The European iGaming industry is set for a more exclusive kind of business gathering this October, as NEXT Retreat Europe 2026 brings together 100 senior industry leaders in Cyprus for three days focused on deal-making, strategic discussions and high-level networking.
Taking place from October 12 to 14, 2026, at the Cap St Georges resort in Peyia, Cyprus, the retreat will bring together an equal number of operators and suppliers, with the guest list limited to 50 operators and 50 suppliers.
Unlike the large-scale exhibition model seen at many of Europe’s major iGaming events, NEXT Retreat Europe is built around a deliberately limited attendance model. The organisers say the format is designed to prioritise meaningful business conversations and strategic relationships rather than high-volume networking.
100 industry leaders, one highly curated room
The 2026 edition will be restricted to 100 specially invited delegates, with attendance focused on C-level executives and senior decision-makers.
The 50/50 balance between operators and suppliers is designed to create a direct environment for commercial discussions, partnerships and potential business opportunities.
The event will also operate under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to exchange ideas and industry insights in a more private setting.
For an industry increasingly focused on market expansion, technology, regulation and commercial efficiency, the retreat’s format aims to move conversations away from traditional exhibition-floor meetings and towards more focused executive-level discussions.
From networking to deal-making
NEXT Retreat Europe is positioning itself around a simple premise: fewer attendees, but more meaningful conversations.
The programme combines structured business sessions with dining and networking activities, creating opportunities for executives to continue discussions outside formal conference sessions.
According to the organisers, the retreat is specifically designed around business outcomes, with every session and interaction intended to support commercial and strategic conversations.
The event’s attendee profile is expected to make it particularly relevant for companies looking to establish new operator relationships, explore market-entry opportunities or discuss partnerships directly with senior decision-makers.
A different format for Europe’s iGaming calendar
NEXT Retreat Europe arrives shortly after the major September iGaming events and offers a very different proposition from the industry’s traditional trade shows.
There will be no large exhibition floor or mass-market conference environment. Instead, the retreat will bring its selected participants together at a single resort, combining business discussions with private networking and shared experiences.
The location itself will play a role in the format. Cap St Georges, located in Peyia on Cyprus’ Mediterranean coast, will host the three-day gathering and provide the setting for both the formal programme and networking activities.
The event’s 2025 attendee list included executives and companies such as Entain, Superbet, MaxBet, Novibet, Pinnacle, Soft2Bet, BoyleSports and Mozzart Bet, highlighting the senior operator and supplier profile that NEXT Retreat has attracted.
When is NEXT Retreat Europe 2026?
NEXT Retreat Europe 2026 will take place from October 12 to 14 at Cap St Georges in Peyia, Cyprus.
With attendance capped at 100 industry leaders and an equal split between operators and suppliers, the retreat is set to offer one of the more concentrated networking and business-development formats on the European iGaming calendar this autumn.
For executives looking beyond traditional trade shows, NEXT Retreat Europe could provide an opportunity to have more direct conversations with potential partners — and potentially turn those conversations into new commercial relationships.