ICE Africa announced for 2018 as Clarion expands scope

Clarion Gaming has announced the creation of ICE Africa for 2018, and has taken the strategic step to fast track the development of Gaming Africa to coincide with it.

This follows what Clarion Managing Director Kate Chambers described as a “hugely positive coming together of all sectors of the industry”, in what will be the first occasion the ICE brand has been extended beyond its London base.

Going ahead in October of next year, Chambers outlined what the industry can expect,  saying: “Whilst the scale of ICE Africa will not be the same as ICE London, we will be bringing the same level of commitment, thinking, creativity and professionalism that has made ICE London the world’s favourite and most international gaming expo.  

“ICE Africa will be an event where the industry can meet, network, see the very latest gaming innovations, share best practice and progress in a strategic and sustainable manner.  The ICE Africa team is already in place and working with our stakeholders in order to deliver on our pledge to create a world class business event for the continent.”

Response from both the operating and supply sides of the industry in Africa has been equally positive.  Rudie Putter, General Manager of AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino based in Namibia, said: “The gaming industry worldwide has a lot of commonalities and in many respects faces similar challenges, but in the same vein every country has a unique market and unique needs.  

“As such, I see great value and potential for a platform that is regionalised and a lot more in sync with our market and operating dynamics.  I am very much looking forward to an event for Africa that from a cost perspective will enable us operators to expose a larger number of our staff to the networking and product exhibition possibilities on offer.”

Zeena Rossouw, Compliance Manager at Aruze Gaming Africa, added: ” Learning new things and meeting people who will help you do your job easier is so important towards development.  So I am delighted to hear that Clarion are bringing ICE to Africa and cannot wait to join again next year.”

Clarion’s gaming brands are delivered globally and attract more than 50,000 customers annually, with flagship brand ICE London recognised as being the world’s largest gaming technology exhibition.