ICE and iGB Affiliate 2025 drive €191m economic impact

• ICE and iGB Affiliate were drivers of a huge economic boon for the Barcelona – Catalonia economy
• Equimore, which surveyed the events’ impact, used an input-output model to measure the specific hit
• The conclusion is that as much as €191m was contributed to the economy through direct, secondary, and induced impacts

ICE and iGB Affiliate 2025 have had a tremendous impact on the local economies in Barcelona and Catalonia, a new study conducted by Equimore and commissioned by Clarion Gaming has indicated.

The study argues that the total economic impact amounts to €191m, with the events supporting 3,100 part-time jobs. The events also drew large crowds from over 186 countries and generated 121,000 overnight stays, the report said, with the average daily spending for non-local attendees amounting to €449.

Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter posted a statement to celebrate the importance of the events and the tremendous impact they have had on the local economy:

"After many successful years in London, we decided to relocate to Barcelona with a clear ambition: to evolve, to grow, and to offer our global community an even greater platform for connection and innovation.

The industry’s experience in Barcelona was shaped by several key factors that made ICE and iGB Affiliate 2025 truly exceptional. World-class exhibitors showcased an outstanding cross-section of global gaming innovation. The Clarion Gaming team, collaborating seamlessly with partners at Fira GranVia, demonstrated why they’re regarded as the best in the business.

The results speak for themselves — a record attendance, exceptional exhibitor engagement, and an impressive €191 million in economic impact for the Barcelona and Catalonia economy, boosted by a large international business audience. We can’t wait to see everyone again in January 2026."

The report looked into how the event also led to the creation of jobs that support the exhibitions and ensure that they can be hosted locally. Equimore estimated the direct impacts, such as "expenditures associated with organising, exhibiting, and attending within the Barcelona - Catalonia economy."

Then, there are the secondary impacts that correspond to the knock-on effect, the study said, that the event had on the Barcelona – Catalonia economy, such as the activity generated by suppliers and service providers.

Last but not least, there were the induced impacts, which measure the activity by consumption as well as the wages of the people who were directly or indirectly involved in the events and their support.

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