In just three weeks, SPARK (Software, Payments, Affiliates, Revenue Kickoff) 2026 will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, on October 19-20. This inaugural event will highlight the importance of collaboration among operators, affiliates, and providers in the gaming industry, emphasizing that growth cannot solely rely on product development. Bulgaria’s status as a stable market within the EU is making it a strategic hub for gaming operators looking to expand throughout Southeast Europe, and SPARK 2026 is set to lead this charge amid an evolving regulatory landscape.
**Day One | October 19, 2026**
The first day will commence with an opening address titled "Shaping the Future of Gaming in Southeast Europe: Strategy, Technology, and Growth," delivered by Kristof Szucs, Co-Founder and Principal of Kyborg.ai. Following this, a panel discussion will delve into "Retail Gaming in a Digital-First World," focusing on how traditional operators are adapting to remain competitive in an increasingly online environment. Additionally, a fireside chat will address the challenge of "Balancing Compliance and UX in Multi-Jurisdiction Markets," discussing ways to comply with diverse regional regulations while maintaining player satisfaction. The first day’s agenda includes multiple sessions on live operations, revenue growth, and strategies focused on payment-led conversion.
**Day Two | October 20, 2026**
The second day will kick off with a keynote address titled "SEO to AIEO: Transitioning from Ranking Websites to Becoming the Direct Answer in AI Search," presented by Nikolas Monti-Potsolakis, CEO and Founder of Black Lantern Marketing. This will be followed by a panel discussion on "The Affiliate Power Shift: From Traffic Brokers to Strategic Partners," exploring how affiliates can align their strategies more closely with product and revenue goals. A fireside chat on "Regulatory Innovation: Proactive vs Reactive Compliance" will examine how adopting best practices early can provide a competitive edge.
As the summit progresses over the two days, attendees can expect a wealth of insights relevant to the current gaming landscape.
**Insights from Kristiyan Kyulyunkov, CEO of Websa Ltd**
Ahead of the event, Kristiyan Kyulyunkov shared insights on the importance of building media platforms that earn user trust and cater to player needs. He emphasized that at Websa, the aim is to establish their brands as credible sources of information, noting, "Our top priority at Websa is to build our brands as an authoritative and expert source of information for users." Regarding how to cultivate audience trust, Kristiyan stated, "You need to earn the trust of the audience by giving them value, exclusivity and a personal approach."
Looking forward to SPARK 2026, he expressed excitement for discussions on artificial intelligence's integration within gaming and affiliate marketing trends, stating, "I think the trendy topics nowadays are related to the use of AI and the integration of AI into all of the spaces in our lives and businesses."
As the event date approaches, a limited number of packages for exhibitors, sponsorships, and delegates are still available. Stakeholders interested in showcasing products or aligning their brand with this significant gaming summit are encouraged to confirm their participation. SPARK 2026 will take place on October 19-20, 2026, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
