Managing Director of ICE Gaming, Stuart Hunter, has confirmed that the combination of visitor demand, strong Covid-19 protocols and the UK Government’s easing of restrictions has ensured that the global gambling industry’s No.1 annual event will take place, as planned, at ExCeL London from April 12th to 14th.
Despite a handful of exhibitor withdrawals, support for the April dates has held up well. Research firm Explori polled 1,300 past ICE attendees, and 74% confirmed that they will attend in April. In addition, over 450 brands are exhibiting, and these numbers still make ICE the largest global gaming exhibition in the market.
But Mr. Hunter remains respectful of all decisions during these times, saying: “As a team we never like to lose any of our exhibitors, but we will always respect their reasons for deciding not to participate. Ours are lifetime customers and we are working with them to assist some in retaining a presence at ICE through sponsorship and by hosting clients at the event, while also confirming their return in 2023.”
The significant easing of Covid restrictions in the UK, including the end of mandatory face masks and a relaxation of the rules applying to certification passports, make travel to London a far more welcoming prospect and Clarion will obviously do everything possible to ensure that the ICE experience is both safe and conducive to good business.
As Stuart Hunter concluded, “We knew that the return to in-person events would not be straightforward, but we also know from our experience staging iGB Live! in Amsterdam last autumn quite how much the industry has missed in-person events and the ability to meet, network and to do business.”
