Barcelona is getting ready to host one of the most important business events on the international calendar: ICE Barcelona 2026. For three days, the Catalan capital will bring together leaders, innovators, and regulators from the gaming industry—both physical and online. ICE is a strategic fair focused on business, networking, and technological innovation.
Companies across the industry—from casinos and betting houses to online operators, tech developers, and regulatory bodies—will attend ICE Barcelona 2026 to stay one step ahead.
If you’re planning to visit ICE Barcelona 2026, this Lugaris article will tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your trip and make the most of this must-attend event.
What is ICE Barcelona and why it’s a unique event
ICE Barcelona is much more than just a trade fair—it’s the world’s leading event for technology applied to the gaming industry. First held in London decades ago as the International Casino Exhibition, ICE has evolved into the global benchmark for the gaming ecosystem, covering every segment of the industry: betting, lotteries, e-sports, land-based and online casinos, social networks, mobile platforms, and more.
ICE Barcelona brings together all the key players in the sector under one roof, creating a meeting point that drives business growth and international collaboration. Major operators and solution providers, disruptive startups, regulators, and industry associations will all take part. The entire gaming value chain is represented.
In addition, ICE offers:
- High-level content on strategy, regulation, and innovation
- Cutting-edge technology applied to gaming
- Unique networking opportunities among global decision-makers
- A space where ideas, business, and real solutions connect
For any company aiming to stay relevant in this constantly evolving industry, ICE is an unmissable event.
Dates and location of ICE Barcelona
ICE Barcelona 2026 will take place from Monday, January 19 to Wednesday, January 21, at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.
Event address:
Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via
Av. Joan Carles I, 64
08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona, Spain)
Opening hours:
- Monday, January 19 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 20 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thanks to its convenient location, Fira Gran Via is well connected to Barcelona–El Prat Airport, the city centre, and L’Hospitalet’s business district.
Activities and experiences at ICE Barcelona
Over three dynamic days, ICE Barcelona will combine a trade exhibition, high-level forums, product launches, and exclusive networking sessions—all designed to share knowledge, foster strategic partnerships, and create real business opportunities.
Here are some of the activities and experiences you won’t want to miss:
Exhibition area
Thousands of square metres of exhibition space will showcase leading technology providers, platforms, hardware, and solutions for the gaming sector. It’s a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations in AI applied to gaming, cybersecurity, smart regulation, immersive experiences, payment solutions, and more.
ICE World Gaming Forum
One of the event’s main highlights: an international summit that brings together more than 1,200 delegates from 79 countries, including CEOs, regulators, ministers, and leading industry associations.
The programme features expert talks, round tables, and debates on:
- Global gaming trends
- New regulatory frameworks
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in the sector
The World Gaming Forum Pass is your key to accessing this exclusive high-level environment.
Networking opportunities
ICE is an event designed for doing business. From scheduled meetings to spontaneous encounters, every aspect of the environment is created to make connections easier. You’ll have the chance to meet with:
- Decision-makers from major operators
- Technology providers
- Scaling startups
- Investors and venture capital firms interested in the gaming sector
Services for exhibitors and sponsors
If you represent a company that provides solutions for the gaming industry, ICE offers multiple ways to participate as an exhibitor or sponsor, gaining visibility before a highly qualified global audience.
Brands that invest in ICE typically achieve:
- New high-value business leads
- International positioning
- Direct access to regulators and key decision-makers
You can request more information about how to take part directly through the event’s official website.
Tickets and prices for ICE Barcelona: how to get them
ICE Barcelona 2026 offers a wide range of passes and tailored packages depending on your professional profile, company type, or desired level of access.
From the free Exhibition Pass, perfect for networking in the exhibition area, to combined packages with access to conferences and specialised workshops—designed for those seeking strategic training and direct contact with industry leaders.
Below, you’ll find some of the available options, their prices, and what each includes. (There are plenty more on the official website!)
Exhibition Pass – Free
- Full access to the exhibition area during all three days (January 19, 20, and 21, 2026)
- Ideal for visiting stands, networking, and discovering the latest technological solutions
- Price: Free (with prior registration)
VIP Pass – €299 + VAT (€361.79 incl. VAT)
- Priority and exclusive access to VIP areas
- Premium networking lounges and rest zones
- Ideal for executives, partners, and sponsors seeking a more comfortable and private experience
Full Conferences – from €425 to €799 + VAT
- Access to full-day themed conferences (depending on sector)
- Reserved seating, exclusive content, and targeted networking opportunities
Half-Day Conferences & Workshops – €425 + VAT (€514.25 incl. VAT)
Half-day sessions focused on practical training and key industry topics. Perfect for those seeking specific expertise or looking to combine several sessions.
Some available options include:
- Lottery Innovation Conference (January 19 – 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.)
- Sports Betting Conference (January 20 – 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.)
- Workshop: iGaming Customer Journey (January 20 – 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.)
- Workshop on Cybercrime and Fraud (January 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
- Workshop on Entering New Markets (January 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
- Workshop on Safer Gaming (January 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Combined Packages: Conference + Workshop
If you want to make the most of ICE Barcelona, you can choose combined packages that include a full-day conference and a specialised workshop. There are plenty of options and prices available, so we recommend checking the official website for full details.
Which one should you choose?
- Just there for networking and meeting providers? Go for the free Exhibition Pass.
- Want VIP access and preferential treatment? Choose the VIP Pass.
- Looking to learn and stay up to date? Opt for a conference or workshop in your area of expertise.
- Seeking complete training and high-level connections? Invest in a combined package.
What to see near ICE Barcelona
If you’re attending ICE Barcelona 2026 and have a few free hours between conferences, workshops, or meetings, the event’s location at Fira Barcelona Gran Via offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, explore the surroundings, and make the most of your stay in the city.
Both around the venue and in nearby areas, you’ll find cultural, gastronomic, and leisure options that are perfect for blending business with pleasure.
Here are some of the top attractions to visit near ICE Barcelona:
- Gran Via 2 Shopping Centre. Just a few minutes from the venue, this mall is perfect for taking a break, grabbing a quick bite, or simply enjoying a stroll. It has shops, restaurants, and services that can be very convenient during the event.
- Parc de Can Buxeres. A green oasis ideal for a relaxing walk after a busy day at work. Perfect if you need to disconnect for a few minutes surrounded by nature.
- Montjuïc. A Barcelona classic, just a short drive or metro ride from the exhibition centre. It offers gardens, museums, a castle, fountains, and some of the city’s best viewpoints—ideal for a free afternoon.
- Central Barcelona. If you’re extending your stay or have more time, you can visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló, Passeig de Gràcia, or Park Güell. They’re must-sees, whether it’s your first time in Barcelona or you’re rediscovering its architectural and cultural treasures.
- Poblenou district. A neighbourhood that blends modernity, tradition, and the sea. Stroll along Rambla del Poblenou, full of charming cafés and local shops; enjoy beaches like Bogatell or Mar Bella for a seaside walk; and explore former factories now turned into cultural centres or creative spaces. At Lugaris, we offer apartments by the beach in Barcelona so you can combine your business trip with moments of relaxation and leisure.
Tips for planning your visit
If you want to make the most of your trip to Barcelona and explore the city, here are a few tips that will help:
- Plan your transport around your ICE schedule to make the best use of your time.
- Public transport from Fira Gran Via is well-connected to the city centre, Montjuïc, and other key areas.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you’re planning to walk around places like Montjuïc or the historic centre.
And if you’re staying longer in the Catalan capital, Lugaris offers medium-stay apartments in Barcelona with everything you need to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Heading to ICE Barcelona? Stay with Lugaris
If you’re planning your trip to ICE Barcelona 2026, make sure to stay somewhere that combines comfort, a strategic location, and professional services.
At Lugaris, we offer fully equipped apartments in one of Barcelona’s most pleasant neighbourhoods: Poblenou. They’re perfect for relaxing after a busy day of networking, meetings, and conferences.
