A new chapter in the history of ICE opened yesterday with the major global gaming exhibition welcoming international buyers, thought leaders, and dignitaries to its new home at Fira Gran Via Barcelona. Crowded halls, packed panel sessions, and energetic stands attested to the event’s appeal, confirming its growth in size and scope.
Both ICE and sister show iGB Affiliate are officially sold out, with organizer Clarion Gaming confirming that it is operating a waiting list for 2026. A total of 120,000 square meters show floor are covered by 1,000 exhibitors for this latest show, the first to be staged outside the UK.
“Day 1 of ICE Barcelona has been great. Whenever there is a change in the location of an established show, you would expect there to be a bit of a learning curve, but with this year’s ICE, I have to say that we’ve been very happy with how the first day has gone,” said Thomas Jingoli, executive vice president and COO of Konami Gaming.
The relocation to Fira Gran Via Barcelona has provided Clarion with opportunities to add new features and enhance existing ones. Among the novelties that have caught the attention of attendees is the first ICE Association Assembly, which has been created to enable trade bodies to promote their values and create new opportunities.
Meanwhile, what was previously known as ICE VOX has been rebranded to The World Gaming Forum (WGF). According to Clarion, this new presentation more accurately reflects the credentials of events including the World Regulatory Briefing, the new Casino & Leaders Conference (formerly the ICC), and the new Esports & Games Conference – formerly the Esports Betting Conference.
“The feedback that I’ve received within the industry, including in conversations with some of our competitors, is that everyone has been very pleased with Day 1 of the show. We’re happy with the location of our stand and we’ve seen all the key customers that we need to see. It’s been a strong first day,” stated Tracey Cohen, Director of Marketing at TCS John Huxley.
In addition to hosting an array of activities under the events that make up the forum, the WGF also features an exclusive club-style VIP Lounge, a dedicated networking garden, and access to a range of concierge services.
The World Gaming Forum and the ICE Association Assembly were not the only two novelties opening on the first day of the show. Monday also saw the debut of the rebranded Sustainable Gambling Zone, sponsored by Flutter Entertainment. The dedicated space features 26 safer gambling bodies and underlines the importance that the industry places on sustainability and player protection, notes Clarion.
At its new home of Fira Gran Via, ICE features a skywalk delivering an elevated perspective on the show floor, thus providing visitors with straightforward access to the product zones that they are looking for.
Moreover, in another novelty for the 2025 edition, to help visitors explore the full potential of its flagship event Clarion has invested in ICE AI, an enhanced customer tool that provides information “on everything the expo has to offer.”
The action continues today on day two, Tuesday, with more action at the exhibition floor and a packed events and educational agenda:
- Brazil Now Seminar – From 10:30 – ICE Centre Stage
- ICE Esports Invitational Finals – From 9:00 – Esports Arena
- DEIB Allyship Meet-up #2 Pride – From 16:00 – Pitch ICE Stage
- Pitch ICE – From 11:00 – Pitch ICE Stage
- Tribal Partnerships Seminar – From 13:30 – ICE Centre Stage
- World Regulatory Briefing – From 09:30 – CC5.1
- Launch of ICE Research Institute – From 10:30 – Sustainable Gambling Zone
- Embracing Neurodiversity in Gaming – From 14:15 – Pitch ICE Stage
- IGBA Conference – From 11:00 – Pulse Conference Theatre
- Africa CxO Drinks – From 17:30 – CC4 Delegate Lounge
- Esports & Games Conference – From 09:30 – CC4.1
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/21/92534-historic-ice-barcelona-debut-edition-draws-crowds-on-first-day-new-features-take-center-stage
