Professional congress

This activity is exclusive to professionals in the sector. Attendance requires prior invitation or registration, and costs €150

AND PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS DAU BARCELONA
Connecting the board game industry and focusing on the international market The main purpose of the congress is to bring together the various players in the professional sector of board games and to encourage dialogue about emerging trends and opportunities in the global market. This initiative seeks to create a space for collaboration and exchange between publishers, artists and designers, distributors, and public authorities, emphasizing the role of the industry in Europe and the world. With this aim, we offer a varied program, involving all parts of the sector: Programme:
9.30, reception and welcome

Conference: Illustrating the future: a dialogue between publishers and students of illustration. 10:00 hours
Representatives of the publishers Enpeudejoc, Falomir and Magic Box will connect with students from IBOIX, a professional illustration school. Industry professionals will share the challenges and opportunities that illustration presents in game design, as well as the importance of collaboration between illustrators and publishers.
Attendees will learn how effective collaboration between illustrators and publishers is key to creating successful games. Through practical examples, the teamwork dynamics that contribute to a coherent and innovative design will be discussed. It will also be a great opportunity for students to ask questions and get direct advice from industry experts, thus enriching their training and inspiring them in their future careers. Conference: Connecting with the young audience, communication, community, algorithms with Jordi Camós, 11:00 a.m.
In an increasingly digitized world, companies face a new communication landscape: users’ low attention span. Algorithms govern social networks, conditioning the visibility of brands and the reach of their publications. In this session we will see how they work, the main challenges and how to work on the creation of relevant and attractive content to create emotional bonds with customers, foster loyalty and generate positive word of mouth. Conference: The last line of sales: challenges and opportunities in game stores, 12:00
This conference will bring together representatives from Abacus, La Maquinària and The Curiosity Shop, shops with very different approaches in their approach to the board game, to explore in depth the challenges, advantages and difficulties they face as the last point of contact with fans . Stores will share their expertise in key areas such as customer loyalty, online competition, creating differentiated shopping experiences and supporting local gaming communities.
In addition, it will be discussed how stores and publishers can work together to adapt to new market trends and the needs of current consumers, while looking for synergies that favor the growth of the sector. A unique opportunity to learn first-hand the fundamental role of shops in the promotion and dissemination of the world of board games. Round table: The Future of the Table Game in Europe, 1:00 p.m
In this round table, prominent personalities from different European publishers will discuss the future of the board games sector. With the participation of Belen Moreno (Corvus Belli), Petr Murmak (Czech Games), Joaquim Dorca (DEVIR), Nadège Jouvert and Thibault Villaret (Iello), who through their experiences and knowledge, will address the emerging trends that are setting the industry, as well as the challenges they currently face.
Experts will discuss key aspects such as innovation in game design, the impact of digitization, and how new technologies are transforming the player experience. In addition, it will explore the opportunities that may arise in the coming years, both for established publishers and for new initiatives, as well as the importance of collaboration between creators, distributors and stores.
The panel discussion, moderated by Anna Lopez, will provide a space for dynamic and enriching dialogue, where attendees will be able to pose questions and participate in the conversation.

This is a unique opportunity to gain a wide and varied view of the current landscape of board games, as well as to anticipate how this exciting sector will evolve in the future.

In addition, this year’s congress incorporates an expanded version of the traditional DAU breakfast, transforming it into a networking space that will be active throughout its duration. This new initiative will allow professionals in the sector to establish deeper and more meaningful connections, encouraging collaborations and exchanges of ideas. Attendees will be able to take advantage of the breaks between the various activities to meet and interact in an informal atmosphere, promoting dialogue and the creation of professional links. In this way, it seeks to enhance synergies within the sector and facilitate a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences between the participants.