Some of the industry’s most influential personalities and best known commercial organizations will be honored in the ICE Landmark Awards which are being presented on February 8.
The line-up of Landmark recipients comprise Ernie Stevens, Jr, chairman and national spokesman for the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) whose leadership during Covid helped to protect and preserve tribal gaming and secure the vital funding needed to keep tribal casinos solvent through the worst of the pandemic.
Chairman Stevens is joined by another U.S. industry stalwart, Roy Student who celebrates a 50-years in the business a career which included being part of the Executive Team responsible for opening the original Las Vegas MGM Grand in 1973, and includes such technological advances as central accounting programs, player tracking innovations, server-based gaming and Student was one of the first to emphasize the importance of non-gaming revenue.
European-based Landmark recipients include veteran industry journalist David Snook who first reported on the exhibition, then known as ATEI, in 1968 and Per Jaldung, who has served as chair of the European Casino Association since 2015.
The posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award is in honor of Jimmy Thomas who died July 30, 2022 at 88 years old. Thomas was a pioneer, innovator and philanthropist whose creative spark changed the face of the UK gambling industry. Simon Thomas who is executive chairman, the Hippodrome Casino will accept the ICE Landmark in honor of his father.
Five commercial organizations will also be recognized. Les Ambassadeurs will receive a Landmark in recognition of its ground-breaking undertakings in respect to corporate philanthropy and community engagement. Betson Group which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, TCS John Huxley (50th anniversary), Continent 8 (25th anniversary) and Nanocosmos (25th anniversary) will all receive an ICE Landmark.
Speaking ahead of the presentations Stuart Hunter, managing director Clarion Gaming said, “The Landmark Awards serve as recognition of the extraordinary achievements of the individuals and organizations that make-up this extraordinary industry. Many of the progressive initiatives, game-changing products and influential personalities that have shaped the industry have had strong connections with ICE and its predecessor ATEI and I am delighted that the show continues to play such an important role helping to create opportunity and prosperity for the global business.”
“The recipients of these awards have all been nominated from within the industry and it is an honor to have them with us at this historic edition of what is the world’s most influential and international B2B gambling exhibition.”
