ICE sponsors Catalonia's Digital Entertainment Summit ahead of Barcelona relocation

As part of the preparations for its relocation to Barcelona in January 2025, ICE has joined brands active at the intersection of technology and gaming as a lead sponsor of the 2024 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), held in the north of Catalonia on 18th July.

"With a sharp focus on the most advanced technology trends, DES featured representatives from Microsoft, IBM, Casino Barcelona, Zitro, Plain Concepts, Telefonica, Rank Group and Winsystems as well as regulators and academic institutions," ICE officials said.

Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming's Director of Industry Insight and Engagement, said: "This was a unique coming together of brands drawn from the technology, casual gaming, esports and gambling sectors. 

"The gambling industry is one of the fastest adopters of new technology with advances harnessed to improve the customer experience, drive operational excellence and enhance sustainability through the ability to identify potential problem gamblers earlier. Our support of DES reinforced what ICE is, namely a world-leading technology tradeshow."

According to Bakun, ICE's relocation to Barcelona, a city well known for its digital legacy and home to many tech companies, also allows the event to engage with stakeholders who currently operate on the periphery of the sector, but often are its largest technology providers. 

She added: "We want to be respectful of the needs of the Spanish market and have been engaging with various stakeholder groups, including associations and media, to support their activities and to communicate ICE's long-term commitment to its presence in Barcelona.

"Our sponsorship of the Digital Entertainment Summit and the Jdigital Awards a few weeks earlier, is part of a broader program of activities and events which will be announced as we prepare for January's relocation to a city that has innovation and inspiration in its DNA."