Clarion Gaming has completed the latest in a programme of orientation visits which began in October 2023 with the organising team responsible for delivering the first editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate to be held at the Gran Via Barcelona participating in the 2,400 exhibitor Mobile World Congress (MWC) as the international showpiece event celebrated its 18th year at the venue.

The orientation initiative, provided an opportunity for the Clarion team together with a number of clients to experience how Gran Via Barcelona delivers what is the largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem attracting the global industry’s leading mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners.

Explaining the purpose of the initiative, Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter said: “Mobile World Congress re-located to the Gran Via Barcelona in 2006 at a time when it was of a similar size to the current ICE and iGB Affiliate. 

“Since then, it has developed and grown to occupy over 220,000 gross square metres of space across the eight inter-connected halls in what is one of the largest and most modern venues in Europe.

“Like ICE/iGB Affiliate, MWC brings together tens of thousands of senior executives from the top global companies, international regulators and trailblazing tech businesses to do business, make policy decisions and plot out the future of the industry. 

“Set against this shared backdrop it was invaluable for the team to gain ‘behind the scenes’ insight as to how the MWC brand maximises the huge opportunities provided by the venue’s interconnected spaces and in the process deliver a rich vein of connections and opportunities for its stakeholders.”

He added: “In addition to the specific operational issues relating to the venue the team was also able to replicate the visitor experience including the travel infrastructure which connects the Fira Gran Via to Barcelona’s El Prat International Airport (12 km distance) and the historic city centre (3km) courtesy of the integrated metro station. 

“We look forward to continuing our series of orientation events throughout the year and involving all of our stakeholder community.” 

ICE/iGBA 2025 will use circa 120,000 gross sqm of The Gran Via (ICE 2024 utilised 100,000 gross sqm in London) across Halls 1 (iGB Affiliate) and 2-6 (ICE). An additional 160,000 sqm has been reserved exclusively for ICE/iGBA across the five-year tenancy. The Convention Centre which is located in Hall 8 comprises a modular and versatile space with seating for between 3,000 and 12,000 people.