Entertainment Software Association Announces Interactive Innovation Conference 2026
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced its first-ever Interactive Innovation Conference, also known as “iicon”, scheduled for April 27–30, 2026, at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. This invitation-only summit aims to gather influential leaders, visionaries, and creators from varied industries—including music, sports, healthcare, education, film, and television—to examine the evolving impact of interactive entertainment on business and culture.
A Diverse Gathering of Top Innovators
During the four-day event, attendees will experience a series of keynotes, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities with executives and thought leaders at the forefront of entertainment, technology, and business. According to the ESA, the program is designed to foster collaboration and reimagine the future of interactive media. Confirmed exhibitors so far include:
Amazon Games
Disney
Electronic Arts
Epic Games
Nintendo
Square Enix
Microsoft
Take-Two Interactive Software
Ubisoft
Warner Bros. Games
As the event draws closer, the ESA says more exhibitors will be announced, potentially introducing high-profile players from the film and television sectors, as well as innovators in artificial intelligence—an area of growing interest among major game publishers.
Comments from Industry Leaders
Leaders from attending companies are also sharing their excitement. John Heinecke, Chief Publishing Officer at Square Enix Americas, EMEA, and ANZ, remarked:
“Video games have been a major contributor to our global culture by blending entertainment, creating communities, and pushing new technologies. iicon will be an incredible forum where business leaders and innovators can join forces to celebrate our industry’s achievements and to build the future of entertainment together.”
Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of ESA, highlighted:
“For decades, video games have been at the forefront of technological and cultural innovation. With iicon, we are creating a space for visionaries across industries to come together, connect, and reimagine what’s possible through interactive entertainment.”
A Glimpse into the Future of Interactive Media
The event’s central focus is the convergence of interactive entertainment with a broad array of sectors, spotlighting how gaming technologies drive innovation beyond standard video game boundaries. Themes like virtual worlds, cross-media storytelling, and AI-driven experiences are expected to spark discussions among attendees. Those interested in staying up-to-date with iicon announcements, sponsorship details, and exhibitor lists can sign up for updates via the official iicon website.
Which emerging technology or trend would you like to see featured at the iicon conference? Share your thoughts on the key issues you hope industry leaders will address at this upcoming event!
