IICON 2026—the Interactive Innovation Conference—is set to debut as a transformational, invitation-only summit redefining how interactive entertainment shapes industries. Hosted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), it takes place April 27–30, 2026, at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas.

This summit emphasizes cross-industry collaboration over consumer gaming demos—offering visionaries from gaming, entertainment, healthcare, education, finance, and beyond a powerful platform to connect and innovate.

What is IICON?

IICON, officially known as the Interactive Innovation Conference, pioneers a high-level business and thought-leadership platform that explores the transformative power of interactive entertainment. Unlike traditional gaming expos that focus on showcasing consumer games and new releases, IICON brings together leaders from multiple industries—gaming, healthcare, education, entertainment, sports, finance, retail, and more—into one collaborative space.

The conference aims to demonstrate how technologies and concepts from the gaming world—such as immersive virtual environments, real-time interactivity, artificial intelligence, and gamification—can solve real-world challenges across sectors. Organizers showcase examples like using VR to train surgeons, implementing AI-powered learning systems in classrooms, and integrating gamified platforms into corporate training programs.

The ESA keeps IICON an invite-only event to curate a network of industry decision-makers, influential creators, and strategic thinkers. By doing so, they foster high-value collaborations that shape the future of interactivity on a global scale.

IICON 2026 – Location & Host

IICON 2026 will be hosted at the prestigious Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada—a venue renowned for its luxurious amenities, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and ability to host world-class events. Las Vegas, with its unmatched hospitality infrastructure and reputation as a global hub for conventions, provides the perfect backdrop for this high-profile gathering. The city’s strategic location, accessibility, and entertainment options make it an ideal choice for attracting an international audience of top-tier professionals.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA)—best known for organizing the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)—is the driving force behind IICON. This marks a significant evolution in ESA’s event portfolio, shifting from a consumer-centric focus to a more exclusive, industry-driven summit. The ESA’s deep connections across the gaming, technology, and entertainment sectors ensure that IICON will not only attract influential voices but will also create an environment conducive to groundbreaking partnerships and business opportunities.

The decision to hold IICON at the Fontainebleau reflects the ESA’s commitment to providing a premium experience for attendees, combining luxury accommodations, high-tech meeting spaces, and curated networking environments in one central location.

IICON 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)

The inaugural IICON 2026 will run from April 27 to April 30, 2026. This four-day summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, private networking sessions, and hands-on showcases of cutting-edge interactive technologies.

While the official program schedule is yet to be released, the first wave of speaker announcements is expected to begin in late 2025, giving attendees and industry watchers a preview of the influential figures who will shape the conversation. Following this, the formal invitations and registration process for select participants are anticipated to roll out in early 2026, ensuring that attendees have ample time to prepare for travel and participation.

A detailed program agenda, including session timings, speaker bios, and workshop topics, is projected to be published by March 2026. ESA strongly advises interested individuals to register for updates on the official IICON website to stay informed about any changes to the timeline, as this will be a high-demand, invite-only event with limited capacity.

MilestoneDateDetails
IICON 2026 Conference DatesApril 27 – April 30, 2026Four-day summit featuring keynotes, panel discussions, private networking sessions, and hands-on showcases of interactive technologies.
First Wave of Speaker AnnouncementsLate 2025Initial list of influential speakers released, offering a preview of the leaders shaping the event.
Invitations & RegistrationEarly 2026Formal invitations and registration process open for select participants; ample time provided for travel and participation planning.
Full Program Agenda ReleaseMarch 2026Detailed session timings, speaker bios, and workshop topics published.
Stay UpdatedOngoingESA advises registering for updates at iicon.com to receive timely notifications about schedule changes and opportunities.

IICON 2026 – Key Themes & Topics

Interactive Entertainment as a Catalyst Across Industries

IICON 2026 showcases how interactivity transforms industries such as healthcare, education, entertainment, and sports. Speakers present real-world examples like VR-powered surgical training, therapeutic gaming for ADHD and Alzheimer’s patients, and gamified learning systems that enhance classroom engagement.

AI, Virtual Reality, and Immersive Technologies

Industry experts will explore emerging technologies—AI, AR/VR, and real-time platforms—and demonstrate how these innovations extend far beyond traditional gaming. Sessions will reveal how companies deploy these tools to solve complex challenges and create new market opportunities.

Industry Convergence & Business Innovation

IICON 2026 positions gaming as a driver of business innovation across retail, fintech, real estate, sustainability, and even public sector transformation. Presenters will share strategies that blend interactive entertainment with cutting-edge business models to generate measurable impact.

IICON 2026 – Submissions & Participation

IICON 2026 is not open to general submissions or public calls for proposals. It is an invite-only event, curated by ESA, targeting executives, thought leaders, and innovators from diverse sectors.

While specifics on submission processes, speaker proposals, or open calls have not been announced, interested parties are encouraged to sign up for updates via iicon.com for future announcements regarding programming, speakers, and possible participation opportunities.

Speakers & Confirmed Industry Participants

Leadership Voices from ESA:

Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of ESA, and Doug Bowser, ESA Board Chair and CEO of Nintendo of America, both underscore the vision for IICON as a new platform—distinct from E3—for shaping the future through interactivity.

Participant Companies / Industry Giants:

A powerhouse lineup already committed includes:

The summit promises keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions, and workshops—though detailed speaker rosters and session schedules remain forthcoming.

Tips for Prospective Participants