As competition for players across North America continues to intensify, SBC Summit Americas 2026 is set to become a crucial platform for exploring the next evolution of affiliate marketing and player acquisition strategies. With a dedicated North America Marketing & Affiliates track, the event will provide industry stakeholders with actionable insights into navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, this specialised track will feature five in-depth panel discussions bringing together some of the most influential voices in marketing, affiliate strategy, and gaming innovation. The sessions will focus on how operators and affiliates are adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, leveraging emerging technologies, and building long-term, sustainable player relationships.
A Shift Beyond Traditional Affiliate Models
Affiliate marketing within the gaming and betting sector has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. No longer limited to traffic generation, affiliates are now evolving into full-scale marketing brands with distinct voices, identities, and loyal audiences.
Addressing this shift, Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, highlighted the growing complexity of the ecosystem. He noted that affiliates must now navigate multiple channels, platforms, and partnership models simultaneously. From social media engagement and content creation to artificial intelligence and marketing technology (martech), the landscape has become more dynamic than ever.
According to Sojmark, the purpose of this dedicated track is to simplify that complexity and provide clarity on strategies that genuinely drive growth and engagement in today’s competitive market.
Affiliate Leaders Panel: Building Brands, Not Just Traffic
The opening session, titled “Affiliate Leaders Panel: The New Face of Affiliates: Branding, Voice, and Value,” will explore how leading affiliates are redefining their roles in the ecosystem.
Industry leaders such as Brian Christopher (FlipTheSwitch.com), Stuart Simms (FairPlay Sports Media), Manuel Stan (Catena Media), and Zaire Williams (Exclusive) will share their perspectives on building strong affiliate brands. The panel will discuss how personalized content strategies, storytelling, and audience engagement are becoming essential tools for creating loyal communities.
The session will also examine how these developments are reshaping the value affiliates bring to operators, moving from simple acquisition metrics to deeper engagement and lifetime value contributions.
Emerging Channels Reshaping Affiliate Growth
As digital consumption habits shift toward mobile-first and short-form content, affiliates are increasingly turning to new channels to reach audiences. The panel “Beyond the Link: Redefining Affiliate Growth Through Emerging Channels” will focus on how platforms such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts, podcasts, and live streaming are transforming marketing strategies.
Speakers including James White (Hottakes), Caleb Dykema (Vault Sports), Jon Bowden (Playstar), and Bryan Bennett (NorthCo Strategy) will discuss how affiliates are transitioning into content-driven brands and community builders.
This session will highlight the importance of trust, authenticity, and consistent engagement in a crowded digital space. It will also explore how affiliates can create long-term sustainability by building meaningful relationships with their audiences rather than relying solely on short-term traffic spikes.
AI and Martech Driving the Player Journey
One of the most anticipated discussions in the track is “AI, Martech & the Player Journey: Redefining Engagement.” This session will delve into how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming player interaction and marketing efficiency.
Experts including Vasilii Gamov (Peaky Ads), Jeremy Groves (Evenbet), Dan Morrison (Fast Track), and Adrianna Samuels (STX) will break down how AI-powered tools are being used to enhance personalization, optimize marketing spend, and improve overall player experiences.
The panel will also address how strategic investments in martech can help operators gain a competitive edge by delivering more relevant and timely interactions throughout the player lifecycle. From onboarding to retention, AI is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies in the gaming sector.
Expanding Opportunities Across the Americas
In addition to North American insights, the track will also explore opportunities in emerging markets such as Brazil. As regulatory frameworks evolve and new markets open up, affiliates and operators are seeking ways to expand their reach while maintaining compliance and effectiveness.
Sessions will examine how cross-market strategies can be developed, allowing stakeholders to capitalize on growth opportunities beyond traditional territories. This broader perspective is expected to provide valuable guidance for companies aiming to scale their operations across the Americas.
A Comprehensive Industry Gathering
SBC Summit Americas 2026 will take place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 9 to 11, 2026, and is expected to host over 10,000 delegates. The event will bring together professionals from across the United States and Latin America, representing various segments of the betting and gaming industries.
With five stages and two breakout rooms, the summit will cover a wide range of topics, including leadership strategy, sports betting and casino operations, payments and financial technology, regulatory compliance, and player protection.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, participate in high-level discussions, and gain insights into the trends shaping the future of gaming and affiliate marketing.
Driving the Future of Marketing Strategy
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the importance of innovative marketing and affiliate strategies cannot be overstated. The North America Marketing & Affiliates track at SBC Summit Americas aims to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in this rapidly changing environment.
By focusing on brand-building, emerging channels, AI-driven engagement, and cross-market opportunities, the event is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of affiliate marketing across North America and beyond.
For operators, affiliates, and marketing professionals alike, SBC Summit Americas 2026 promises to deliver valuable insights, meaningful connections, and a clear roadmap for success in the next era of digital engagement.
