ECA backs rescheduled dates for ICE London

Event organiser Clarion Gaming confirmed that ICE London would take place from 12-14 April earlier this month, after postponing the event from its traditional February dates due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Now, the ECA has joined UK land-based industry body the Gambling Business Group in backing these new dates.

ECA chairman Per Jaldung (pictured) said the new dates would help ensure that ICE London will be of the quality that delegates and exhibitors expect.

“The European Casino Association supports the decision of Clarion Events to postpone the London show to April in order to ensure that it is everything we expect from an ICE expo,” he said.

“ICE London 2022 is an opportunity to reunite the gaming industry after two years apart and we respect the flexibility and responsible decision making shown by Clarion in moving forward the show to avoid yet another wave of Covid uncertainty. We look forward to welcoming back the international community to London, and trust in Clarion Events, as the custodians of ICE, to deliver another successful edition in spring 2022.”

ECA secretary-general Hermann Pamminger added that the postponement was both “sensible and practical”.

“ICE London is an opportunity to bring together the land-based casino sector after a prolonged period of absence,” he said. “The members of the ECA support a strong event, one that reflects the vibrance and vitality of this industry. The response of show organisers, Clarion Events, to the rising tide of new Covid infections, is both sensible and practical in the face of the logistical challenges visitors and exhibitors would undoubtedly face in February. We applaud the clarity and early decision making and look forward to celebrating the return of the show.”

Alongside ICE London, the ICE Vox conference and iGB Affiliate London were also postponed to April. ICE Vox will now be held from 11-13 April, while iGB Affiliate London will take place over 13 and 14 April.

“Our primary aim has always been to provide a safe and secure environment for our customers to meet and to do business,” Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter explained. “When it became clear that February did not provide the confidence the industry required in terms of Omicron we worked through the Christmas break in partnership with the team at ExCeL London to secure new dates for our co-located events that host over 700 exhibitors.

“While we have been really encouraged by the feedback that we have received, we also appreciate that the new dates will not suit everyone. However, rescheduling events the size of ICE London and iGB Affiliate London is a complex logistical and operational challenge. 

“As I have previously stated, the team at Clarion Gaming will continue to work through any remaining challenges with our clients and support them with their preparations and planning for what is the world’s biggest and most influential gaming industry gathering.”