51 towards Riocentro if you prefer public transport.

✈️ From Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): SDU is centrally located, but it’s still roughly a 25–30 minute drive to Barra da Tijuca and Riocentro by car (traffic depending).

Quick notes: 

  • Traffic: Rio traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time during peak hours (morning and evening).
  • Shuttles: Pre-booked airport transfers can be a great option if you want extra peace of mind after a long flight.

Picking Up Your Badge

The main event days (expo and conference) take place on Wednesday, 4 March and Thursday, 5 March. However, these are not the only days you can collect your badge.

To save time and avoid queues during the busiest hours, we strongly recommend picking up your badge before the main event days if possible.

Here are your badge collection options:

Monday, 2 March

08:00 – 18:00
📍 Lagune Barra Hotel (right next to Riocentro)

Tuesday, 3 March 

Option 1: Early pick-up

08:00 – 18:00
📍 Lagune Barra Hotel (right next to Riocentro)

Option 2: Main registration

10:00 – 16:00
📍 Riocentro – Arts Pavilion (Main Registration)

Option 3: Pick up at the Opening Party

16:00 – 23:00
📍 SBC Summit Rio Opening Party – Rio Beach Club

Important: Badge pick-up at the Opening Party is only available to attendees with access to networking parties. This includes the following pass holders:

  • VIP Event Pass
  • Operator Pass
  • Affiliate Pass
  • Exhibitor Pass
  • Sponsor Pass

Wednesday 4 March & Thursday 5 March (Main Event Days)

08:00 – 18:00
📍 Riocentro (Main Registration Area)

Top tip: If you can, collect your badge on Monday or Tuesday to make the most of your time during the main conference and expo days.

Did you know? If you’re picking up your badge on Wednesday or Thursday during the main event days, you can hop on one of the golf carts running from the Arts Pavilion registration area to the main expo hall. It’s only around a 4-5 minute walk, but Rio is hot and we totally understand the struggle, so we’re happy to give you a lift. Just spot a cart and jump in.

How to locate your ticket confirmation and speed up the badge pickup process?

Minimise waiting time by preparing for registration in advance. To find your ticket, search your inbox for “Registration Confirmation to SBC Summit Rio 2026”. The sender will be “SBC Events.” This email includes your ticket as an attachment, which you can also add to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

When you arrive, simply scan the QR code or barcode at the registration point, and your badge will be printed automatically, without needing to share your details verbally with the registration team.

To make the process even smoother, we recommend locating the email in advance, labelling it, and keeping it ready to open when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Question: Can I pick up my friend’s or colleague’s badge?

Yes, you can. You’re welcome to collect badges on behalf of your colleagues, as long as you can take full responsibility for delivering everything they’ll need.

Please keep in mind:

  • You must hand over both the badge and wristband (if applicable).
  • While badges can be reprinted, wristbands cannot be replaced easily.
  • Without a wristband, your colleague won’t be able to access the evening networking events.

So if you’re able to “deliver the full package,” you’re more than welcome to pick it up for them.

Badges make it easy to identify who you’re here with

Badges at SBC Summit Rio are designed to do more than display your name and company. They also make it easy to see what type of business you represent, so the right people can spot you quickly and start the right conversations.

To keep things simple, we use three badge categories:

  • Yellow/Orange = Operators
  • Purple = Affiliates
  • Blue = Everyone else (mainly suppliers)

✅ Top tip: Need the venue Wi-Fi password? You’ll find it printed directly on your badge.

Also, don’t forget to check the back of your badge. It includes links to the official event app SBC Connect and our event survey. We’ll share more details on both later in this guide.

Navigating the Venue

This is one of our biggest events, so we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure you can get around quickly and confidently, without wasting time getting lost.

The good news is that Riocentro is built for large-scale events. The layout is open, spacious, and easy to follow, with no narrow corridors or confusing pathways. Everything is set out in a simple, square-style format, so navigation is straightforward.

There are three entrances in total, and each one helps you reach different areas faster:

  • Entrance 3 (Left Corner): This entrance takes you directly to the Affiliate Leaders Summit. If you enter here and walk straight ahead, you’ll also reach the Payment Expert Summit on the show floor.
  • Entrances 1 & 2: These entrances take you into the Casino, Sports Betting & iGaming Zone.
  • Finding the Media Headquarters: To reach the Media Headquarters, enter through Entrance 1 and walk straight towards the upper-right corner of the venue.

Want to Speak to the SBC Team? You can find SBC team representatives at Booth A552.

Tools to Help You Find Your Way

To make navigation even easier, you’ll have access to the show floor map in multiple formats:

1) Foldable printed map: Available at registration and at key points around the venue (including near the SBC booth). Perfect if you prefer something physical.

2) Giant venue maps: Large printed maps will be displayed around the venue so you can quickly get a big-picture view of where everything is.

3) Website floor plan: You can view the exhibitor floor plan online here.

4) SBC Connect app (recommended): This is the easiest option if you want to navigate on the go. In the app, you can:

  • browse all exhibitors
  • add exhibitors to your favourites
  • tap a stand number to instantly see its exact location on the floor plan

How to find the floor plan in the app:

  • On mobile: tap More → Floor Plan
  • On desktop: open the left menu → Floor Plan

Understanding the Show Floor: Zones at a Glance

The show floor is organised into three main zones (one core expo zone, plus two dedicated side summits), making it easy to find the right people, products, and conversations fast.

Red Zone: Casino, Betting & iGaming

This is the heart of the main expo floor, bringing together the full commercial and operational ecosystem behind modern gaming. 

You’ll find exhibitors across:

  • operators and technology providers
  • Sportsbook, odds, trading, data and integrity solutions
  • UX and product specialists
  • casino game studios, live casino platforms, and crash games
  • casino technology driving engagement, localisation, and long-term performance

You’ll find exhibitors such as: Amusnet, BetConstruct, Digitain, EGT Digital, Evolution, Kambi, Sportradar and more.

Purple Zone: Affiliate Leaders Summit

This zone showcases the performance marketing ecosystem powering customer acquisition and growth across gaming. 

Expect to meet:

  • operator affiliate programmes
  • affiliate networks and media groups
  • SEO and PPC specialists
  • tracking, attribution, and analytics platforms
  • performance marketing technology providers

You’ll find exhibitors such as: Blaze, Clickadu, Flashscore, MyAffiliates, Novibet, Sofascore and more.

Green Zone: Payment Expert Summit

The green zone is dedicated to the end-to-end payments ecosystem that supports gaming businesses worldwide.

Exhibitors include:

  • payment service providers (PSPs)
  • payment orchestration and routing platforms
  • alternative payment methods (APMs)
  • fraud prevention and risk management tools
  • compliance and verification specialists
  • banking and fintech partners

You’ll find exhibitors such as: Fiserv, Onekey Payments, PayRetailers, Rapyd, SEON, Sumsub, Trio Payments and more.

Toilets and restrooms: where to find them

Restrooms are placed in easy-to-reach locations across the venue. You’ll find Ladies and Gentlemen toilets positioned around the outer edges of the venue, mainly near key access points such as:

  • The main entrances
  • The Mezzanine areas (Mezanino 1, 2, 3 and 4)

This means that no matter where you are on the show floor, the quickest way to find a restroom is simply to head towards the nearest entrance or mezzanine corner, where the facilities are clearly signposted.

Networking Lounges & Social Spaces

With so much happening across the show floor, SBC Summit Rio offers plenty of dedicated lounges and networking areas where you can take a break, grab a drink, and connect with the right people throughout the day. 

From casual coffee meetups and themed bars to sponsor-led networking lounges and food festival areas, these spaces are designed to help you recharge and keep conversations flowing between meetings, sessions, and expo visits.

  • Food Festival & Networking Lounge — A1000
  • Food Festival & Networking Lounge — G10
  • Food Festival & Networking Lounge — A05
  • Food Festival & Networking Lounge — A898
  • Arrival Lounge — A195
  • Speaker Lounge — A950
  • The Infinity Bar — G15
  • Networking Lounge (Sponsored by Stellar Gaming) — A392
  • Affiliate Bar & Lounge (Sponsored by Grupo OTG) — A480
  • Lotus iGaming Networking Lounge — A170
  • Networking Lounge (Sponsored by SOFTSWISS) — A450
  • Networking Bar & Lounge (Sponsored by Atlaslive) — A330
  • SBC Connect Lounge (Sponsored by Games Global) — A500
  • Networking Lounge (Sponsored by Playtech) — A420
  • Coffee Bar & Lounge — A540
  • Coconut & Icecream Bar & Lounge — A294
  • Press Lounge — A501

✅ Top tip: If you’re attending the event but not exhibiting, it can feel stressful figuring out where to host your meetings. Event days are busy and tiring, so having a guaranteed place to sit down can make a big difference. While you now have the full list of lounges available on the show floor, we can’t guarantee that you’ll always find space for your meeting, or that the environment will be quiet enough. What we can guarantee, however, is that if you book your meeting via the SBC Connect app, you’ll be able to hold it in the dedicated lounge at A500. Your table number will be assigned to you automatically when you schedule the meeting through the app.

Food Festival: dining without leaving the venue

Events can be intense. Your schedule fills up quickly, meetings run over, and before you know it, it’s mid-afternoon and you’ve barely had time to eat. That’s exactly why we introduced the Food Festival areas at SBC Summit Rio.

Instead of wasting time leaving the venue, searching for food, and adding extra cost for your company, you’ll be able to grab food and drinks directly on-site, quickly and conveniently, without missing the action. 

To keep things running smoothly, we’ve created multiple Food Festival areas across the venue to help manage queues and make sure you’re never far from a refreshment break. Three areas are located inside the venue, and one is outside, giving you even more flexibility depending on where you are on the show floor.

❗If you’re attending with a Full Access Event Pass, you’ll receive a preloaded card (during badge pickup) that you can use at the Food Festival areas to enjoy food and drinks for free.

This includes:

  • VIP Event Pass
  • Operator Pass
  • Affiliate Pass
  • Exhibitor Pass
  • Sponsor Pass

All other attendees can, of course, still use the Food Festival areas and simply purchase food and drinks using their own card.

Plenty of choice (so you don’t have to compromise):  We know that not everyone wants the same thing, especially during long event days. That’s why the Food Festival areas offer multiple options, including:

  • local favourites
  • healthy choices
  • quick grab-and-go meals
  • vegetarian and allergen-friendly options

So whether you’re sticking to a routine, avoiding certain ingredients, or just trying not to survive on snacks all day, you’ll have plenty of options without having to compromise.

Want a sneak peek? We’ll have 40 food trucks across the venue, so we’re not revealing everything that will be on offer just yet, but here’s a little spoiler alert:

Poke Kuai: Customisable poke bowls with fresh fish and premium proteins.
Boteco Primordial: Classic boteco snacks like pastel, coxinha, fried cassava, and feijoada fritters.
Espetto BBQ: Charcoal-grilled skewers with that smoky, weekend barbecue vibe.
Rock Burguer: Smash burgers and barbecue combos with exclusive sauces.
Hot Dog Koreano: The viral Korean street food sensation with crispy batter and bold toppings.
Oakberry: Premium açaí bowls with customizable toppings and protein add-ons.
Pizza in Box: Italian-style focaccia and thin-crust pizzas with fresh toppings.

Conference Explained

SBC Summit Rio runs three stages across two days, with each conference room hosting a different theme so you can easily plan your schedule and follow the topics most relevant to you. 

Conference Room 1: Leadership Stage (Day 1 & Day 2)

The Leadership Stage brings together regulators, executives, and industry leaders to unpack the realities of Brazil’s newly regulated market, from strategy and operations to taxation, governance, and long-term growth.

Key themes include:

  • high-performance leadership and decision-making under pressure
  • regulation, licensing, and what’s really shaping the market
  • tourism, integrated resorts, and Brazil’s wider entertainment economy
  • arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution
  • the evolving debate around federal, state, and municipal frameworks
  • community impact, grassroots investment, and responsible growth
  • taxation, compliance pressure, and sustainability
  • building trusted brands and scaling betting businesses in Brazil
  • VLT expansion and the move from digital into physical environments

To view the list of sessions on this track, visit: Day 1 | Day 2.

Conference Room 2: Tech Innovation (Wednesday) + Payments (Thursday)

Conference Room 2 is split by day:

Day 1 (Wednesday): Tech Innovation

This stage focuses on the technology powering a newly regulated digital market, and how innovation is reshaping product, compliance, and performance.

Technology topics include:

  • building Brazil’s regulated digital infrastructure
  • verification, certification, and the systems connecting operators, regulators, and labs
  • next-generation casino experiences (crash mechanics, UX, gamification, data-led design)
  • responsible gaming tech and real-time player protection tools
  • integrity and compliance in esports and digital betting environments
  • the 2026 World Cup as the first major tournament in a newly regulated market, and the tech investments needed to convert hype into long-term loyalty

To view the list of sessions on this track, visit the Tech Innovation Conference Page.

Day 2 (Thursday): Payments

Thursday switches to the payments ecosystem, looking at the frameworks, compliance expectations, and partnerships needed to operate smoothly in Brazil.

Payment topics include:

  • integrity, reporting, and institutional cooperation
  • PIX compliance and how to combine UX with regulatory requirements
  • market entry strategy and building local partnerships
  • KYC/AML enforcement and cracking down on money laundering
  • open banking, LGPD privacy, and how innovation meets protection

To view the list of sessions on this track, visit the Payments Conference Page.

Conference Room 3: Affiliate Leaders Summit (Wednesday) + Marketing (Thursday)

Conference Room 3 is also split by day:

Day 1 (Wednesday): Affiliate Leaders Summit

This stage is built around acquisition and performance growth in Brazil, with practical sessions on how the local affiliate ecosystem works and where it’s heading.

Affiliate Leaders Summit topics include:

  • building and sustaining performance culture in high-pressure environments
  • acquisition channel comparison: paid, organic, influencers, WhatsApp, streaming, and more
  • how affiliate partnerships are negotiated in Brazil, and why the local approach is unique
  • what AI and ChatGPT mean for search, traffic, trust, and compliance
  • unlocking value through operator-influencer collaborations across TikTok, Twitch, Instagram and beyond

To view the list of sessions on this track, visit the Affiliate Leaders Summit Conference Page.

Day 2 (Thursday): Marketing

Thursday shifts to marketing strategy in a regulated environment, with a strong focus on compliance, sponsorship, and brand credibility.

Marketing topics include:

  • Brazil’s new marketing rulebook (platform policies and CONAR guidance)
  • governance and integrity in football partnerships
  • why Brazil leads the world in advertising creativity, and how psychology drives engagement
  • the new era of sports sponsorships under stricter regulation
  • authenticity in big-event sponsorship, from stadium deals to cultural moments like Carnival
  • creating value-driven promotions that stay compliant as bonus and incentive rules tighten

To view the list of sessions on this track, visit the Marketing Conference Page.

Speakers worth watching:

  • Chris Kypriotis — Transformation CEO | ex Global VP & CEO, Nike Brazil
  • Daniele Correa Cardoso — Acting Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA)
  • Giovanni Rocco — National Secretary of Sports Betting & Economic Development of Sport, Brazilian Ministry of Sport
  • Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva — Minister, Superior Court of Justice (STJ)
  • Plínio Jorge — President, ANJL
  • Almir Ribeiro — CEO Brazil, BetMGM
  • Cassio Filter — Managing Director, KTO
  • Guilherme Figueiredo — Commercial Director, Kaizen (Betano)
  • Sebastian Salazar — Founder, EstelarBet
  • Ruben Tovmasyan — CEO, VBET Brazil
  • JD Duarte — Chairman, Betcris
  • Dinos Stranomitis — COO, Altenar
  • Fabio Macorin — Subsecretary of Monitoring & Inspection, Ministry of Finance
  • Elaine Kato — Superintendent of Treasury & Labour Business, Serpro
  • Ricardo Saadi — President, COAF (also Federal Police Director of Investigation & Combatting Organised Crime)

To view the entire list of speakers, visit the Speakers Page.

Top 5 Panels you shouldn’t miss (Day 1)

  • Inside the Culture of High Performance
    Conference Room 1 | Wednesday, 4 March | 11:00 – 11:20
    Led by Chris Kypriotis, Transformation CEO and former Global VP & CEO, Nike Brazil.
  • The Making of a Regulated Market
    Conference Room 1 | Wednesday, 4 March | 11:20 – 12:00
    Led by Daniele Correa Cardoso (Acting Secretary of Prizes and Betting, Ministry of Finance), Giovanni Rocco (National Secretary of Sports Betting and Economic Development of Sport, Brazilian Ministry of Sport) and Andre Gelfi (Managing Partner Brazil, Betsson and President, Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável).
  • The Ultimate Collab: Unlocking Value Through Operator-Influencer Collaborations
    Conference Room 3 | Wednesday, 4 March | 4:40 – 5:20 PM
    Led by Aruan Felix, Influencer and Streamer.
  • The Tax Game: Who Plays, Pays
    Conference Room 1 | Wednesday, 4 March | 4:40 – 5:20
    Led by Plínio Jorge (President, ANJL), Hugo Baungartner (Chief Business Officer, Esportes Gaming Brasil), Rafael Marchetti Marcondes (Chief Legal Officer, Rei do Pitaco), Ariel Litvac (Compliance Director, VBET), Alessandra Lewit (Chief of Staff, BETMGM and Director, IBJR).
  • 2026 World Cup: First Kick in a Newly Regulated Market
    Conference Room 2 | Wednesday, 4 March | 4:40 – 5:20
    Led by Bruno Rodrigues (COO, Bet Aki), Maykon Martins (CEO, Tigerbet), Carla Dualib (Business Development Manager, SOFTSWISS), Felipe Costa Nadalini (Account Executive, Optimove), Samuel Vilar Pereira (Head of Sportsbook, UXGroup).

Top 5 Panels you shouldn’t miss (Day 2)

  • Brazil Leaders: Building Brands Brazilians Believe in
    Conference Room 1 | Thursday, 5 March | 11:00 – 11:40
    Led by Almir Ribeiro (CEO Brasil, BetMGM), Marcos Sabiá (CEO, Galera.bet), Cassio Filter (Managing Director, KTO), Guilherme Figueiredo (Commercial Director, Kaizen/Betano).
  • Trust in the Details: Integrity, Reporting and Institutional Cooperation
    Conference Room 2 | Thursday, 5 March | 11:20 – 12:00
    Led by Ricardo Saadi (Federal Police Director & President, COAF), Gabriel Romão (CFO | Head of Finance, Galera Bet), Vinicius Pinho (President, ABC-Bet), Leandro Pamplona (Founding Partner, Bonetti, Krugen & Pamplona Advogados).
  • Breaking Down Brazil’s Marketing Rulebook
    Conference Room 3 | Thursday, 5 March | 11:00 – 11:40
    Led by Danilo Mangini (Meta), Juliana Albuquerque (Vice President, Conar), Leonardo Benites (COO, Propane).
  • PIX in Focus: A Guide to Compliance and UX
    Conference Room 2 | Thursday, 5 March | 12:00 – 12:40
    Led by Roberta Guedes (Director of Financial Compliance, iBetta Bet Compliance LTDA), Rafael Rebelo (Director of Integrity & Compliance, H2 bet), Samer Atassi (VP LATAM, Jumio), Thomas Carvalhaes (CEO & Founder, TC Assessoria & Consultoria & ABRAJOGO).
  • Cracking Down on Money Laundering
    Conference Room 2 | Thursday, 5 March | 3:00 – 3:40
    Led by Karen Cardieri (Legal Lead, VBET Brazil), Erik Domingues (CFO, Stake Brazil), Paulo Gerber (COO, Gamersbank), Kamilla Michiko Yazawa (Chief Compliance & Legal Officer, Vanguard Entretenimento Brasil), Luiz Felipe Maia (Founding Partner, Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados).

Who Has Access to the Conference?

Conference sessions are included with all ticket types, except the Expo Only Pass.
If you hold an Expo Only Pass, you’ll have access to the expo floor only.

✅ Top tip: Missed a session or couldn’t attend in person? No problem; you’ll be able to watch sessions on-demand via SBC Connect, with recordings uploaded a couple of weeks after the event.

SBC Connect

SBC Connect is your go-to tool for planning your days, finding the right people, and getting around the venue without stress. Whether you’re here to network, learn, or do business, the app helps you stay one step ahead.

  • Meeting Planner: Plan your schedule in advance by booking meetings with other delegates before you arrive. On the app, you can mark the times when you’re available, so meeting requests can only be sent for slots you’ve marked as free. Having everything centralised is really handy, as you’ll be able to see all your activities and meetings in one place under “My Event”.
  • Digital Badge (QR Code): Your digital badge makes it easy to share your details instantly with other attendees and exhibitors. Simply show your personal QR code and connect in seconds, without swapping business cards. Just click “Share QR Code”.
  • Advanced Delegate Search: If you’re looking to see whether someone specific is attending, or you want to browse the attendee list with certain criteria in mind, SBC Connect lets you search and filter delegates using multiple filters such as job title, industry, and more, helping you find the right people fast.
  • Private 1:1 Messaging: You can message other delegates directly through SBC Connect using the built-in private chat. You’ll also receive email alerts when you get a new message, so you never miss an important conversation.
    New for 2026: We’ve introduced an outreach credit system, meaning each message you send uses one credit. This helps reduce spam and keeps outreach more relevant and intentional. You’ll find more details on this in a section below.
  • Full List of Companies Attending: If you click on the “More” menu and select “Companies,” you’ll be able to see which companies are represented at the event, along with both the number of delegates attending and their profiles. We know that sometimes it’s not just about whether a company is attending, but who from that company is attending; and this feature makes it easy to find out.
  • Full Exhibitor Directory: Browse all exhibitors in one place, including stand numbers and key company information, so you can prioritise the businesses you want to meet on the expo floor. Each exhibitor also has a short company description in case you’re not familiar with what they do. If you click on the stand number, you’ll be able to see the exact location on the show floor.
  • Full Conference Agenda: Within the app, you can also access the full conference agenda and see exactly which sessions are on. Simply click “Schedule” and then select “Conference Agenda.” From there, you can browse all panels, add sessions to your favourites or calendar, and see who’s speaking. It’s the easiest way to stay on top of every track and session across both event days.
  • On-Demand Session Access: One of the best things about SBC Connect is that even if your schedule is packed and you miss a panel during the event, you can still watch it afterwards. Session recordings will be available on SBC Connect a couple of weeks after the event ends. Please note that this feature is not available with the Expo Only Pass, but it is included with all other pass type.
  • Interactive Floorplan: As mentioned above, the floorplan is built into the app, so you can easily browse exhibitor locations, lounges, and stages while you’re on-site. To access it, tap “More” in the mobile app and select “Floorplan.”
  • Live Alerts & Notifications: We encourage you to enable notifications in the app so you can receive real-time push updates from the SBC team, including important reminders, schedule changes, and on-site announcements. This way, you’ll always stay informed throughout the event.
  • Access to Live Help: Need support while you’re on-site? SBC Connect includes a direct live chat option, making it easy to get assistance quickly if you run into any issues during the event.
  • Favourites: You can create your own personalised event experience by saving the exhibitors you want to visit, the delegates you want to meet, and the sessions you don’t want to miss. Everything you favourite is stored in one easy-to-access list, so you can quickly find what matters most throughout the event.
  • Full Event Schedule (Beyond Expo Hours): SBC Summit Rio isn’t just the expo and conference and there are surrounding event experiences and features that you should be aware about (badge collection times and locations, networking events and parties, key onsite moments and timings). You can access all this info via the event schedule.

The Outreach Credit System

To keep networking meaningful and reduce spam, SBC Connect now uses an Outreach Credit system. Instead of unlimited messaging, each attendee receives a set number of credits (based on ticket type) to start chats and send meeting requests.

Your Outreach Credits are based on your ticket type:

Here’s how it works:

  • VIP Event Pass — 200 credits
  • Operator Pass — 200 credits
  • Affiliate Pass — 200 credits
  • Exhibitor Pass — 200 credits
  • Sponsor Pass — 200 credits
  • Expo+ Pass — 100 credits
  • Expo Only Pass — 0 credits (you cannot initiate chats or meeting requests but you can reply to chats and meeting requests)

Download SBC Connect on your desktop, Apple device or smartphone, check your Outreach Credits, and start planning your outreach.

Credits are only used when you initiate outreach, and they’re returned when the other person replies or confirms your meeting request. If you run out of credits, you can still respond to messages and manage existing conversations, but you won’t be able to start new ones until credits are returned. Your credit balance is always visible in the app, with clear alerts when you’re running low.

Download on App Store. Download on Google Play.

Evening Networking Events

Both Tuesday and Thursday come with their own evening networking events, so your conversations don’t have to end when you step off the expo floor. Let’s take a look at what’s happening each evening.

Who can attend the evening networking events?

Evening networking events are included for all ticket types except:

  • Expo Only
  • Expo+

So, if you’re attending with a VIP Event Pass, Operator, Affiliate, Exhibitor, Sponsor, or similar pass – you’re in (just make sure you bring your wristband).

Important note: the Opening Party is the exception, as it’s also one of the official locations where you can pick up your badge and wristband, unless you’ve already collected it earlier at either Lagune Barra Hotel or the Riocentro Arts Pavilion.

Tuesday, 3 March

SBC Summit Rio Opening Party at Rio Beach Club

4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

We’re kicking things off with an earlier start this year, and it’s for a good reason – there’s a lot happening, and we want you to have enough time to enjoy it all. Here’s what you can expect at the Opening Party:

  • Beach-style games and courts, including volleyball, beach tennis and footvolley.
  • Jet skis for hire (4 available), with a professional driver taking you across the marina
  • A proper Brazilian BBQ served throughout the evening, featuring favourites like: picanha (rump cap steak), linguiça (Brazilian sausage), fraldinha (flank steak), chicken hearts and more.
  • A Havaianas giveaway by Wazdan (first come, first served – 500 pairs available)
  • Shisha available for hire
  • A DJ set
  • And, of course… drinks

And yes – the location really is as stunning as it sounds.

📍 Rio Beach Club
(You can explore the venue details online.)

❗The distance depends on traffic conditions, but normally it’s around a 25-minute ride by taxi or Uber. We will also have shuttles running from our partner hotels to the Opening Party location. Just ask at your hotel reception whether your accommodation is included

Want the full Opening Party breakdown? We’ve also put together a dedicated blog covering everything you need to know about the Opening Party, so make sure you check that out.

And yes, you can collect your badge at the opening party.

Bonus: Rio Poker Tournament (Invite Only)

During the Opening Party, we’ll also be hosting the Rio Poker Tournament, sponsored by ATFX.

🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
⚠️ Invite only (but you can express your interest via the registration link).

Thursday, 5 March

Infinity Rio

If you’ve been to one of our INFINITY parties before, this one doesn’t even need an introduction. And if you haven’t… trust us, you’ll want to catch up. Take a look at last year’s highlights featuring Afrojack and Brazilian duo Dubdogz.

If the Opening Party is all about friendly competition, beach games, BBQ, and relaxed chats by the pool, the Closing INFINITY Party is a completely different beast. This is where you let go of everything you’ve been carrying over the past few days – and take it straight to the dancefloor.

Expect huge energy, next-level stage production, and the kind of atmosphere that feels like your own mini Tomorrowland experience, right in the middle of a business trip.

🕘 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
📍 Riocentro (yes, no travel for this one, which is great news)

Complimentary Shuttle Service to Rio Beach Club (Opening Party)  & Main Show

To make getting around as smooth as possible, SBC Summit Rio attendees will have access to a dedicated shuttle service throughout the week, connecting key official hotels with our main networking and event locations.

Tuesday: Shuttles to Rio Beach Club

On Tuesday, shuttle transportation will be provided for guests heading to the Rio Beach Club with three shuttles running across two routes:

Route 1: Lagune Barra Hotel → Courtyard by Marriott → Venit Barra Hotel → Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro (2 shuttles running).

Route 2: Windsor Marapendi → Windsor Barra (1 shuttle running)

This ensures easy access for attendees staying across all main hotel hubs.

Wednesday & Thursday: Main Show Shuttle Service

For the main show days on Wednesday and Thursday, shuttle operations will expand to four shuttles running continuously across the two primary hotel routes.

Route 1: Courtyard by Marriott → Venit Barra Hotel → Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro (2 shuttles running).

Route 2: Windsor Marapendi → Windsor Barra (2 shuttles running)

Got questions? Here’s the easiest way to get help

If you need support during the event, don’t worry, there are plenty of quick ways to get answers:

  • Start with the website or app: Most common questions (agenda, exhibitors, schedules, key features) are already covered there. It’s worth taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself before you arrive, and you can access the same info anytime through the event app.
  • Pick up the Official Programme at check-in: This is your go-to guide on-site. It includes exhibitor details (stand numbers and contacts), networking lounges, feature areas, sponsors, partners, and the full event timetable, including evening events.
  • Grab a foldable event map: The app is great for navigation, but if you prefer something physical, we also provide a printed map with the full show floor plan.
  • Use the live chat on the website: If you have a question, you can message our Customer Success team directly through the website chat instead of trying to track someone down on the show floor.
  • Follow the signage (and our staff): Look out for floor plans on screens, colour-coded carpets, arrows, and info boards across the venue. SBC staff in branded shirts are always around and happy to help with directions.
  • Ask at the registration desks: Our team at registration is always available if you’re nearby and need quick assistance.
  • Visit the SBC Events stand (A552): You’ll find SBC team members there who can help directly or connect you with the right person.
  • Exhibitors – head to the Exhibitor Helpdesk (B762): If you’re exhibiting and need support from the SBC team or venue staff, this is the best place to go.
  • Speakers: stop by the Speaker Lounge (A950): Located right next to Conference Room 1, this is where speakers can go with any questions about their sessions. Our conference team will also share contact details in advance, so you can reach them easily by phone or WhatsApp.

Useful Links

Event Schedule
Conference Agenda
Floor Plan & Exhibitor List
2025 Attendee List

Weather in Rio + What to Pack

March in Rio means heat, humidity, and the occasional sudden rain shower. Expect warm days, strong sun, and that classic tropical climate, especially if you’re moving between indoor conference spaces and outdoor networking areas.

To stay comfortable throughout the week, here’s a quick checklist:

☀️ Sunscreen (the sun is strong, even if it’s cloudy)
👕 Light, breathable clothing for daytime (linen, linen, linen)
🌦️ Light rain jacket or small umbrella (just in case)
🕶️ Sunglasses for outdoor networking events

And, of course, as per usual:

👟 Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more than you think)
🔋 Portable charger/powerbank (your phone will work overtime)

Conference rooms are air-conditioned, so bringing a light layer for indoors is also a smart move.

Final thoughts

SBC Summit Rio 2026 is shaping up to be a packed, high-energy week, and a little preparation goes a long way.

Use this guide to plan ahead, prioritise the conversations that matter most to you, and navigate the event with confidence once you’re on-site. And remember, not everything needs to be scheduled. Some of the best conversations happen between sessions, on the expo floor, or over a coffee in one of the networking lounges.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rio.

Btw: We place great value on attendee feedback, as it helps us continually refine the experience we deliver. Following the event, we share a comprehensive post-event survey covering key aspects of the programme, venue, content, and overall atmosphere, ensuring every voice can be heard. In addition, we’re keen to connect with attendees in person to capture real-time insights and honest reflections while the experience is still fresh. Guests of all ticket types, sectors, and levels are warmly invited to share their thoughts. Throughout the venue, our Head of Digital Design and Research, Perthenia, will host informal mini-interviews, so be sure to look out for her. Every conversation and response plays an important role in shaping future events, which is why we treat feedback as an essential part of the journey rather than an afterthought.

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