“The best exhibition I have been part of in over 20 years working in the business and a total vindication of our relocation to ExCeL” is how Clarion portfolio director Kate Chambers reflected on ICE Totally Gaming 2013.
The official figures confirm a total of 22,247 unique attendees, a 4.3 per cent increase on 2012, 8.6 per cent up on 2011 and a massive 24.1 per cent uplift over 2010.
Reflecting on the figures, Chambers said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our relocation to ExCeL London was so well received by both exhibitors and visitors.
“The evidence suggests that the 22,247 who attended ICE came with a serious purpose in mind and not simply to spend some time out of the office. The independent research we commissioned supports this view, with more than nine out of 10 visitors involved in the purchasing process.
“I’m delighted for our 481 exhibiting companies who backed the vision for ICE Totally Gaming, delighted for our loyal visitors, 54 per cent of whom travelled to London from outside the UK and extremely proud of my team who brought the ‘Think Big’ creative proposition to life.
“The high proportion of non-UK visitors, coupled with the fact that 71 per cent of exhibitors are based outside of the host nation, confirms the show’s status as the only global event for the gaming industry.”
Jens Halle, managing director of exhibitor Austrian Gaming Industries, said: "ICE Totally Gaming began its new era by actively embracing the change of date and location factors to provide what was a truly excellent show for us. Such issues as arose were dealt with effectively and many lessons - for both exhibitors and the organising team - can now be addressed and carried forward in order to ensure that ICE Totally Gaming remains the world's biggest and best event for the international gaming industry in future years."
