NEXT.io and Soft2Bet headline NEXT Summit New York 2026

NEXT.io has confirmed that Soft2Bet will return as Headline Partner for NEXT Summit: New York 2026, marking the third consecutive year of collaboration between the two organisations. The announcement underlines the continued alignment between the global iGaming community platform and the international technology provider at a time when the regulated North American market remains one of the most closely watched jurisdictions in the industry.

Scheduled to take place on 10 to 11 March 2026 at Convene, Brookfield Place in New York City, the Summit has established itself as a prominent US focused gathering for senior decision makers in iGaming and sports betting. Over recent years the event has grown in profile and scale, drawing a curated audience of executives, founders and investors seeking insight into regulation, compliance, commercial strategy and long term value creation.

The renewal of the headline partnership reflects a maturing professional relationship built on strategic alignment rather than short term visibility. Both organisations have indicated that their collaboration is designed to foster substantive dialogue across the regulated gambling ecosystem while maintaining high standards of corporate responsibility and governance.

A leading forum for regulated US iGaming

NEXT Summit: New York has positioned itself as one of the earliest large scale industry meetings in the annual calendar. By convening stakeholders at the beginning of the year, the event provides an opportunity to assess regulatory developments, legislative trends and commercial performance across US states and other regulated markets.

The 2026 edition is expected to welcome more than 1,500 professionals from across the gambling and sports betting value chain. According to organisers, the audience composition remains intentionally senior, with a significant proportion of attendees holding C level or director level roles. This structure is intended to facilitate strategic discussions and decision making rather than purely promotional engagement.

Key agenda themes for 2026 are expected to include regulatory oversight, market entry strategies, mergers and acquisitions, player engagement models, brand trust and sustainable growth in licensed jurisdictions. The focus on regulated environments reflects the continued expansion of state level sports betting frameworks in the United States as well as ongoing developments in online casino regulation.

By situating these discussions within a formal conference setting, the Summit aims to provide a neutral platform for dialogue among operators, suppliers, advisors and policymakers. The organisers have emphasised that the programme is curated to balance commercial insight with legal and compliance considerations, thereby supporting a transparent and responsible industry framework.

Soft2Bet and NEXT.io strengthen long term strategic partnership

The renewed headline partnership underscores the evolution of the relationship between NEXT.io and Soft2Bet over three consecutive years. What initially began as a sponsorship arrangement has developed into a broader strategic collaboration centred on thought leadership and community engagement.

As Headline Partner, Soft2Bet will participate in keynote sessions and panel discussions while supporting networking initiatives designed to facilitate structured interaction among senior stakeholders. The company’s involvement is positioned as a contribution to informed debate rather than a purely branding exercise.

Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer at Soft2Bet, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Summit. With more than two decades of experience in regulated markets and international commercial expansion, Cochrane is expected to address themes relating to sustainable growth and strategic transformation in competitive jurisdictions.

David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet, will participate in a panel discussion focused on evolving player engagement dynamics. His contribution will draw on legal and regulatory expertise, offering perspective on compliance obligations and the balance between innovation and consumer protection.

Pierre Lindh, Co Founder and Managing Director of NEXT.io, commented on the continued collaboration. “Reaching a third year with Soft2Bet as our Partner says a lot about the strength and stability of this relationship,” he said. “We’ve grown together, we’ve scaled together and we share the same belief that meaningful industry progress comes from collaboration, not just visibility. Soft2Bet consistently shows up with insight, ambition and a genuine commitment to moving the industry forward, which is exactly what NEXT Summit: New York stands for.”

Andrew Cochrane also addressed the significance of the renewed agreement. “Our partnership with NEXT.io is built on alignment, not just sponsorship. We share a belief that sustainable growth in regulated markets comes from open dialogue, transparency and collaboration across the ecosystem. Supporting NEXT Summit: New York for a third consecutive year reflects our commitment to contributing to the industry’s long-term development — bringing operators, suppliers and regulators into the same room to exchange insight and raise standards together.”

The statements reflect a shared emphasis on structured cooperation and industry advancement within the boundaries of regulatory compliance.

Commitment to responsible innovation

Soft2Bet is widely recognised within the industry for its technology driven approach to product development. Among its proprietary solutions is the Motivational Engineering Gaming Application, known as MEGA, which is designed to enhance user engagement within regulated frameworks. The company has expanded its presence across multiple licensed markets and has consistently highlighted compliance and responsible gaming as central components of its operational model.

Its continued headline role at NEXT Summit: New York signals a sustained interest in the North American market. While the regulatory landscape in the United States remains fragmented at the state level, it also presents significant long term opportunities for operators and technology providers able to navigate licensing, taxation and consumer protection requirements.

By aligning with NEXT.io, Soft2Bet reinforces its intention to engage with industry stakeholders in a structured forum where commercial innovation can be discussed alongside regulatory obligations. This balanced approach is increasingly regarded as essential for maintaining credibility in regulated jurisdictions.

Expanded programme and emerging verticals

In addition to the core conference agenda, NEXT Summit: New York 2026 will be supported by a dedicated side event titled NEXT Focus: Emerging Verticals. This supplementary programme is expected to explore adjacent growth areas within digital entertainment and betting, offering attendees insight into diversification strategies and evolving consumer preferences.

Organisers have also indicated that networking formats will be further developed to maximise senior level engagement. Structured meetings, curated introductions and targeted discussion sessions are intended to facilitate meaningful connections rather than informal interactions alone.

Such enhancements reflect a broader industry trend toward quality over quantity in professional gatherings. As regulatory scrutiny increases and capital allocation becomes more selective, decision makers are prioritising forums that enable substantive exchange and long term partnership building.

The broader significance for North America

The United States remains one of the most significant growth markets for sports betting and online gambling. Since the repeal of the federal prohibition on sports wagering in 2018, numerous states have introduced regulated frameworks, creating a patchwork of licensing regimes and compliance requirements.

Within this environment, events such as NEXT Summit: New York provide a structured setting in which stakeholders can examine regulatory best practice, technological innovation and responsible marketing standards. The involvement of legal and commercial leaders reflects recognition that sustainable expansion depends on careful navigation of both opportunity and oversight.

The continued partnership between NEXT.io and Soft2Bet can therefore be viewed as part of a wider industry effort to foster stability and transparency. By committing to a multi year collaboration, both organisations signal confidence in the long term trajectory of regulated iGaming in North America.

Conclusion

The confirmation of Soft2Bet as Headline Partner for NEXT Summit: New York 2026 represents more than a routine sponsorship renewal. It highlights the consolidation of a strategic relationship grounded in shared values of collaboration, compliance and informed dialogue.

As the regulated US iGaming market continues to evolve, the importance of structured engagement among operators, suppliers and regulators is likely to intensify. NEXT Summit: New York offers a platform where commercial ambition can be discussed alongside legal responsibility and consumer protection.

Through its sustained involvement, Soft2Bet affirms its commitment to constructive participation in the North American ecosystem. For NEXT.io, the partnership reinforces the Summit’s position as a senior level forum dedicated to advancing meaningful industry conversations.

Together, the two organisations illustrate how long term cooperation can contribute to a more mature, transparent and strategically aligned iGaming sector. As preparations for March 2026 progress, the Summit is poised to remain a focal point for those shaping the future of regulated gambling in the United States and beyond.

FAQs

What is NEXT Summit: New York 2026?
NEXT Summit: New York 2026 is a US focused iGaming and sports betting conference scheduled for 10 to 11 March 2026 in New York City.

Who is the Headline Partner for the 2026 event?
Soft2Bet has been confirmed as the Headline Partner for the third consecutive year.

Where will the event take place?
The Summit will be held at Convene, Brookfield Place in New York City.

How many attendees are expected?
Organisers anticipate more than 1,500 industry professionals with a strong presence of senior executives and founders.

What topics will be covered at the Summit?
Key themes include regulation, market entry, mergers and acquisitions, player engagement, brand trust and sustainable growth in regulated markets.

Who from Soft2Bet will be speaking at the event?
Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer, will deliver a keynote and David Yatom Hay, General Counsel, will join a panel discussion.

What is the purpose of the Soft2Bet and NEXT.io partnership?
The partnership is intended to foster industry dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange within regulated gambling markets.

What is NEXT Focus: Emerging Verticals?
It is a dedicated side event that will explore adjacent growth opportunities and new verticals within digital betting and entertainment.

Why is the US market significant for iGaming companies?
The US market offers long term growth potential through state regulated sports betting and online gambling frameworks.

How does the Summit contribute to industry development?
By bringing together operators, suppliers and regulators, the Summit supports transparent discussion, responsible innovation and strategic alignment.