Alessio Crisantemi: “Do ponto de vista italiano, a ICE Barcelona representou uma expansão, e a IGE Roma representará a consolidação e o rumo a seguir.”

Alessio Crisantemi, fundador da Italian Gaming Expo & Conference, analisa a edição de janeiro da ICE Barcelona sob a ótica da parceria estratégica firmada entre os dois eventos de referência. Ele também antecipa o que os profissionais do setor poderão vivenciar no grande evento de Roma, que acontecerá nos dias 14 e 15 de abril.

ICE 26 was the first concrete representation of the strategic partnership with IGE – how do you evaluate the event and were you satisfied with the representation of the Italian industry in Barcelona?
From our perspective, ICE 26 was much more than a trade show: it was a true “stress test” for the new strategic alignment between ICE and IGE. In my view, it passed.
The Italian industry showed up with maturity, scale and confidence. What impressed me most was not the number of stands or the size of the exhibition, but the quality of the conversations. Italian companies — and the broader Italian delegation — were not there simply to “be present”; they were there to negotiate, expand and position themselves globally.
If I may be slightly provocative, I would say this: through gaming, Italy no longer appears merely as Europe’s “manufacturing engine,” but increasingly positions itself as one of the intellectual drivers of the entire global gaming ecosystem. Barcelona made that clear. Through the collaboration between ICE and IGE, this dimension will be further strengthened and developed — starting with the upcoming IGE Rome edition in April, and becoming even more visible on a broader scale at ICE 2027.

Viewing ICE from the perspective of the Italian industry, what were the highlights of the show?
I would highlight three key aspects.
First, the internationalisation of Italian operators and suppliers. Many are no longer thinking solely in domestic terms; they are actively building cross-border strategies.
Second, the growing centrality of technological integration, artificial intelligence, data intelligence, compliance tools. Italian companies are investing significantly in innovation, and this is reshaping international perception of the sector.
Third, the quality of networking. Barcelona created a more concentrated environment: less dispersion, more targeted meetings. The participation figures of the Italian delegation clearly demonstrate the central role of the Italian industry on the global stage, and Barcelona further underlined the scale of this phenomenon.
Compared to previous editions, I would say ICE 26 was more strategic and more content-driven, focused on the future of business, sustainability and innovation rather than simply on product display.

Being very close to the Italian industry, what were the main talking points arising from ICE ’26, and were Italian professionals satisfied with the Barcelona experience?
The key themes were very clear: regulatory harmonisation across Europe; sustainability of business models under increasing regulatory pressure; consolidation, expected and inevitable; and the evolution of omnichannel strategies.
Italian professionals appreciated Barcelona’s energy and infrastructure. But let’s be honest: today even the events industry is saturated, particularly in gaming. There are arguably too many events in the global and European calendar. As a result, attendees are more pragmatic than ever, they evaluate trade shows based on return on investment.
In this respect, ICE continues to be perhaps unrivalled in terms of cost-benefit value for participants. The overall feedback from the Italian perspective was once again more than positive. However, there is a clear expectation that ICE must continue to evolve. The industry does not reward complacency. On this front, ICE continues to stand out, and the difference, as well as the value, is tangible.
If I may be slightly provocative: trade shows can no longer live off their historical brand legacy. They must generate measurable value. Expectations are higher than ever but ICE is moving in the right direction, especially from the Italian standpoint.

Looking ahead to April’s IGE and Conference, what can attendees expect? What will be the main talking points, what’s new, and why is it a must-attend?
IGE is, by definition, different from other international gaming events. It positions itself as a content-driven event rather than a trade show.
If ICE is global and expansive, IGE is intentionally focused, curated and highly institutional. In Rome, the discussion goes beyond products, it contributes to shaping the regulatory and strategic direction of the Italian market and beyond. It creates direct dialogue between industry, policymakers and regulators, not just among industry stakeholders themselves.
The main topics of this edition will include:
The future of Italian concessions, including the implementation of new online licences and the upcoming tenders for land-based renewals; the fiscal framework and sustainability of the system, responsible gaming and technological enforcement tools, and international investment in the Italian market.
Among the new features this year there will be a more structured conference architecture, stronger direct institutional dialogue, and a clearer bridge between policy and industry. We will also address new ‘hot topics’ in depth, from compliance to new payment solutions as well as a special session dedicated to Affiliates.
IGE is a must-attend event because Italy remains one of the most complex and structured regulated markets in Europe. If you understand Italy, you understand regulated gaming anywhere else. Most importantly, if you are interested in doing business in Italy, this is the only opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of Europe’s largest market.

Do you see the conversations and connections fostered in Barcelona being carried forward in Rome?
Absolutely, but in a different format. Barcelona represented expansion. Rome will represent consolidation and direction.
Many of the strategic discussions initiated at ICE,  partnerships, regulatory positioning, cross-border projects — will find more structured development at IGE, thanks to the direct presence of institutional stakeholders.
In a sense, Barcelona opens the doors. Rome defines the framework. This continuity between global and national dialogue is precisely what makes the ICE–IGE partnership strategic.
Moreover, the presence of Italian regulators and key institutions during the two days of the event will make a significant difference. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) will not only participate in several debates, but will also be present with its own stand and an expanded team. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sovereignty will address horse race betting. The Communications Authority will speak on gaming advertising regulation, alongside many other institutional bodies.
Leading Italian universities — including Luiss, Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi — will also take part, presenting academic studies and market research that will be unveiled in preview in Rome.

Para mais informações: https://italiangamingexpo.com/en/.