ICE London and iGB Affiliate Move to Barcelona from 2025

Clarion Gaming is relocating its B2B industry show, ICE, from London to Barcelona starting in 2025 for a five-year agreement with Fira de Barcelona, the city’s trade fair institution. The iGB Affiliate conference will also move to Barcelona. Meanwhile, iGB L!VE will relocate to London in 2025. The decision was made based on Barcelona’s superior facilities, logistics, and ROI opportunities. Alex Pratt, Clarion’s MD, stated the move would create new opportunities for the international gaming industry and give it additional exposure in Barcelona. Equimore will assist in the relocation.

About Clarion Gaming

Clarion Gaming is a key advocate in the gaming and gambling industry, offering insights, live events, and digital platforms to foster commercial opportunities and new market access. With over 20 years of experience, Clarion aims for a sustainable industry future. The company has the following vision:

  • Champions the interests of partners and supports talent across the industry.
  • Supports customers and colleagues to be successful and nurtures dreams.
  • Drives positive change encourages diversity, and promotes progressive gender representation.
  • Constantly seeks new ways to help partners and passionately promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Stands alongside customers and colleagues 365 days a year, sharing knowledge and insights.

Their manifesto pledges stakeholder ROI maximization, diversity promotion, and continuous support for the international gaming community.

The growth that made ICE so big and important

The expo has grown significantly in the last 12 years. This growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of online wagering and the growing adoption of new technologies in the industry.

One of the most popular new technologies at ICE London is virtual reality (VR). VR allows players to experience wagering games in a more immersive way. Another popular new technology at ICE London is live streaming. Live streaming allows players to watch and trade on games as they happen.

Cryptocurrency payments are also becoming increasingly popular at ICE London. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be adopted by online wagering operators, but now many gamblers play with Ethereum as ETH has grown in popularity. Ethereum is seen as a more scalable and efficient cryptocurrency, which makes it a better fit for depositing at online wagering websites.

Reasons for Moving to Barcelona

Clarion Gaming’s Managing Director, Alex Pratt, announced the relocation of the ICE event to Barcelona, citing multiple advantages. These are much more tangible than proving the the existence of the Loch Ness monster. Some of the advantages include Barcelona’s world-class facilities and exceptional hospitality infrastructure, which promise a high-quality experience for attendees.

Furthermore, the city offers logistical benefits and is expected to deliver better return on investment for customers. Pratt also noted Barcelona’s capacity to accommodate the event’s scaling needs, signalling a positive future for ICE in its new location. Here are the top seven benefits of the relocation:

  1. World-Class Facilities: Barcelona offers superior infrastructure suitable for hosting large-scale events.
  2. Outstanding Hospitality: The city’s hospitality sector is noted to be exceptional, aiding in logistics and guest experience.
  3. Favourable Logistics: Barcelona was chosen for its logistical advantages, including location and transportation.
  4. ROI for Customers: The city promises a better Return on Investment for attendees and exhibitors.
  5. Ability to Scale: Barcelona has the capacity to host growing events, proven by the 240,000-square-meter Fira de Barcelona property.
  6. Strategic Alliances: The move will facilitate partnerships between the international gaming industry, Fira de Barcelona, and other stakeholders in Spain.
  7. Exclusive Exposure: ICE and iGB Affiliate will be the only major events happening in Barcelona at that time, ensuring more attention and exposure for the industry.

About the New Venue

Fira de Barcelona is a leading European trade fair organization, contributing over 4.7 billion euros and 35,000 jobs to the local economy. Specializing in industrial and professional sectors, it offers 400,000 sqm of exhibition space and recently added the CCIB venue to its portfolio. The Fira de Barcelona also boasts excellent transportation links. Located conveniently near both the airport and the city center, it offers a variety of options for easy commuting.

The relocation of ICE marks the end of a 12-year relationship with ExCeL London, shifting the event’s setting to the expansive Fira de Barcelona property in Spain. With a massive 240,000-square-meter area, the Fira de Barcelona offers a versatile and accommodating venue that can easily adapt to the varied needs of an international gaming industry event like ICE.

The property of Fira de Barcelona itself is a marvel of modern architecture and facilities management, providing state-of-the-art exhibition halls, breakout rooms, and conference spaces equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. Its layout is designed for easy navigation, ensuring that attendees can move between different sections of the event with minimal hassle.

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