Simon Thomas, owner of the world-famous London Hippodrome Casino, has backed the return of ICE London. He described the event as an opportunity for the recovery and growth of the international land-based gaming sector. Thomas, who has a long-standing association with ICE London and its predecessor, ATEI, joins ECA Chairman Per Jaldung, ECA Secretary General Hermann Pamminger and The Gambling Business Group in endorsing April’s return of ICE London after what will be a 26-month absence.
Simon Thomas said: “I’ve missed the opportunity to meet industry figures and colleagues in person when the real conversations happen.”
“London has led the charge against Covid and restrictions have been lowered. It’s vital we now focus on returning to rebuilding the industry and ICE London is a great chance to do that. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Stuart Hunter, managing director, Clarion Gaming, said: “I’m delighted that the market we serve is eager and committed to get the show back on the road. The senior team has worked tirelessly with our colleagues at ExCeL London to find alternative dates for what is one of the most successful and biggest in-person business events held in the UK which in conjunction with the co-located iGB Affilate London comprises more than 700 gaming industry exhibitors. Securing new dates has been a mammoth task and has involved migrating six other events to enable ICE to have the entirety of ExCeL which is the space required to operate at full capacity.”
“We acknowledge that the April dates that we have secured do not suit everyone and that we will as a consequence miss a small proportion of our most loyal customers. This is highly regrettable and we continue to do our best to work through the challenges and provide support with preparations and planning for what is the world’s biggest and most influential gaming industry gathering.”
Hunter added: “We have been really encouraged by the level of industry support that we are receiving expressed both publically and in private emails. We have also commissioned independent research of the ICE database of stakeholders and the initial responses regarding the intentions to attend April’s edition of ICE London are overwhelmingly positive and augur well for our hundreds of exhibitors who will be on the show floor. I am sure the market understands that we are doing our level best to deliver another strong edition of ICE London and celebrate the return of the industry in the best possible way.”
