The SBC Summit North America, like a migratory bird, is heading south.
This year’s event, May 13-15 at the Broward County Convention Center in Florida, has moved from the Meadowlands Expo Center in New Jersey. According to SBC Vice President Marketing, Americas Cristian Robalino, the decision to move was not made without careful consideration.
“We were ultimately limited in our growth trajectory due to the constraints of the space,” Robalino says of the Meadowlands site. “As the event continued to expand, it became clear that we needed a venue that could support our vision for the future.”
The Broward County Convention Center’s 350,000 square feet certainly seems like it can hold a convention or two simultaneously – which it will do. SBC is combining the Summit North America with Summit Latinoamérica.
“Bringing these two summits together creates a powerful platform for cross-regional collaboration and idea-sharing. It allows us to spotlight both the shared challenges and the unique opportunities across North and Latin American markets, giving attendees a more holistic understanding of the landscape,” Robalino says.
“It also reflects a broader industry trend: we’re seeing increased momentum around partnerships and M&A activity, especially between companies looking to scale across borders. This combined summit fosters the kind of connections and conversations that can spark those strategic moves. It’s not just about streamlining, it’s about unlocking greater value for everyone involved.”
Combining the two summits creates something new: “A unified event that brings together the entire Americas region,” Robalino says, adding that it’s an opportunity to connect markets that share touchpoints for suppliers.
“Of course, there’s an element of streamlining, but the goal is really to enhance the experience and not just simplify it,” he says. “By combining summits, we’re able to elevate the content, bring in a broader spectrum of thought leaders, and deliver a richer, more diverse networking environment.”
Among the featured guests scheduled to appear are keynote speakers Ari Borod, Fanatics Betting and Gaming Chief Business Officer, and Apuesta Total CEO Gonzalo Perez. Lori Kalani, appointed DraftKings first Chief Responsible Gaming Officer in 2024, and Estrela Bet Chief Business Officer Fellipe Fraga also are scheduled to speak.
The advantages of holding the summits in Fort Lauderdale are plenty. Robalino notes Fort Lauderdale accessibility to the airport and hotels contributes to a “streamlined experience” for attendees.
“Another key advantage is the region’s growing reputation as a business hub,” Robalino says. “With Miami just down the road, we’re tapping into one of the most dynamic fintech and startup ecosystems in the U.S. Attracting that local audience. Especially for our integrated Payment Expert Summit, it was very much part of our strategy. There’s a rich pool of innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in South Florida, and we’re excited to bring them into the fold alongside our community.
“And hey, who doesn’t love a bit of beach and sun?”
