Combined figures for ATEI and the newly configured International Gaming Expo, incorporating ICE and ICEi, show that a total of 23,080 unique visitors attended Earls Court over the first two days of the exhibitions, constituting a 1.1% increase year-on-year.

Tracy Cohen, TCS John Huxley: “At first, we thought it was going to be quiet. G2E numbers were down and we were worried that might be the case here. Whatever the case, we have definitely had the right people visit us – the decision makers. Instead of large parties of delegates attending from one company it was the decision makers only. We have definitely seen the right people. IGE is a very international show and that hasn’t changed.”

Nick Hardy, Games Warehouse: “We are completely delighted that we decided to exhibit at IGE. It feels very different from ATEI; IGE feels like a real business exhibition and I’m all for that. This might be because of the economic conditions but the general tone of IGE 2009 was that ‘we’re here to work’.

Christophe Laparoux, Gaming Partners International: “Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, South Africa, Asia – all the key people from all the key jurisdictions have visited us and enjoyed our demonstration. I think it is also fair to say that the current financial climate means that the market is extremely receptive to new ideas. Take RFID chips for example, we have been demonstrating our new technology here and we have met and developed some very impressive contacts.”

Andrew Cammegh, Cammegh: “I am really surprised and impressed by the juxtaposition between credit crunch doom and gloom and the amount of business we have done. I don’t quite understand it. One explanation is that there are people who have visited us here at the show who have some euros in their pocket and want to make some decisions. The relationship between sterling and the euro has given us an even greater advantage. The quantity of visitors has reduced but the quality remains as strong as ever.”

Mark Smith, Gamesman: “Obviously the industry is extremely concerned about economic conditions, but discussions have moved beyond that. We’ve had valuable meetings with clients and very meaningful dialogue about product development. IGE has been a great showcase for our Downloadable Push Button technology.”

Mery Blomqvist, Boss Media: “I would describe IGE as very positive. Compared to last year, the quality has been much higher. There has been an excellent representation of international visitors to our stand. We have had more countries coming along than in 2008. I love London; it has been a very, very successful few days.”

Ofi Noier, Playtech: “I think at the very least, the e-gaming element of IGE has repeated its performance from 2008. I would say we have seen a growth in visitors from Latin America and Europe. Also, the organisation is better this year than last; Clarion has created a very comfortable environment in which to conduct business.”

Early indications show a positive response to the newly configured International Gaming Expo (IGE). Attendees at London's total gaming show, which comprised exhibitors from the low-stake gaming, remote gaming, lotteries, betting and land-based casino sectors, numbered 14,860 (11,925 in 2008). An increase in visitors from the remote gaming sector and the new addition of the low stake gaming, betting and lotteries contingent was balanced by a reported decrease in the number of visitors from the land-based casino market. A further 3,523 ATEI badge holders crossed over into IGE. The leading visitor nations (outside the UK) were Italy (593), Austria (577), Germany (504), Spain (495), Netherlands (477) and USA (405). IGE 2009 welcomed visitors from nations making their debut appearance including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Wallis & Fortuna Islands.
(E-02.05.09)

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