The ATEI, ICE shows will go ahead as planned despite the understandable turmoil following September 11th and subsequent world events. The ATE has been redouble its efforts and do everything possible to prepare and promote the London shows.
"Exhibitors across ATEI, ICE and the new Visitor Attractions Show are making huge efforts to put on the best possible displays of innovative product. For our part, we have introduced new features such as Online@ATEI, the International Betting Zone at ICE and the rebranded i-Gaming Zone.
"Whilst visitor numbers – particularly at exhibitions in the United States – have fallen sharply, I sincerely hope that the symbolism surrounding the start of a new year will encourage industry professionals from throughout the world to once again make their annual journey to London.
As of 1st December 244 exhibiting companies from 27 countries had confirmed their presence at ATEI 2002, 44 of which will be making their debut appearance at ATEI 2002. Over a 100 non-UK organisations will be taking stand space at the Earls Court showcase.
Visitors to ATEI 2002 will benefit from a new feature dedicated to the online games/internet tournament play sector.
Branded as ‘Online@ATEI', the initiative will bring together major players in the market who will be demonstrating web-enabled products and services delivering heightened play appeal as well as enhanced profitability and efficiency for operators.
Online@ATEI will comprise a high visibility, hi-tech, themed area with its own dedicated bar and café area where buyers can meet with representatives from exhibiting companies.
Leading players including Austrian giant Funworld, General Gaming Industries of Spain, UK-based NetShift Software and Eclipse Gaming have all signed up for the launch of Online@ATEI.
Online@ATEI becomes the fourth specialist sector which will benefit buyers attending January's London shows. ATEI's sister event, the International Casino Exhibition (ICE), will feature zones dedicated to i-gaming, international betting, machine components and recruitment. These specialist initiatives, combined with the 60+ product sectors at ATEI, underline the breadth of the product mix on offer to buyers attending the London-based business-to-business exhibitions.
Dr Kim Howells MP, the Government's Tourism Minister, will be making a keynote address at January's London shows. Julian Graves, ATE's Marketing & Commercial Director, said: "ATEI and the International Casino Exhibition represent ideal events for politicians to see the gaming and gambling sectors at their very best."
This year's list of special events will include "The World Summit of Trade Associations" and "Euromat Executive Meeting" as well as the "The International VIP Luncheon and Evening Reception" and "The BACTA Ball and ICE Ball"
The Interactive Gambling, Gaming and Betting Association (iGGBA), which was formed in September 2001, will be making its first official appearance at the forthcoming shows in London.
The new trade association, which is open to UK-registered organisations which have interests in games suitable for distribution via interactive channels, will be on stand 5562 in the International Casino Exhibition, but is keen to talk with all organisations or individuals with on-line interests.
iGGBA will be holding an open meeting for current and prospective members on Thursday 24 January in Room 214, 2nd floor, Earls Court Exhibition Centre. The meeting, which will run from 11.00hrs to 13.00hrs, will be addressed by Clive Hawkswood, a senior official at the DCMS, who will provide an update on the government department's latest thinking on i-gaming. Due to limited space, attendees are asked to pre-book via Nharding@ral.ltd.uk
For more information on this trade show click
here
