In just one week, the inaugural SPARK (Software, Payments, Affiliates, Revenue Kickoff) 2026 opens its doors at the Hotel Marinela Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria, on 19 – 20 October.
SPARK 2026 is a premier gathering for the online and offline gaming industry, bringing together operators, affiliates, regulators, payment specialists, marketing leaders and technology innovators. Over two days, the programme covers regional regulation, player acquisition and retention, payment workflows, AI integration and responsible growth. For attendees, the backdrop could not be more relevant. Bulgaria is consulting on sweeping reforms to its gambling rules, with advertising restrictions at the centre, giving SPARK 2026 a live regulatory debate to unpack in Sofia.
Programme Highlights Day One:
- Navigating MiCA: A Legal Roadmap for Crypto & Digital Assets in CEE
Konstantin Mikov (Mikov & Attorneys), will open the programme with a practical look at compliance, AML integration and the legal requirements operators need to meet when adopting digital assets.
- Responsible AI in Marketing: Navigating the EU AI Act Without Killing Performance
Georgi Kanev (Kanev Lukaev Tech Law), Mark McGuinness (CreateFuture) and Martin Georgiev (Flutter Bulgaria) will bring legal, marketing and safer gambling perspectives to how marketers can stay compliant and still deliver results.
- Retail Gaming in a Digital-First World
Robert Brassai (Sense4Gaming) and Robert Stoica (WinBet) will examine how land-based operators are adapting to stay relevant and competitive.
Day Two:
- Turning Strategy into Revenue: What Works in Modern iGaming Operations
Atanas Popivanov (ImperiaBet), Georgi Stoianov (PaymentIQ) and Nikoleta Hristova (Vegas Legends) will bring operator and payments perspectives to what is delivering results in a more demanding market.
- Channelisation, Competition and Tax Yield: Lessons from CEE Licensing Models
In a solo presentation, Olga Polishchuk (iGaming Regulatory Compliance Consultant) will compare how regulatory outcomes have played out across the region and what they mean for market performance and operator strategy.
- Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead: Strategies for Resilient Growth
Hanna Plachkova (The Persona Lab) and Henk Wolff (iGaming Consultant) will wrap up the two days by turning the key SPARK 2026 insights into actionable takeaways for operators and partners across Southeast Europe.
Hear From Top Industry Experts
SPARK 2026 will bring together senior voices from across the industry, including:
- Chrysothemi Valanidou, Founder, Startwise Ltd
- Kristiyan Kyulyunkov, CEO, Websa Ltd
- Nicolo Valchev, Affiliate Marketing Manager, efbet
- Martin Yakimov, Partner, Head of Gambling, Velchev & Co. Law Office
- Nikolay Tonev, CMO, Noreeva Technology Group
…and many more senior voices joining them on stage in Sofia.
Secure a Package Now
With only one week to go, final exhibitor, sponsorship and delegate packages are still available. Register now to join the conversation in Sofia.
19 – 20 October 2026 | Hotel Marinela Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Register here
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