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FORMERLY SEE ITS SUMMIT
Where vision meets value.
Southeast Europe Innovation, Technology and Sourcing Summit
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
October 6 | Sofia, Bulgaria
The Summit in Numbers
  • 300+
    Visitors each year
  • 15+
    Diverse Nations
  • 5
    Past editions
  • 1
    Event to unite us all
Content

The conference will feature:

  • Keynote speeches from industry leaders
  • Panel discussions on emerging trends
  • Hands-on workshops for skill development
  • Exhibitions of cutting-edge products and services
Network

Focused on Southeast Europe, this Summit will:

  • Unite a diverse group, from start-ups to multinational corporations
  • Foster collaboration aimed at driving innovation and growth in the tech sector
SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail 2026
The awards will honor:

  • Top regional performers in the industry
  • Leading investors who have made significant contributions
  • Government bodies recognized for fostering growth in the SEE ITS ecosystem
Founding Organizer
AIBEST (Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services and Technology) is an independent business association dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for the sector of innovative tech companies and forward-looking business services providers. We strive to be a hub for innovation, globally recognized talent, and impactful solutions that drive sustainable growth.
About AIBEST
Check Out Our Previous Edition:
Programme Overview
  • Vision for Southeast Europe’s Digital Future

    Explore bold perspectives shaping the region’s path toward innovation, connectivity, and tech leadership.

  • Leaders on the Frontline of Transformation

    Hear from business executives, city mayors, and ecosystem enablers driving the digital shift in SEE.

  • Innovation & Investment
    in Focus

    A deep dive into how smart capital, public policy, and entrepreneurship fuel sustainable regional growth.

  • Local Authorities as Growth Catalysts

    Discover how cities are positioning themselves as active players in tech-driven economic development.

  • The Future of the Industry & Work

    From nearshoring to AI-driven workflows—uncover how the sourcing industry is evolving across borders.

  • Voices That Shape Tomorrow

    Inspirational interviews with futurists, tech pioneers, and business visionaries reimagining what’s next.

Conference Program
Tuesday, October 6
9:30 - 10:00
9:30 - 10:00
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Arrival, registration, and networking over coffee before the start of the program.
10:00 - 10:15
10:00 - 10:15
Official Opening
Welcome remarks and introduction to the goals of the Summit.

Ivan Vasilev - Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation
Yordan Ginev - AIBEST Chairman
10:15 - 11:00
10:15 - 11:00
Shared vision for Digital Bulgaria
Panel Discussion
Public-sector and business leaders discuss how international expertise can help Bulgaria turn digital transformation into measurable value for citizens and the economy through greater transparency and competition.

Ivan Vasilev - Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation
Thomas Zimmer - Head of EE at DXC Technology
Yordan Ginev - AIBEST Chairman
Ilia Krastev - BRAIT Chairman
Moderated by: Veselin Dimitrov - Editorial Director of Forbes Bulgaria
11:00 - 11:15
11:00 - 11:15
Digitalisation in Southeast Europe: The Human Impact
Report Data Presentation
An overview of digital transformation in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, drawing on a new index to compare access, skills and use of digital services in healthcare, education, public services and the workplace.

Ralitsa Rusinova - Project Lead at SEE Next Insights
11:15 - 12:00
11:15 - 12:00
Two-Speed Europe: Where Does Southeast Europe Stand?
Panel Discussion
An exploration of how geopolitical uncertainty and shifting competitiveness are changing Europe’s investment landscape, with a focus on emerging opportunities in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe and the factors needed to turn investment into long-term growth.

Nikolay Garnev - Country Managing Partner at EY for Bulgaria, N.Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo and South Business Unit Leader for the Europe Central Region
Victor Goussev - Head of Investment and Business development at Invest Sofia
Moderated by: Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva - Executive Director of AIBEST
12:00 - 13:15
12:00 - 13:15
Lunch & Informal Networking
Networking opportunity over a standing lunch.
13:15 - 14:00
13:15 - 14:00
Beyond Delivery: Two Stories of Strategic Innovation from Bulgaria
Panel Discussion
Through two global companies’ experiences, this session explores how Bulgarian teams are moving beyond delivery to build core products, shape technology roadmaps and lead innovation with international impact.

Alexandrina Gindeva - Software Engineering Director at Experian
Minyu Minev - Chief Technology Officer at LucidLink
Moderated by: Veselin Dimitrov - Editorial Director of Forbes Bulgaria
14:00 - 14:30
14:00 - 14:30
Driving Value Through Quality and Innovation
Workshop
A practical workshop on turning quality management in BPO into a proactive source of business value. Participants will explore how technology, actionable insights and human-centred innovation can improve decisions, strengthen client partnerships and create measurable impact beyond traditional performance metrics.

Laura Diaconu - Global Director, QA and Coaching Transformation at TELUS Digital
14:30 - 15:00
14:30 - 15:00
Reinventing Europe's IT Sovereignty: Building the Digital Backbone of the Future
Panel Discussion
This session explores how investment in AI, cloud and digital infrastructure can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. It will also examine how EU rules on data, AI and cybersecurity are shaping digital sovereignty, including their implementation in Bulgaria.

Tsvetomira Hristova – Country Managing Director of Accenture Bulgaria
Veronika Dimova - Senior Legal Consultant at Ernst & Young Law Partnership
Moderated by: Dobroslav Dimitrov - CEO & Co-founder of Raisen Technology
15:00 - 16:00
15:00 - 16:00
From Contact Centers to CONNECTED CARE
Keynote
Explore how HP Inc. is using AI to move customer support from reactive case handling to Connected Care. The session will show how proactive insights, AI assisted agents and connected systems can improve resolution while keeping human expertise and customer trust at the centre.

Jim Foster - Senior Director, Contact Center Strategy, Innovation & Delivery at
HP Inc.
16:00 - 17:00
16:00 - 17:00
Networking Coffee & Closing Conversations
A chance to connect with peers, reflect on the day’s discussions, and explore collaboration opportunities.
17:00 - 19:00
17:00 - 19:00
Free Time
19:00 - 20:00
19:00 - 20:00
Cocktail Welcome Reception
20:00 - 23:00
20:00 - 23:00
SEE FORWARD Awards
A celebratory evening recognizing excellence and innovation, featuring networking, entertainment, and the announcement of winners in nine award categories.
Speakers
Registration
Conference
  • Full access to all conference sessions: keynotes, thematic panels, and workshops
  • Networking opportunities during the Summit
110 €
Ticket
Awards & Cocktail
  • Admission to the SEE FORWARD 2026 Awards Ceremony
  • An elevated cocktail experience with fine bites
  • Entertainment
  • Networking opportunities during the Awards
120 €
Ticket
Become a Partner
  • Brand Visibility and Recognition
    • Positions your brand before a broad, influential audience.
    • Provides substantial exposure through event marketing, social media, and press coverage.
    • Increases brand awareness and recognition within the hi-tech industry and public sector.
  • Networking Opportunities
    • Offers unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders, potential clients, and key figures in the Southeast European ecosystem.
    • Facilitates networking opportunities that can lead to new business partnerships and collaborations.
  • Customized Solutions
    • Our team provides the best solutions for your brand, with both online and on-site options based on your preferences.
    • Allows you to tailor your presence at various stages of the summit, including roundtables, the conference, and the SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail 2026.
Request sponsorship pack and prices
For example, your positioning preferences could include online presence, on-site branding, stage presentations, or a booth during registration and breaks.