The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the launch of the Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon), a first-of-its-kind summit bringing together visionaries and industry leaders to explore the transformative power of interactive entertainment. Taking place April 27-30, 2026, at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, this invitation-only event will unite changemakers shaping the future of entertainment, business, and technology.
“For decades, video games have led the way in technological and cultural innovation,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO, ESA. “With iicon, we are creating a space where visionaries across industries can connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible through interactive entertainment.”
iicon will serve as a premier platform for leaders from film, television, music, sports, healthcare, education, finance, and more to engage in high-level discussions on the influence of gaming and interactive media. The event will feature visionary keynotes, panel discussions, and elite networking opportunities with executives from top companies, including Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Games.
Doug Bowser, Chairman of the ESA Board, emphasized the summit’s potential in fostering cross-industry collaboration. “The Entertainment Software Association and its member companies are among the innovators and leaders shaping the future of culture, business and human connection. It’s a natural role for ESA to host and support an event that fosters an open exchange of new ideas with our peer industry leaders,” he said. “iicon is bringing together changemakers from across industries to envision how the strengths of the interactive entertainment industry can break entirely new ground.”
Executives from top gaming companies echoed the enthusiasm. Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, described iicon as “the ongoing evolution of the interactive entertainment industry and its irrefutable ascendance as the most beloved art form and cultural influence in the world today.” Meanwhile, Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, highlighted the event’s potential for fostering innovation: “We appreciate the ESA establishing iicon as a platform to deepen connections among executives and thought leaders from within gaming, and from a wide range of partner industries. Together, we will collaborate, invent and create – and together we will all grow.”
With the global video game industry projected to exceed $300 billion in revenue by 2027, iicon will explore how gaming’s cutting-edge technology and interactive experiences can shape the future of multiple industries. Those interested in attending or sponsoring iicon can pre-register at iicon.com for updates on speakers, programming, and event access.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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