The European Casino Association (ECA) has backed Clarion Gaming‘s choice of Barcelona as the host city for its ICE and iGB Affiliate events starting in 2025, highlighting its alignment with ECA’s own “commitment to fostering growth and dynamism within the gaming industry.”
Following an extensive six-month bidding process, Clarion Gaming on Tuesday announced that Barcelona will be the host city for the ICE and iGB Affiliate conferences from 2025, while iGB L!VE will relocate to London that year. Barcelona was selected from a four-city shortlist, competing alongside Madrid, Paris and ICE’s long-term home, London.
Last month, Clarion Gaming and ECA announced the extension of their strategic partnership for at least a further 5 years, from 2024 through to 2029. Both parties have been working together in a formal sense since 2008.
In a press release, ECA said Barcelona is the perfect host for the events, citing the city’s world-class facilities and outstanding hospitality infrastructure. The association also expressed excitement about their members’ anticipation to visit the city for the International Casino Conference during the ICE exhibition.
ECA and Clarion Gaming expanded their relationship this year
“We are pleased by Clarion Gaming’s bold decision to continue the ICE show at a new location starting from 2025,” said ECA Chair Erwin van Lambaart. “This move aligns well with our longstanding partnership with Clarion Gaming, which we highly value and believe will further enhance the interests of the European casino industry.”
“Additionally, the ECA looks forward to continued cooperation with Clarion Gaming to assist in developing ICE further, making it even more attractive, innovative, and impactful for all stakeholders involved.”
Originally established in 1999 as an evolution of the Amusement Trades Exhibition (ATE) that dates back to 1936, ICE has evolved from a modest event focused on land-based casino gaming to encompass the rapidly evolving sectors of online gambling, sports betting, and lottery, among others.
The ICE relocation project, run in partnership with event strategy and location specialist Equimore, factored more than 30 variables into its decision-making process. Venue visits, city presentations and detailed negotiations also took place to choose the new host city.
The ICE Advisory Board, comprising a range of international brands active in online and land-based gaming, has endorsed the decision. As a result, ICE will leave its long-term home in London. The move also brings to an end a 12-year tenure at ExCeL London.
