TechCONNECT 2026: Bringing Flutter’s Tech Leaders Together to Shape What’s Next

TechCONNECT is about building one global tech community, aligned around a shared vision for what comes next. This global internal event brings together the technology leadership community from across Flutter’s brands and divisions, creating a unique space where ideas are shared, challenges are explored, and the future is shaped together.  

Hosted this year in our Cluj hub, we were proud to bring TechCONNECT to a city with a strong and fast-growing tech ecosystem, further connecting Flutter’s global technology community with the local landscape. 

TechCONNECT 2026 unfolded over three dynamic days, bringing together tech leaders to connect, learn, and align around a shared ambition: building stronger technology foundations and accelerating the Flutter Edge.  

Day 1: Setting the tone through connection 

The event kicked off with a welcome reception hosted at the Betfair Romania Development office, gathering tech leaders in a more informal setting.  

This first day focused on connection, creating the space for meaningful conversations, networking, and building relationships that would set the tone for the days ahead. 

A key highlight of the evening was the external panel, where industry experts joined the conversation, bringing fresh perspectives from outside Flutter and enriching the dialogue with real-world insights, while connecting the global conversation with Cluj’s dynamic tech ecosystem. 

The panel featured: 

• Bogdan Surdea-Blaga, Principal Consultant at VUCAMIX, who brought a governance-first perspective on AI, drawing on over two decades of leadership experience and his work with global technology communities. His contribution centred on how organisations can adopt AI responsibly while maintaining strong governance frameworks. 

• Andrei Roth, VP of Growth at UiPath, who shared insights into AI, automation, and scaling innovation globally. With experience across the startup ecosystem and large tech organisations, he highlighted how agentic AI and automation are reshaping business growth and operational efficiency. 

• Gabi Mocan, CXO at DRUID AI, who focused on the evolution of conversational AI and its impact on customer experience. His perspective emphasised how AI-driven interactions are transforming the way organisations engage with users and build scalable, intelligent services. 

Together, their perspectives sparked valuable discussions around AI, innovation, and the future of technology, complementing internal viewpoints and encouraging participants to think beyond organisational boundaries.  

Day 2: From strategy to deep dives 

The second day marked the transition into focused discussions and strategic alignment, hosted in a conference setting, at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cluj-Napoca. 

Across presentations and sessions, leaders explored key topics shaping the future of technology at Flutter, reinforcing the central theme of the event: AI and the significant shift in how technology is built, scaled and operated across the company. 

The day offered not only insights, but also the opportunity to align around shared priorities and explore how global strategy translates into real impact at team level.  

Beyond the conference sessions, the day continued with a more informal moment designed to strengthen connections. In the evening, participants gathered at ISSA Resort for a networking dinner, followed by an equestrian show, offering a unique local experience. 

This mix of structured conversations and relaxed interaction created the perfect balance, allowing ideas discussed during the day to continue in a different setting, while also giving participants the space to connect on a more personal level. 

Day 3: Turning ideas into action 

The final day of TechCONNECT focused on action and outcomes. 

Through working sessions and collaborative discussions, tech leaders came together to diagnose challenges, pressure-test ideas, and shape clear recommendations aligned to shared tech missions.  

These sessions highlighted the real strength of TechCONNECT: bringing the right people together to move from ideas to execution. 

By the end of the three days, participants had not only exchanged perspectives but also built momentum around concrete next steps, reinforcing a culture of ownership, collaboration, and delivery. 

One community, one direction 

TechCONNECT 2026 once again demonstrated the power of connection at scale. 

Beyond presentations and sessions, the event was a reminder that Flutter’s strength lies in its people; in their ability to collaborate across brands, share expertise, and build together.  

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, bringing leaders together through moments like TechCONNECT ensures that innovation is not just driven locally, but shaped collectively across the entire organisation. 

Welcoming this event to Cluj reflects the journey of our hub – from a single‑brand location to a team delivering value for nine Flutter brands, with the expertise and scale to support a global business. 

Watch the event’s after movie which captured the entire journey and atmosphere.