ICE Barcelona’s 2026 slogan is ‘Growing the Power of Play.’ If Novomatic had a similar tagline or slogan for what you hope to achieve at the conference, what would it be?   

For Novomatic, ICE Barcelona 2026 is going to be all about delivering performance with purpose. If we were to express this ambition in a single line, it would be “Winning Technology.” 

This reflects our approach to innovation. We are not developing technology for its own sake, but solutions that are carefully designed, tested and refined to perform reliably across international markets. At ICE, our aim is to demonstrate how world-class cabinet development, best-performing software content and system intelligence are engineered to work seamlessly together, supporting operators with scalable, future-ready performance while enhancing the player experience in a meaningful way. 

Novomatic was key talking point at the last ICE, partly for its memorably gargantuan stand. What can people expect to see this year that they haven’t seen from Novomatic before?   

There is good reason for the emphasis on our stand! Historically, ICE has been and remains Novomatic’s primary global showcase each year. Our stand space is quite notable as it allows us to present the highlights of our extensive portfolio. Visitors can once again expect the latest and most advanced gaming technologies, combined with best-in-class Austrian hospitality. For deeper insight, we warmly invite all visitors to visit us at our stand. It is not an exaggeration to say that Novomatic’s presence at ICE 2026 will be better than ever.  

In what way do Novomatic’s ICE preparations differ from gearing up towards other industry shows? 

For us at Novomatic, ICE is where we define the company’s global strategic direction for the year ahead. Unlike regional or local trade shows, ICE is inherently international in scope, bringing together operators, regulators and partners from all major markets. 

Our preparations therefore begin significantly earlier and involve a much broader level of coordination across the Group. Beyond product readiness, the focus is on global alignment, ensuring that cabinet concepts, content portfolios and system solutions reflect international requirements while remaining adaptable to regional specifics. This is further reinforced by the strong presence of several Novomatic subsidiaries and partners exhibiting alongside the Group, including Novomatic Italia, Novomatic Spain, Novomatic Gaming UK, Löwen Entertainment, Apex and Ainsworth Gaming Technology. Together, this integrated showcase allows us to present a forward-looking portfolio designed to perform across jurisdictions, clearly differentiating ICE from more locally oriented exhibitions.  

If you could pinpoint one offering you are most excited to showcase at the conference, what would it be? 

At ICE, we are showcasing our premium floor proposition as a fully integrated experience, combining top-performing cabinets – led by the Diamond X series – with some of our strongest content, including the internationally acclaimed Xtension Link or the brand-new Vision Link, enhanced by powerful premium signage. Together, these elements form a cohesive solution designed for high-end casino floors. 

We find that this holistic approach illustrates how premium hardware, proven games and standout visual presentation work together to maximise floor impact. It reflects how premium zones are conceived today; not as individual products, but as high-performance environments that drive visibility, engagement and long-term results. That integrated presentation is what excites me most about our appearance at ICE. 

What were your key takeaways from last year’s show and how do you hope to reflect on ICE 2026 at the end of the week?   

One of the key takeaways from ICE last year was the growing demand for clarity and orientation in an increasingly complex market environment. Operators are navigating rapid technological change, regulatory diversity and evolving player expectations, and they are looking for partners who can provide consistency and long-term direction. 

Looking ahead to this year’s conference, our objective is that visitors leave our stand with a clear sense of confidence: Confidence in the performance of our portfolio and in Novomatic as a long-term partner. At the end of the week, we expect to look back knowing that we have provided clear guidance on where the industry is heading – that is what will make ICE 2026 a success for us.