There simply is no reason for anyone in gaming to miss London's prime industry event, ICE 2007. From industry leader to dealers, a visit to Earl's Court Exhibition during January 23-25 is a 'must', as casino developer and designer, architect Willie Gomez President of GG International Casino Design from Peru, who made his third visit to ICE 2006 in January, said on what is turning out to be a yearly pilgrimage, "to see both what’s on offer from manufacturers and suppliers as well as meeting with clients who operate casinos throughout the world."

Gomez, who worked alongside Casino mogul Steve Wynn on some of his casino projects in Las Vegas added: "This is a very good show, which I think has a very strong British flavour: it’s easy to get to, easy to get around and there are no queues – the weather’s even been a bit better this year! The ATEI aspect provides a very refreshing bonus spectacle which can’t be found at any other show."

Martin Canepa, president of Codere's Uruguay branch, specialized in on- and off-track race betting and slot parlours, has been a visitor to ICE for four years, and during this year's event in January, he showed an ample satisfaction rate on the event: "I come here mainly to see new products, in particular slots, software, hardware and betting systems. It’s even better than the previous year: there are so many new products out there and many more people who I haven’t seen here before, particularly from South America."

John Troconis, sales representative from Spanish slot manufacturer's Venezuela office, R. Franco Sales, was also on his third visit to ICE 2006, and said: "Technically, I’m here as a visitor. My primary role is to mingle with operators and introduce them to my parent company on their stand. I’ve already seen five of my most important customers and things are going extremely well. The show is excellent, it’s very well organised and the services are much improved; all-in-all it’s better than Vegas. The product mix is just right and the soft gaming and amusements in ATEI give operators added incentive to come to the show."

For Naomi Selini, a croupier in Italy, who came as part of the Shufflemaster team, returning to ICE2006, the London event was a great success: "I’m a croupier at one of the tables here so I came to work primarily, but it’s a good place to see demonstrations for new poker and casino games, just keep up with where the industry is going and what direction it’s taking. There’s a lot going on so I’ve been trying to run out every-time I get a break and see something new."

Selini added that it was her third time at the event, and said: "I think ICE is fabulous. I’ve met various people from around the world, some really interesting people within the industry who have a lot of knowledge, and they’re all here under the same roof. There’s lots going on and it’s quite exhausting just trying to see everything. In my experience coming here, I find that it’s always a very hectic three days, lots of fun but chaotic at the same time." (E-12.04.06)

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