XCity Balkans 2026
Cities of the future
Hotel Rila, Borovets
Organizers
Exclusive media partner
XCity Balkans 2026:
Cities of the future
XCity Balkans 2026 is not just another conference. It is the most significant strategic platform in Southeast Europe dedicated to the evolution of the urban environment. In May 2026, Borovets will become the intellectual core of the Balkans, bringing together visionaries, state leaders and technology giants. Our mission is to transform the concept of the "smart city" from a futuristic idea into a working reality for the region. By sharing experiences, presenting real-world case studies, and building strategic partnerships, XCity 2026 lays the foundation for cleaner, safer, and more efficient cities for future generations.
XCity Balkans 2026:
Cities of the future
XCity Balkans 2026 is not just another conference. It is the most significant strategic platform in Southeast Europe dedicated to the evolution of the urban environment. In June 2026, Sofia will become the intellectual core of the Balkans, bringing together visionaries, state leaders and technology giants. Our mission is to transform the concept of the "smart city" from a futuristic idea into a working reality for the region. By sharing experiences, presenting real-world case studies, and building strategic partnerships, XCity 2026 lays the foundation for cleaner, safer, and more efficient cities for future generations.
Why attend
XCity Balkans 2026?
For Business and Investors
Position your brand among the regional market leaders. Meet with key investors and technology partners to scale your solutions across the Balkan region
For the Public Sector and Municipalities
Exchange first-hand experience with mayors of Balkan cities and experts. Discover working and financially sustainable models for implementing Smart City technologies that improve the lives of citizens
For Innovators and Startups
Pitch your ideas to a high-profile audience and take part in dedicated networking sessions. Find your next big client or partner among the delegates attending.
The first impulse of a larger vision
The Smart Cities Agenda:
Global Issues, Local Solutions
Digital ecosystem and AI governance
Integrating artificial intelligence and Big Data into urban processes to achieve maximum administrative efficiency and automated services for citizens.
Energy Independence and Sustainability
Strategies for carbon neutrality, implementation of renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency in the building stock of cities of the future.
Smart Mobility and Infrastructure
Development of integrated urban transport, autonomous systems and charging networks, optimizing traffic in densely populated areas.
Security and Cyber Protection of the City
Protection of critical urban infrastructure and blockchain technologies to ensure the security of personal data and public assets.
Circular Economy and Resource Management
Innovative systems for waste management, water purification and transforming the urban environment into a self-sustaining system.
The human factor in Smart City
Urban environment design with a focus on quality of life, healthcare, and active citizen participation in governance through digital platforms.
Speakers & Special Guests
Meet leading experts, practitioners and local government representatives who will share innovative ideas and real-world examples of sustainable urban development. We understand that personalities make the event – so expect confirmed names soon.
Angel Dzhorgov
Gergana Boneva
Prof. Desislava Antonova-Petrova
Nevena Stoyanova
Nadya Gogova
Preslav Bobev
Lyubomir Atanasov
Program
*The organizers reserve the right to change the program. XCity Balkans 2026 – “Cities of the Future”
Registration and Welcome
Official representatives of the Government of Bulgaria
Angel Dzhorgov, Mayor of Samokov Municipality
Preslav Bobev, Managing Partner IMG Connect
Nadya Gogova, Publisher and Managing Partner, Enterprise Magazine
Lyubomir Atanasov, Managing Partner RED Group Capital
Panel 1: "Balkan Cities - A Vision for the Cities of the Future"
Guest panelists: Mayors and deputy mayors from Bulgaria and the Balkans, international urban development experts
Coffee break and networking
Panel 2: "Sustainable urban environment and climate"
Guest panelists: representative of JTI Bulgaria, representative of Philip Morris
Gergana Boneva, Corporate Affairs Associate JTI Bŭlgariya
Dilyana Yakova, Manager, Regulatory and Sustainable Development, Philip Morris Bulgaria
Session 2: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, urban climate adaptation
Nevena Stoyanova – Economic and Trade Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hungary
Coffee break and networking
Session 3: Twin cities & digital urban transformation, wider use of AI and detecting cyber threats
Guest panelists: positioning to be announced
Guest panelists: Prof. Desislava Antonova-Petrova, Research Group Lead, PhD, GATE Institute
Case Study Session "Real Projects from Balkan Cities"
Official networking cocktail
Registration and coffee
Panel 1: "Partnerships for Sustainable Urban Development"
Guest panelists: positioning to be announced
Panel 2: Economic development, investment and smart infrastructure
Coffee break and networking
Session 2: Urban Mobility and Infrastructure
Lunch break and networking
Panel 3: "Cities of the Future for People"
Panel 4: “Financing the Cities of the Future”
Balkan Mayors & City Leaders Roundtable
Official closing and announcement of Xcity Balkans 2027 – “Cities of the Future”
Strategic partners
and institutional support
Main sponsor
Sponsor
Strategic partner
Tickets
Standard
- Two-day access
- Coffee breaks
- Networking and exhibition area
€99 / 193.63 lv
excluding VAT
Premium
- Two-day access
- Coffee breaks
- Networking and exhibition area
- Premium Business Cocktail
€169 / 330.54 lv
excluding VAT
Location
Hotel Rila, Borovets
Hotel Rila is an iconic place that provides the perfect atmosphere for innovation and knowledge sharing amidst nature.
- 70 km from Sofia
- Secure parking
- Preferential prices for overnight stays
The digital transformation of the Balkans starts here.
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