ICE Barcelona has responded to changing market dynamics by re-focussing the content programme available at the world’s most influential b2b gaming technology event.
Following research and consultation with ICE Barcelona stakeholders, the 2027 edition will see the launch of the WorldGaming Council, an invite-only C-suite Chatham House event capped to 350 attendees and the unveiling of the ICE Conference which will showcase how to turn policy into operational growth with a sharp focus on current business-critical issues facing operators and suppliers.
Explaining the rationale for the reimagining of the content programme , WorldGaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter said: “To ensure that the ICE Barcelona experience delivers a tailored and effective outcome for all attendee profiles, the new content programme is being presented in two distinct formats.
“The exclusive WorldGaming Council, is where legislators, national ministries, regulatory and enforcement authorities, central banks, city and regional governments, C-level operators as well as global sport’s governing bodies, leagues, and major technology and social media platforms can debate the biggest issues facing the industry, in the process setting the policies that will shape the future.
“The dynamic format will move between thought leadership, open debate, boardroom-style strategy sessions, and bilateral meetings, prioritising decision-making and actionable solutions. The Council will play a pivotal role in helping to shape the industry narrative leading to real outcomes.
“Topics include combatting the black market, growing emerging jurisdictions, player protection, sustainable taxation, market integrity, as well as regulating and deploying the use of AI, new technologies and verticals. The Council’s boardroom model and curated workshops are specifically designed to move beyond passive attendance, encouraging participants to commit to actionable outcomes.”
“The ICE Conference will translate the market signals of the WorldGaming Council into actionable insight for operators, technology solution vendors, advisory, legal, consultancy and professional service providers as well as Directors and their teams across commercial strategy, marketing, product, platform and compliance. With the emphasis on peer-to-peer learning delivered via a mix of panels, briefings, case studies, and workshops, the ICE Conference will explore how to turn policy into operational growth dealing with the crucial challenges facing operators and suppliers.”
Reflecting on the reimagined content strategy Stuart Hunter said: “The new proposition that’s being launched at ICE Barcelona in January has been shaped by feedback from the market and informed by real challenges. Our function is to serve the evolving needs of the gaming industry and the WorldGaming Council and the ICE Conference programme have both been designed to reflect the requirements of today’s integrated and diversified operator.
“The gaming industry is continually evolving and in response to the changing dynamics, we have simplified the customer journey courtesy of a single all-access ICE Conference pass with regulator and C-level content available behind an invite-only/paid application-based model operating under Chatham House rules and focused on key personas.”
The ICE Conference will turn policy insights from the Council into practical strategies for operators and suppliers, focusing on peer-to-peer learning through panels, case studies, and workshops
