Clarion Gaming has confirmed the 2021 editions of its co-located ICE London and iGB Affiliate London events will now take place from 29 June to 2 July at ExCeL London.ICE will now open its doors on 29 June and run until 1 July, with iGB Affiliate London taking place 1-2 July.
The Blackstone-owned business also announced that its iGB Live! 2021 event at the Amsterdam RAI will consequently shift from its usual July slot to new dates of 28 September to 1 October 2021.
Clarion said the decision to push its flagship gaming and affiliate events into the summer and autumn of 2021 was a “consequence of the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the continuing uncertainty in our markets” and had followed extensive consultation with its international community of stakeholders, many of whom had requested more time for business and travel conditions to stabilise.
Clarion Gaming managing director Kate Chambers (pictured) said these stakeholder responses as well as the UK government’s updated measures announced on 22 September 2020 had forced a reappraisal of its original proposal to migrate ICE London and iGB Affiliate London from their historical February date to April 2021.
“This extension provides a number of important advantages compared with April, not least enabling the very best possible space configurations and accessibility at ExCeL London. We believe this is paramount in order to support all of our client’s requirements, whilst underpinning our vision for the 2021 events.
“As well as the significant logistical benefits, we are also very much aware that it provides additional market recovery time – which we believe will further enhance and support the delivery, outcomes and experiences for all participants.”
Starting in February and leading up to the events, Clarion will also provide opportunties for the market to meet digitally and preview the in-person shows via two digital engagements, The Road to ICE and iGB 2021.
Stuart Hunter, managing director of events at Clarion Gaming, added: “Looking ahead to the summer, our plan is for ICE and iGB to be broadcast live globally for the very first time. There will be a host of new digital features offering in-person attendees an even more dynamic and hybrid experience, whilst extending our global reach and supporting all of our gaming communities digitally.”
“New platforms for networking, learning, entertainment and business development are in planning to ensure that ICE London and iGB Affiliate London continue to support the industry, raise morale and kick-start a global celebration of gaming.”
For more information on ICE London 2021, visit www.icelondon.uk.com, for iGB Affiliate London 2021, visit london.igbaffiliate.com and for iGB Live! 2021, visit www.igblive.com.
