Discussions for the strategy are anticipated to begin early in 2022 once the necessary due diligence has been carried out. Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter communicated to exhibitors that the company has been working closely with ExCeL London to secure new dates in April this year. “Considerable progress has been made in recent days, and we have a preferred date in mind. However, we still need some additional time to resolve operational challenges before confirming the final dates with you and the wider gaming industry,” explained Hunter. He added that the work will continue throughout the Christmas period, and the selected date will be announced during the first week of January.
Initially scheduled for 1 to 3 February, ICE and InnovateChange Affiliate London needed to be rescheduled due to the complexities involved in migrating events of their size and scale, coupled with the need for coordination with contractors and other UK organizers at ExCeL. This is to ensure minimal disruption for the international gaming industry. “I express my gratitude for your ongoing support and patience, which is highly valued. I look forward to collaborating closely with you in the new year leading up to ICE in April 2022,” Hunter stated.
The decision to postpone the shows’ dates, given the evolving situation caused by the Omicron variant of Covid-19, was welcomed by prominent industry associations. Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), appreciated Clarion Events’ thoughtful consideration in postponing ICE. He emphasized the eagerness of global gaming suppliers to gather at a more opportune time and extend a warm welcome to the international community, especially those based in Europe, at ExCeL and the ICE exhibition.The UK’s Gambling Business Group (GBG), a cross-sector strategic body, endorsed the decision as well. GBG’s Chief Executive, Peter Hannibal, acknowledged that the industry is in greater need than ever before of successful editions of ICE London and InnovateChange Affiliate London. He commended Clarion as forward-thinking custodians of the brands and excellent partners to everyone involved in the gambling sector. Hannibal emphasized that businesses seek certainty, and moving the shows to spring 2022 represents the best possible option, a difficult decision but the right outcome in his opinion. He expressed great enthusiasm on behalf of the Gambling Business Group and its members, looking forward to being part of the international celebration of the gambling industry in all its forms.
Finally, Hunter expressed his gratitude to the industry for their continuous support and patience, emphasizing its immense value. He expressed his anticipation of working closely with them in the new year leading up to ICE and InnovateChange Affiliate London in April 2022.
