The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) has announced that D.I.C.E. Athens 2026 will take place from September 21-23, 2026, at the Athens Marriott Hotel. Positioned as a three-day executive retreat, the conference aims to bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of gaming.
The core programming is themed ‘The Story Ahead,’ reflecting a focus on both creative and business challenges facing the interactive space. The schedule includes what’s likely to be thought-provoking speaker sessions as well as intimate roundtable discussions, which are designed to address specific issues within the craft and business of game development.
Speaking of speaking, the conference is currently accepting proposals for both speaker and roundtable sessions, all to be themed around ‘The Story Ahead’. Industry professionals looking to contribute to the programming must submit their presentation or discussion ideas through the integrated form on the D.I.C.E. Europe website. This submission process is the primary avenue for shaping the event’s content, and full details are available on the Submission Proposal Portal.
As a senior- and executive-level event, a significant part of the D.I.C.E. experience is the networking component. This year’s event will feature several networking opportunities, highlighted by an Opening Night Reception held at the Acropolis Museum. The AIAS is also welcoming spouses and partners, encouraging attendees to bring their significant other to participate in these social and networking events. This is consistent with other high-profile industry events that integrate social elements to provide a comprehensive experience. The conference’s format is intended to facilitate deep professional engagement, a significant focus at many high-level industry events covered by the Events for Gamers calendar.
More than focusing only on senior-level thought leadership, the D.I.C.E. Athens conference can be an open door to emerging talent as well. The AIAS Foundation offers three scholarships for aspiring and early-career game professionals: the general AIAS Foundation Scholarship, the Women In Scholarship (for women in technical roles), and the Girls for Gaming Scholarship (for women in business roles). These are open to undergraduate/graduate students and professionals in their first four years in the industry. Recipients get a tuition reimbursement or travel stipend, plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the D.I.C.E. Summit, mentorship, and alumni access. The current application deadline is May 31, 2026.
For potential attendees looking to secure a spot, early bird registration is currently available, providing special rates that will expire after August 3, 2026. Special hotel rates at the Athens Marriott, the official conference hotel, are also offered, though attendees must reserve rooms through the main conference registration portal. Prospective attendees are advised to register soon as the discounted hotel inventory is expected to sell out quickly. For more official details, keep tabs on D.I.C.E. Europe’s webpage (and on Events for Gamers site and social channels).
