LONDON, U.K. – Following an extensive six-month competitive bid process involving Barcelona, London, Madrid and Paris, Clarion Gaming has announced that from 2025, Barcelona will be the host city partner for ICE and iGB Affiliate. The initial five-year contract covers the period 2025-2029. The first editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate to be held at the 2,583,338 sq. ft. capacity Fira de Barcelona will run on 20-22 January 2025.
The decision was endorsed by the ICE Advisory Board comprising a cross-section of major international brands active in both online and land-based gaming. The selection process, which included an evaluation of more than 30 variables, venue visits, city presentations and detailed negotiations, was conducted by an independent agency with extensive experience in the events and location search space. The process considered all aspects of attending, exhibiting at and organizing the two events.
“I would like to [thank] our panel of global industry stakeholders, who represented all of the key gaming sectors and geographies represented at ICE, for their insight and contributions to the selection process; to the four shortlisted cities for what were highly professional and impressive bids; and to our independent agency for creating and overseeing every detail throughout each stage of the process,” said Alex Pratt, Managing Director at Clarion Gaming.
“This was a complex, customer-led undertaking,” said Pratt. “The successful bid by Barcelona was notable for the scale of its world-class facilities, outstanding hospitality infrastructure, logistics, ROI for our customers and ability to scale. By forging a progressive partnership comprising the international industry, Fira de Barcelona and public and private stakeholders in Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain we have a huge opportunity to create an important legacy for the future.”
