Clarion Gaming said ICE London and iGB Affiliate London have been postponed due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the U.K. and Europe.
In a letter to delegates, Clarion Managing Director Stuart Hunter said there had been a deterioration in Covid conditions over the past 48 hours, which had lead to concerns amongst international attendees who were planning to travel to London for the event.
Clarion said that new dates would be provided as soon as possible, potentially in April 2022. .
“Until two weeks ago, there was nothing stopping ICE and iGB Affiliate London, with appetite from attendees and exhibitors surpassing 2020 levels,” he wrote. “But these are not normal times and we are incredibly sad to find ourselves in this position once again.”
ICE was last held in February 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning to take hold in Asia. It was cancelled for this year.
On a more positive note, Hunter said both events had been close to full capacity and registrations are well ahead of the 2020 edition at this stage.
“I believe we have the most advanced roster of gaming brands globally, we have secured some of the most influential voices of the industry, and we have invested in enhancing the onsite experience for all.”
U.K. cases topped their highest daily levels since the pandemic began this week, rising to more than 88,000. The government is rushing to roll out booster shots, with research showing that three doses of the vaccine gives around 85 percent protection against serious illness, a little less than against other variants.
