Key gaming shows ICE and iGB Affiliate London, which were scheduled to run on February 1-3rd and February 2-5th 2022, respectively, will now take place at the ExCeL London, UK, in spring next year, event host Clarion Gaming has announced. The two shows feature more than 700 industry exhibitors in total.
The decision was made in light of the record number of cases of contagion (88,376 infections confirmed on Thursday) of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, and is intended to take care of the health of the more than 30,000 executives who usually attend these fairs, which are among the most important of the gaming industry worldwide.
According to Stuart Hunter, Managing Director, Clarion Gaming: “This comes as really disappointing news for everyone connected with ICE London and iGB Affiliate London. However, in what is a rapidly changing situation, it became clear that we could not provide the certainty that our customers need in terms of logistical planning, from the construction of stands to the transportation of equipment, as well as the booking of flights and accommodation.“
Hunter added that the ICE brand has always worked in the best interests of its customers, and after consulting with the industry (mainly, members of AGEM, the top global gaming manufacturers), said that moving the shows to April “represent the best route forward.”
“The brand and its international community of stakeholders will bounce back in spring. I would like to put on the record my huge thanks to the industry for its patience and understanding during these uncertain times,” commented Hunter.
The Clarion Gaming management team is in the process of confirming alternative dates, and aims to provide the industry with proposed timings by Wednesday, December 22nd. It is speculated that possible dates of these events could be the first week (April 5-9th) or the last (April 26-29th) of that month, taking into account how the situation of the Omicron in the UK evolves, as well as the Jewish and Christian Easter week (from April 14th on).
Both shows are tracking ahead of their last editions in 2020, in terms of attendee registrations and exhibitor numbers. Regardless of this, G&M News appreciates the concern and care of Clarion Gaming by all members of the industry, and reinforces its support and commitment to work daily with the organizer in pursuit of the progress of the gaming industry.