ICE and iGB Affiliate London, UK, which were scheduled to run on 1-3 February and 2-5 February 2022, will now take place at the ExCeL London in spring next year, event host Clarion Gaming has announced.
The two shows, which feature more than 700 gaming industry exhibitors, will be postponed amid uncertainty over Covid restrictions from the UK Government.
Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter said: “We are really excited to get international gaming community back together. I think we’ve got the best roster of exhibitors we’ve ever had. I think we’re in a strong position just unfortunately we’re going to have to wait a little bit of time to get over the line.
“We may be in position by February that it can continue to run but we can’t hedge our bets.
“There’s too many uncertain weeks. Too much at stake. We know the cost our exhibitors put on the line to be at ICE – especially our international clients.
“We are now exploring and viewing what the alternatives look like.
“It’s really important we pause, don’t spend any more money and halt that planning.”
Hunter told EW that they are currently looking at two possible dates in April for the rearranged shows and hope to be able to announce the new dates very soon.
He added that the rescheduled show will include a hybrid element to alleviate any concerns over travel or other restrictions
He said: “ICE for us is always about maximising that live in person experience. There is little that can improve on that. But obviously we understand there are difficulties with travel so with our ICE 365 model we are working on a hybrid model. Those that are unable to travel to ICE will still have an element of the ICE experience.
Hunter said the ICE brand has always worked in the best interests of its customers, and after consulting with the industry said that moving the shows to April “represents the best route forward”.
“It is a great shame that we will not be able to celebrate our return in February but 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.”
