ICE Barcelona 2026 is on track to set new attendance records and will likely highlight more innovation in the gaming industry than ever before. However, many operators continue to struggle with turning technology into sustainable performance, often due to a lack of knowledge rather than access to advanced tools and platforms.
GR8 Tech, an iGaming and sports betting solutions provider, emphasizes that while operators have powerful systems at their disposal, their competitive advantage lies in understanding how to deploy this technology strategically.
At the center of this philosophy is the Acceler8 Lab, a new educational initiative that will debut at ICE as part of GR8 Tech's Champions Club. This three-day program aims to equip experienced operators with practical knowledge on a variety of topics, including sportsbook optimization, casino psychology, AI implementation, crypto payments, and esports strategy.
"Success in this market requires more than access to superior tools; it requires knowing how to deploy them and adjust to any given market, audience, and strategic focus," said Sergey Ghazaryan, GR8 Tech's Chief Revenue Officer. "That’s what Acceler8 Lab delivers: the knowledge that turns good operators into champions."
The Acceler8 Lab sessions will be capped at 12 participants, specifically targeting C-level executives involved in technology and partnership strategy, heads of sportsbook and trading, CRM directors, and senior product managers.
GR8 Tech's approach, reflecting a boxing-inspired campaign, aims to foster an environment of active discussion rather than passive listening. Attendees will be encouraged to engage, challenge assumptions, and bring in their operational experiences.
"We strongly believe in ownership, and that applies to learning too," Ghazaryan added. "When both sides show up prepared to engage, the value increases exponentially."
Industry experts will lead the sessions in collaboration with GOA, combining product expertise with operational training methodologies. Ghazaryan mentioned the involvement of recognized iGaming personalities, including Itsik Akiva, Scott Rowan, Verónica Guerrero, and Rohini Sardana.
The Acceler8 Lab agenda reflects the belief that competitive advantage lies in knowing how to effectively use technology rather than just owning it. As many operators possess similar platforms and capabilities, success is increasingly defined by strategic decision-making, preparation, and continuous learning.
Registration for the Acceler8 Lab is open on a first-come, first-served basis, and with limited capacity, attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early.
Sergey Ghazaryan will also lead a session titled "Growth mindset: Why champions are measuring in multiples, not percentages." In this session, he aims to encourage operators to rethink their strategies regarding ownership, preparation, and partnerships, attributing disparities in growth not to technology but to mindset.
"The difference between those scaling effectively and those lagging isn’t technical – it’s mindset," Ghazaryan explained. His session will address crucial mindset shifts that can help operators unlock revenue opportunities that go well beyond product features.
For those focused on sportsbook differentiation, Vlad Andrusenko, GR8 Tech's head of sportsbook product, will present on capabilities that extend beyond basic features, addressing advanced functionality like instant front-end control and AI-driven segmentation.
Kate Shevchenko, head of CRM product, will explore journey design in her session, "Design your perfect player journey: From first bet to VIP," focusing on the proactive design of player experiences rather than reactive strategies that often fail. She emphasizes that the right CRM tools can transform player journeys into effective retention strategies.
The roster of sessions continues throughout the event, where experts will discuss critical issues facing the industry. GR8 Tech aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application through the Acceler8 Lab, reinforcing their commitment to equipping operators with the frameworks needed to perform at championship levels.
The complete schedule for the Acceler8 Lab includes sessions on sportsbook intelligence, player psychology, AI in iGaming, and more, led by experienced industry professionals over the course of three days. The event represents GR8 Tech's vision of building champions in the iGaming space at ICE Barcelona 2026.
