Zona de Azar Portugal – MEO Arena to Host Star Lineup for SBC Lisbon Debut
Portugal.- September 12, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com SBC is gearing up for a show-stopping Super Stage debut at the impressive MEO Arena, one of Europe’s largest indoor sports venues. SBC Summit attendees will have the rare opportunity to hear from legends like Tony Hawk, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Luís Figo, Peter Schmeichel, and Merab Dvalishvili, as well as some of the industry’s most prominent figures, in what promises to be an inspiring event.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “We’ve poured our hearts into curating the Super Stage, bringing together icons who have transformed their passions into global empires to share their incredible journeys. This event means so much to me because it’s about more than just business—it’s about inspiring each other, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the incredible community we’re building together.
“I’m especially excited that this year, we’re opening up access to the Super Stage for all attendees because I believe everyone should have the chance to be part of these powerful moments.”
The Super Stage will feature Tony Hawk, the world’s most famous skateboarder, who will be interviewed by distinguished sports broadcaster Laura Woods. Hawk will recount his journey from skateboarding stardom to building a multi-billion dollar franchise, focusing on the strategic moves and entrepreneurial ventures that shaped his brand.
The MEO Arena will also host Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, discussing how his vision of a globally connected network has transformed information sharing. Sir Tim Berners-Lee will be interviewed by Wondr Nation CEO Anika Howard and explore the potential of private data wallets for privacy, the impact of AI-driven data usage, and the evolving role of the web browser in empowering individuals and organisations.
In another celebrity appearance, Portugal’s football icon Luís Figo will engage in a one-on-one conversation with Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer of Chelsea F.C. Figo’s legendary career includes playing for world-class teams such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, and earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2000. In this session, the star will discuss his journey as a top athlete and share insights on how the worlds of sports, business, and technology are converging.
Legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel will also be featured at the summit, where he will share stories from his time at the top of football. Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, Schmeichel will reflect on his remarkable career, particularly his years with Manchester United, where he secured five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
UFC star and fan favourite Merab Dvalishvili will also be featured in an engaging conversation with Laura Woods. A top contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Dvalishvili is celebrated for his incredible stamina and relentless fighting style, which have helped him rise through the ranks with a series of impressive victories. He will reflect on his journey in mixed martial arts, discuss the discipline and challenges of being an elite fighter, and explore how the sport’s rapid global growth is creating new opportunities in media, sponsorship, and business partnerships.
The Super Stage will also showcase a lineup of industry heavyweights through a series of headliner sessions, presentations, and panel discussions. Attendees can expect deep insights from leading figures as they address the key trends and innovations shaping the future of the industry.
Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl will be interviewed by Laura Woods. Under Koerl’s leadership, Sportradar has emerged as a global leader in sports data, offering cutting-edge solutions for leagues, media outlets, and betting operators. Together, they will delve into how AI and immersive technologies are revolutionising fan engagement and transforming the sports and betting landscape.
A key highlight of the program will be the “Europe Leaders” panel, featuring C-level executives from top European gaming companies. The session will explore how operators are responding to the regulatory challenges across the European market.
Panellists will address strategies for re-organising and working with regulators to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Industry leaders include Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas; Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group; Tom Bowry, Chief Strategy Officer at Flutter Entertainment; Nils Anden, CEO of Kindred Group; and Shimon Akad, COO of Playtech. Paris Smith, Founder of Life Winning, will moderate the session.
Another standout session will focus on the UK market, featuring industry leaders such as Per Widerström, CEO of Evoke; Steve Birch, CCO of Sky Betting & Gaming; Savvas Fellas, Founder & CEO of MrQ; Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO of BoyleSports; and Stuart Simms, Group CEO of FairPlay Sports Media. Moderated by Niki Stephens, Partner at Mishcon de Reya, the panel will delve into the shifting market dynamics driven by international expansion, the potential impact of the upcoming white paper, and evolving trends in safer gambling regulation, while exploring strategies for sustained growth.
In “Sofascore: A Tale of Two Founders,” co-founders Zlatko Hrkać and Ivan Bešlić will take the stage, with Dejan Kosanovic, CMO of Mozzart Bet, moderating the conversation. The duo will explore the future of live-score platforms, key industry shifts, and their vision for Sofascore’s continued success. They will also discuss providing opportunities for emerging players, overcoming data barriers, and sustaining efficient monetisation strategies in an evolving landscape.
Playtech and MGM, who have joined forces to bring the thrill of Las Vegas to players worldwide, will take the stage to discuss their collaboration. Edo Haitin, CEO of Playtech Live, and Christian Stuart, SVP – Head of Interactive at MGM Resorts, will highlight their journey to this innovation, showcasing how their live casino technology redefines the Vegas experience for a digital audience.
The Super Stage also will spotlight emerging markets with a fireside chat on Africa titled “Getting Geo-Specific in Africa: Tailoring Tech for Success.” Featuring Mojabet and GR8 Tech, the session will focus on strategies to thrive in low-bandwidth regions, a major challenge across the continent. The discussion will highlight how Mojabet acquires and retains players through highly tailored solutions, offering key insights into market dynamics, innovative acquisition strategies, and real-world results.
Thursday will open with content from the Women Empowerment Initiative (WE), which aims to build a strong community of women leaders with the backing of groups like AMIG, GGW, ASFEG, WIG Malta, United Women of Tribal Gaming, All in Diversity, SheEOs, and Women in Gaming, African Chapter. The morning will start with an introduction to these supporting organisations, followed by “Words of Wisdom” from female industry leaders offering strategic insights and advice to the audience.
The agenda will then move to sessions on the growing influence of female players in both gaming and gambling, wrapping up with “The Big Question: What’s Next for the Gambling Industry?”—a panel that will explore future trends through the lens of influential women in sports betting, casinos, and affiliation.
Finally, the stage will host a series of Global Market Roundtables offering a comprehensive overview of various regions including North America, LATAM, Southeast Asia, Northern and Southern Europe, DACH, UAE-India, Africa and more.
“I truly believe that what we experience here in Lisbon will resonate far beyond these three days, fueling the future of our industry and the incredible people who drive it forward, ” Sojmark added.
The Super Stage is sponsored by Clever Advertising and GR8 Tech. The Super Stage tracks are sponsored by Growe.
Join SBC Summit at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 24-26, where 25,000 sports betting and iGaming industry professionals will converge for three days of networking and educational sessions led by over 450 senior decision-makers.
Affiliates can apply for a complimentary affiliate pass.
Operators can also apply for a complimentary ticket.
Edited by @pererarte www.zonadeazar.com
