IAG MAR 2023

IAG MAR 2023年3月 亞博匯 72 TRADE EVENTS T he fully-fledged return of ICE London has been run and done, with this year’s show breaking all sorts of records along the way in a sure sign that major industry trade shows have been sorely missed. The first full-sized ICE since 2020 – with the 2021 show cancelled and a smaller version held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic – organizer Clarion Gaming had confirmed even before opening on 7 February that ICE 2023 was the largest ever ICE by scale, covering 51,466 square meters of net space at ExCeL London to exceed the previous high of 49,690 square meters set in 2020. However, the final result exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations with Clarion confident there were more than 40,000 attendees across the three show days, pending an independent audit. “Furthermore, the number of visitor days, which measures return visits, stands at 79,000,” said Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, in a statement released shortly after ICE concluded. “Clearly these are really significant numbers, and I believe they reflect the huge importance and value that visitors attach to their ICE experience. “From a sector perspective we know that 50% of ICE 2023 attendees operate both land-based and online, with 50% online only. Casino and Games was the primary area of operation for 20,000 attendees, with 13,000 focussed on sports betting. “The growing importance of Payments was evident with 5,000 attendees citing it as their main focus and reason for attending. Additional standouts include an overwhelmingly positive response to ICE VOX which sold- out for the first time.” Inside Asian Gaming enjoyed its strongest ever ICE presence as well, with a team of four flying to London where our booth was a hive of activity throughout the three show days.