Former E3 organizers Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the launch of the Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon), a first-of-its-kind event designed to connect visionaries, thought leaders and innovators from across industries to harness the power of interactive entertainment.

It will take place from 27 to 30 April 2026 at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, where attendees will gain exclusive access to visionary keynotes, engaging discussions and workshops, and elite networking opportunities with executives shaping the future of entertainment, business and technology. iicon promises to bring together a broad spectrum of sectors that converge with interactive entertainment, including film, television and music, as well as sports, healthcare, education, finance and more.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO, ESA, said:

“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.”

Doug Bowser, Chairman of the Board, ESA, said:

“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. iicon is bringing together changemakers from across industries to envision how the strengths of the interactive entertainment industry can break entirely new ground.”

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.

Christoph Hartmann, Vice President, Amazon Games, said:

“The games industry is constantly evolving, and the intersection with other disciplines is more pronounced than ever before. iicon will bring together some of the brightest minds from the games industry to navigate present challenges and harness the opportunities ahead. Amazon Games is proud to contribute to this new endeavor.”

John Heinecke, Chief Publishing Officer, Square Enix Americas, EMEA and ANZ, said:

“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.”

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, said:

“Take-Two Interactive is a long-standing member and proud supporter of ESA. iicon represents 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. We look forward to participating in this event and convening with a broad array of stakeholders to further what we believe to be one of the strongest periods in our industry’s history.”

Laurent Detoc, Chief Direct-to-Player Officer, Ubisoft, said:

“Video games push the boundaries of technology and creativity, extending far beyond entertainment. We look forward to iicon bringing together visionary leaders from the industry and beyond to shape the future impact of games.”

Sarah Bond, President, Xbox, said:

“At Xbox, our mission is to bring the joy of gaming to players anywhere they want, while creating opportunities for the amazing creators behind them. 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.”

Interested attendees and sponsors can pre-register and sign up for updates at the official website here.

ESA is best known for organizing the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) every year since 1995. E3 was officially discontinued in December 2023. E3 2019 was the last proper event before the next few years resulting in the cancellation of the events due to multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of digital events replacing physical conventions.