In just three weeks, the first edition of SPARK (Software, Payments, Affiliates, Revenue Kickoff) 2026 will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 19 – 20 October. This event underscores the vital connection between growth in gaming and the collaborative efforts of operators, affiliates, and providers shaping the landscape of Southeast Europe.
Bulgaria's solid position as a stable, EU-regulated market makes it a strategic choice for operators looking to expand across Southeast Europe. SPARK 2026 will gather leaders from multiple sectors to navigate the continually evolving regulatory environment.
**Day One | 19 October 2026**
The opening address will focus on "Shaping the Future of Gaming in Southeast Europe: Strategy, Technology, and Growth," delivered by Kristof Szucs, Co-Founder & Principal of Kyborg.ai. A panel discussion on "Retail Gaming in a Digital-First World" will analyze how land-based operators are adapting to remain competitive while a fireside chat titled "Balancing Compliance and UX in Multi-Jurisdiction Markets" will address how to navigate regional regulations without alienating players.
Additional sessions on live operations, revenue growth, and payments-led conversion strategies will round out a full first day.
**Day Two | 20 October 2026**
The second day will feature a keynote address from Nikolas Monti-Potsolakis, CEO & Founder of Black Lantern Marketing, discussing "SEO to AIEO: Transitioning from Ranking Websites to Becoming the Direct Answer in AI Search." A panel titled "The Affiliate Power Shift: From Traffic Brokers to Strategic Partners" will explore how to align affiliate strategies with product and revenue goals, followed by a fireside chat on "Regulatory Innovation: Proactive vs Reactive Compliance," examining the competitive advantage of early adoption of best practices.
With extensive topics scheduled over both days, SPARK 2026 is set to provide valuable insights to its attendees.
**Speaker Insight: Kristiyan Kyulyunkov, CEO, Websa Ltd**
Before the summit, Kristiyan Kyulyunkov shared his views on the importance of scaling media platforms and establishing audience trust. He emphasized Websa's mission to become an authoritative source of information while understanding player needs: "Our top priority at Websa is to build our brands as an authoritative and expert source of information for users. We aim to assist players and provide unique value."
On audience trust and lead quality, Kristiyan advised, "You need to earn the trust of the audience by giving them value, exclusivity, and a personal approach. When users find what they are looking for, many will return to the product."
Kristiyan expressed excitement about topics related to AI and its integration across various sectors, stating, "I am looking forward to debates about affiliate marketing trends and product development amid strong competition."
As the event approaches, limited exhibitor, sponsorship, and delegate packages remain available for those interested in participating in this pivotal gaming summit. SPARK 2026 will unfold from 19 – 20 October 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
