Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter has praised senior members of the US-based global gaming industry for their ‘hospitality, time and expert insight’ during a recent fact-finding and engagement visit to Las Vegas.
During three days spent in the capital of gaming the Clarion team held meetings with C-Suite executives from GLI, Light & Wonder, Interblock, BMM, AGEM, Konami, IGT, MGM, Aristocrat, and Fontainebleau Casino in the process updating stakeholders on a range of developments not least the decision to relocate ICE and sister show iGB Affiliate to Barcelona from 2025.
Reflecting on the visit Stuart Hunter said: “Las Vegas never ceases to surprise and excite and being able to meet with many of the most influential industry personalities in what is regarded as being the world capital of gaming was invaluable. Everyone we met was extremely generous with their time and I would like to place on record my thanks to them and to Clarion Gaming’s US team comprising Tom Nieman and Roy Student for putting our meeting itinerary together.”
He continued: “I have always felt it absolutely essential that we continue to immerse ourselves in the industry sectors we serve and take each and every opportunity to listen to every word spoken by industry thought leaders. Being able to engage with our exhibitors about how they see the business developing and listening to the views of personalities such as MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle were priceless.
“There was unanimous support for the decision to move ICE to Barcelona in 2025. Many of the Vegas-based ICE exhibitors we met with also have a strong presence and infrastructure in Spain with many predicting that the new end of January timeline which avoids clashing with Super Bowl will result in more C-Level members of the US industry attending ICE. In addition they believe the new Barcelona location will also support growth from the LATAM region.”
“Our exclusive focus is now on delivering a phenomenal edition of ICE 2024 – one that will live long in the memories of the many thousands of international industry professionals who view ICE as their most important industry event of the year. Based on the meetings we held, our exhibitors have very grand plans to make 2024 the greatest edition of ICE - so far.”