A 20+ year long reign has come to an end with ICE London’s last event, ahead of the conference’s move to Barcelona next year. Today, we discuss the history and prominence of ICE London, whilst David Rooney and Cole Clark from our recruitment team provide an insight into this year’s show. Director John O’Neill also shares his thoughts about what the future holds for the renowned conference’s new residency in Barcelona.
ICE London is arguably the most popular and highly regarded conference on the iGaming calendar. Across three jam packed days of networking, meetings, events, live talks and so much more, the show brings together over 45,000 of the brightest and most talented minds from within the global iGaming industry. The event has been based in London since it’s incorporation over 20 years ago, where it has always been regarded as an optimal location as the UK is a leading online gaming hub. This is why in 2023, the announcement of the show’s upheaval to Barcelona for the 2025 event sent shockwaves throughout the industry. However, the decision was justified by event organiser Clarion, who argue their customer base urged them to explore alternative venues for the show due to a variety of reasons, which haven’t been fully revealed. John O’Neill discusses his predictions for future of the conference in Barcelona:
“Barcelona was one of the first international destinations I travelled to early in my iGaming career for the former EiG conference (now iGB Live). I have accumulated many fond memories from visiting the city throughout my career, and it feels like a real full circle moment with ICE now calling Barcelona home.
It must be said the SBC team has done an exceptional job at hosting iGaming events in Barcelona. The SBC Barcelona show has been a firm favourite of ours, and it is a show that we have thoroughly enjoyed attending in recent years. Although it will be challenging, I am certain ICE will live up to expectations and that the event organisers will put on an excellent conference. The BettingJobs team and I are very much looking forward to returning to Barcelona for next year’s show and making new memories in this upcoming iGaming hub.” – John O’Neill, Director
We spoke with iGaming Recruitment Consultant David Rooney to hear an insight into his first-time attending ICE:
“Travelling to London to attend ICE for the first time with my colleagues at BettingJobs was a great experience. Having the opportunity to meet with individuals that I’ve worked with over the past year in person has continued to help build upon and strengthen the relationships I hold with both candidates and clients. In terms of the event, it was excellent to see so many companies showcasing the hard work they’ve put in over the last few months, and to learn from such talented industry professionals is an honour.
I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with candidates I have placed since I joined BettingJobs in 2022. Finding out more about how things are going for them both professionally and personally within their lives was truly rewarding. I’m grateful that I got to experience the last ever ICE London, however I am very much looking forward to attending more international iGaming conferences in the future!” – David Rooney, iGaming Recruitment Consultant
Cole Clark shares his highlights from ICE London 2024:
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the last ICE London before the show moves to Barcelona next year. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to witness the conference in person after hearing so much about it from my colleagues at BettingJobs. Although my expectations for the show were already high, it was astounding to witness the sheer footfall of the event.
My favourite part of ICE was meeting with our existing global candidates and clients in person, putting faces to names. I enjoyed speaking with and being introduced to prospective new clients, and I found it very interesting learning more about the market and the landscape of the iGaming industry in different countries, as well as hearing about everyone’s background.
Catching up with candidates I have placed since beginning my iGaming career and watching them excel in their new roles whilst representing their company at the exhibition was a real highlight of mine. I can’t wait to continue attending more high-profile industry conferences and events in throughout my iGaming career with the BettingJobs team.” – Cole Clark, iGaming Recruitment Consultant
We would like to extend a special thanks to all who stopped by our stand to speak with our team at the final ICE London, and for helping make this event a truly memorable one. Although the show ends its era in London, we are confident that Barcelona will be a fantastic destination for ICE. After all, who doesn’t love some winter sunshine?!
SiGMA Africa is set to be the next stop on our international conference calendar. Stuart Armstrong & Iain Watson from our Glasgow HQ will be making the mighty journey to Cape Town from 11th-13th March to attend this year’s show. Our consultants would be delighted to speak with you about how BettingJobs can help you secure you’re dream role, as well as our world class recruitment services. Begin excelling your career or company by booking a meeting with us using the during SiGMA Africa 2024 using the following details: info@bettingjobs.com
