Final figures are yet to be evaluated but early indications are that 2006 has been another great year for the London exhibitions. As commented upon by many, the dividing line between the casino sector (ICE) and the amusement sector (ATEI) is increasingly blurred, with gaming machines dominating both areas. Internet and mobile gaming are also encroaching on the traditional casino exhibits.

International visitors at the two shows were more than ever and, over the first two days of ICE, made up 60.3% of total attendees. At ATEI the percentage was less, 38.9% of the total visitor numbers, but was still an 11.6% increase on 2005. However, overall visitors uniquely to ATEI increased only very marginally by 0.2% whilst ICE statistics, also from the first two days, show visitors increased by more than 1,200, up 15.4% from last year.

The visitors may come from all over the world, from 159 different countries/territories since 1995, but it is not only the exhibits that are the draw. Meeting old friends, renewing acquaintances and partying the night away are all high priorities. ICE remains an important date on the social calendar as well as the exhibition calendar. For the exhibitors it is also more than a chance to sell their wares, it is a time to see and be seen, to weigh up the competition and to plan for the year ahead.

It may all be over for another year but it’s the start of making arrangements for 2007. The organizers of the joint events have already promised even better things for next year, with a ground-breaking floor plan, impressive new facilities and imaginative show features. ATEI/ICE can be said to lead the world as the first major gaming show, both on the annual exhibition calendar and in exhibition ranking.
(E-01.27.06)

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