SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
ICE Totally Gaming takes place between February 2nd to February 4th at London’s ExCeL Centre. As the largest iGaming event in the UK calendar there’s always a lot going on, and plenty of industry figures to talk to.
Here SBC profiles Ian Hunter of MRG Systems to see how they prepare and what he’s excited about ahead of this year’s event. The company provides digital display systems which have been adopted by a diverse portfolio of clients including the BBC, the Houses of Parliament and bookmakers such as Paddy Power, William Hill and Coral.
How I prepare for ICE
Ian: The first internal meetings took place back in September as some of the detail we discussed for the Trade Fair was shared with what we want to achieve at ICE. These two events are the first public outings of the new brand image and logos so they are significant for us.
The frequency of the meetings increased in December as we defined what we wanted from the show and how we are going achieve our goals. Add the technical aspects to this mix and it’s a very busy time for all of us right up to the start of the exhibition.
SBC News and other industry journals are important for publicising and spreading our message to the right audience. I have escalated our presence in the betting journals and on social media since the launch of the new website in an effort to reach the right people.
What I am doing at ICE 2016
Ian: We are launching a new digital signage system called LiveSpace this year. It is a totally new product, written using the latest software development methodologies. Cloud based, LiveSpace is an extremely powerful tool with which to manage content on screens. Several examples of LiveSpace in a betting environment will be on display. Three of the most popular formats are the football markets screen, the single meeting screen and the racing summary screen.
What I’m looking forward to at ICE 2016
Ian: We want to meet Sports Betting companies seeking different channels to display their content, perhaps to enhance existing sponsorship ROI. LiveSpace has been developed explicitly to offer a high quality but affordable digital signage product. So when you consider the capabilities of the software and add new low-cost hardware it is a compelling package.
Where you will usually find me at ICE?
Ian: We have our regular spot on stand S1-226 next to PA Sport.
First ICE attended
Ian: As perennial Betting Show exhibitors we attended our first ICE in 2010 when the two shows were merged together. We have been around for over 30 years, always innovating and always have something new to show.
Typical post-ICE activity
Ian: After a hard day’s work at the show we always look for somewhere different to go for a good meal and to relax. At least one night of the three we hook up with our good friends from PA Sport.
