Alfastreet also steps down from ICE 2022 due to pandemic and other cancellations

Alfastreet has also joined the list of withdrawals from ICE London 2022 following the confirmation of April 12-14 dates, "due to the situation caused by Covid and numerous other cancellations by international show exhibitors," the company announced on Tuesday.

The Slovenia-based gaming provider has been exhibiting at the ICE London show for more than 28 consecutive years, and it said it was positive about its attendance to the show until mid-January 2022. "The decision was as difficult as logical for the company, which looks forward positively for the upcoming second half of the year. They are hoping that the G2E Las Vegas show will happen in normal conditions and have higher attendance than the previous season, especially because many customers may still experience difficulties traveling. The 2022 Las Vegas show could be the perfect opportunity to meet again with all the partners and operators, before the next ICE," Alfastreet stated in a press release.

However, the company added that its plans of launching new products are still in "full swing," and that the decision to skip the show will not stop Alfastreet from unveiling the novelties that were studied and developed during the pandemic. Several private events with product presentations are planned in the upcoming months in different countries all over the world, and customers will be able to meet with the Alfastreet sales team and distributors on their own locations, according to the supplier.

Nika Pockaj, Marketing Manager, commented on the last events: “We are very sorry and frustrated that we have to skip this year's ICE London show, especially because everything was already planned and organized from our side. Unfortunately, the situation is what it is, and we need to distribute our resources wisely. We’ll modify our plans and make new arrangements for novelties presentation on our distribution locations, where we’ll meet and greet our customers as well. We stay optimistic for the future and we believe that ICE London 2023 will be one of the best gaming shows in our history. We really look forward to getting back to our normal lives and to unveil our further plans for the next edition of ICE.”

Earlier this month, Merkur Gaming, NOVOMATIC, Zitro, and TCS John Huxley were among the first to cancel their participation as exhibitors. They were followed by Abbiati Casino Equipment, Euro Games Technology (EGT), Spintec, R. Franco, Quixant, and Signs4U.

In a recent interview with Yogonet, Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming, the company organizing the event that will be held April 12-14 at ExCeL, expressed his respect and support to the "predominantly" land-based clients that have postponed their attendance until February 2023, given their current trading conditions and the new dateline not being ideal for their business. He said then that Clarion was focused on working with a selection of brands that wish to retain a presence at ICE London via sponsored experiences.

Hunter also noted that the Omicron variant spread situation in the UK continues to improve, government regulations on international travel effective February 11 have normalized travel into England, and ICE London has "significant support from major gaming industry brands." He cited feedback showing that the events are already running safely and effectively in venues across the UK and have generated a "hugely positive" response from buyers and sellers alike.