E3 returns as a new invite-only event called iicon. But it's no longer just about the games

A little more than a year since the end of E3, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the launch of the Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon), a new event that the organisers say is “designed to connect visionaries, thought leaders and innovators from across industries to harness the power of interactive entertainment”.

Taking place from 27 to 30 April 2026 at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, attendees will have access to keynotes, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities with executives from the entertainment, business, and technology industries. 

E3 was all about the games and hopefully, iicon won’t be lacking in this department. 

According to its announcement, attendees will learn from and engage with industry icons, including leaders from Amazon Games, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft and Warner Bros. Games.

The list of gaming studios looks impressive but while E3 was all about the games, the goals for iicon seem a lot more vague. 

iicon vaguely promises to bring together a broad spectrum of sectors that converge with interactive entertainment, including film, television, music, sports, healthcare, education, finance and more.

Another point against iicon is that if you want to attend, it's by “invitation” only. As Doug Bowser, Chairman of the Board, ESA, puts it, “iicon is bringing together changemakers from across industries to envision how the strengths of the interactive entertainment industry can break entirely new ground.”

The ESA will release more information before iicon arrives to give more details such as the list of speakers, panels, and general information closer to date. 

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