“We are already working to return to the event in
2023, where we plan to present one of the widest and most advanced product catalogues available across Spanish, European and LatAm markets.”
Merkur Gaming In informing Clarion Events of the company’s withdrawal, Merkur cited its view that the Group’s substantial investment in ICE would be unable to show a positive return. A spokesperson for Merkur said: “We are
completely unable to accept the new dates for ICE 2022. With the show running right up to the start of the Easter holiday period, the fact that the Covid pandemic – in the form of the Omicron variant that is currently rampant throughout the United Kingdom – is still a major health risk issue and the still to be seen additional logistical diffi culties that stem from the UK’s Brexit withdrawal. All of these factors combine to reach the inescapable conclusion that the visitor numbers (both those UK-based and those wishing to travel from overseas) will be severely impacted in a negative way, the show will be unable to present itself as the world leading event of recent years, and the practical diffi culties for international exhibitors will also be greatly increased. We have a clear duty of care for our employees and also for our business partners, customers and those who choose to attend the show and that must be a major priority. We regard Clarion Events and ICE itself as major factors in Merkur’s success in recent years. We hope to be able to re-engage with them at the earliest possible opportunity but that has to be at the right time, in the right place and in the right conditions. We look forward to that positive collaboration, we regret having to take
the decision that we are now announcing but, under the present circumstances, we are convinced that we have chosen the correct path as an example to and for the benefi t of the entire international gaming industry.”
NOVOMATIC Following a detailed analysis and risk assessment from its Executive Board, NOVOMATIC AG Group, the largest show exhibitor, made the decision to withdraw from the event. A multitude of
adverse aspects – including the pandemic, logistical challenges and the unfavourable alternative date – have culminated in a situation in which NOVOMATIC has decided participating in the show is no longer viable.
Zitro A spokesperson for Zitro said: “It has not been an easy decision to make, and we had been looking forward to our participation, but there are many reasons that have caused us to withdraw from the event, being the main ones, the worldwide concern over the Omicron variant, the inconvenience of the new show dates clashing with Easter break, and the expected low attendance particularly of customers from other continents.”
TCSJOHNHUXLEY Tristan Sjöberg, TCSJOHNHUXLEY executive chairman, said of their decision to miss ICE: “We all want the show to go ahead, but it has to be at the right time and
in the right conditions. The decision to pull out of ICE has been made reluctantly, but the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers has to be our main priority. Also the timing of holding a gaming show during Holy Week is unfortunate. As we emerge from this crisis, we all need to pull together to support each other and our industry, but we need to ensure our decisions are also based on the right market conditions.”
Abbiati Giorgio Abbiati, CEO Abbiati Casino Equipment, explained the company’s absence from ICE: “After a deep analysis, we decided to not participate at ICE London this year. The pandemic situation, the travel restrictions in force, the changes in logistic situation and an uncertain future drove us to take the decision.” “It wasn’t a simple decision to take but there are too many variables on the table.”
Quixant
Duncan Faithfull, EVP and CCO at Quixant, explained the company’s decision: “After being rescheduled to
mid-April, the show presented many logistical challenges for exhibitors and attendees, having to juggle existing personal and work commitments, navigate travelling during the Easter holidays, confl icts with existing industry events and not mention the further travel challenges and safety concerns due to Covid.”
Faithfull added: “As we start to see light at the other end of this COVID tunnel, the industry needs to continue to pull together and support each other, and ICE would ordinarily be a key opportunity to do this. But our decisions as ever are based on the needs of the industry. Our decision follows numerous cancellations by domestic and international show exhibitors and attendees, which made it clear that the show was proving challenging and less favourable for those in the Land-Based Casino industry.”
6 FEBRUARY 2022
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