Between March 1 and March 8, pre-registrations for ICE London rose 26 percent over 2020 figures, contributing to a 22 percent overall increase in projected attendance at the trade show. The most recent ICE London event was held in February 2020; the 2021 show was canceled.
Stuart Hunter, managing director of Clarion Gaming, said that the uplift in registrations reflects the trust the industry has in the ICE London brand.
“Whilst the overall uplift in registrations could be due to a range of historical reasons which may no longer be relevant, the daily registrations that we are receiving as we enter the last month of our visitor campaign stand up to scrutiny and represent an extremely encouraging level of engagement,” said Hunter.
“Industry professionals registering now know about our temporary April dates and are aware that the show floor will look and feel different compared to previous years.”
Hunter said the 2022 is an opportunity for the industry to rebound after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The core message is that despite the difficulties facing the industry and the unavoidable problems concerning our enforced temporary dates, ICE London 2022 will be the biggest gathering of the international industry since the last edition of ICE two years ago,” he continued. “We are in close contact with our community of exhibitors and visitors and they are looking forward to being able to reconnect with their customers and suppliers in a live environment.”
“Data from the broader events industry confirm that nearly seven out of 10 buyers (69 percent) will recommend brands that they have engaged with at live events and there’s no doubt that the return of in-person represents a major opportunity for businesses to bounce-back post-Covid.”
Hunter added that this year’s ICE will feature a number of new brands, and will offer the industry a chance to mark its return.
“ICE has always set the tone for the year ahead and the stands at ExCeL London will be brimming with the many hundreds of new innovative products and services that will be making their debut at ICE London and that have the potential to transform the industry,” said Hunter.
“ICE is very much open for business and as a team we are looking forward to marking the return of the industry in the company of the industry when it meets next month in London.”
ICE London will take place April 12-14 at ExCel London. To register, visit icelondon.uk.com.
