The strategic partnership between ICE Barcelona and IGE Rome is advancing into its second phase, with a renewed emphasis on global positioning and regulatory dialogue. Alessio Crisantemi, founder of IGE Rome (April 14–15), highlighted the evolution of Italy’s gaming industry from a manufacturing powerhouse into what he describes as “one of the intellectual drivers of the global gaming ecosystem.”

Speaking ahead of the Rome event, Crisantemi said : “The Italian industry showed up at ICE Barcelona with maturity, scale and confidence which will be repeated in Rome. The broader Italian delegation attended ICE to negotiate, expand and position themselves globally.”

Citing a change of mindset amongst his compatriots he said that Italian businesses and entrepreneurs had broadened their horizons. “There has been an internationalisation of Italian operators and suppliers” he noted.  “They are no longer thinking solely in domestic terms; they are actively building cross-border strategies.”

Looking ahead to April he said: “In Rome, the discussions will go beyond products, they will contribute to shaping the regulatory and strategic direction of the Italian market and beyond. It creates direct dialogue between industry, policymakers and regulators, not just among industry stakeholders themselves.”

He added: “The presence of Italian regulators and key institutions during the two days of the event will make a significant difference. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) will not only participate in several debates, but will also be present with its own stand and an expanded team".

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sovereignty will address horse race betting. The Communications Authority will speak on gaming advertising regulation, alongside many other institutional bodies. Leading Italian universities,  including Luiss, Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi will also take part, presenting academic studies and market research that will be unveiled in Rome.”

Crisantemi is confident that the conversations and connections fostered in Barcelona will be carried forward in Rome. He noted: “Many of the strategic discussions initiated at ICE,  partnerships, regulatory positioning, and cross-border projects will be developed at IGE, thanks to the direct presence of institutional stakeholders".

“In a sense, Barcelona opened the doors and Rome will define the framework. This continuity between global and national dialogue is precisely what makes the ICE/IGE partnership so strategic and so important for our industry as we move into the second phase of this key relationship.”