The event, currently held in London, has recently been slated to move after Clarion’s partners alleged cost difficulties in attending an event held in the UK – now divorced from the EU.
Four cities have been shortlisted as potential hosts for future iterations of ICE from 2025 onwards. These are Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and London.
There will be formal bid processes from each city to stage the event – and it is expected that London’s bid would need to be particularly tempting given the supposed calls for its relocation.
The bidding process is expected to be completed later in 2023, with a decision expected in the third quarter of the year.
Speaking on the bidding process, Clarion Events Group Managing Director Alex Pratt has said the process will be customer-centric – with a final decision reflecting the best interests of stakeholders and the industry as a whole.
The bidding process will also include iGB Affiliate London, which is held concurrently with ICE. Stakeholders involved in the process will also be involved.
Pratt said: “[Stakeholders will be involved] to identify their preferred strategic path. The four shortlisted cities will progress through a selection process with the help of the experienced and knowledgeable team at Equimore which is overseeing every aspect of what is a robust programme.
“By pursuing all due diligence, we will identify the city that’s best equipped to not only host an event that continues to play such a central role in helping to create opportunity and prosperity for gaming businesses of all sizes, across every vertical and in every global jurisdiction, but also demonstrate its leadership in the sector.”
Looking ahead to ICE London, Gambling Insider caught up with Pratt on what to expect from this year's show.
