ICE team set out transport plan for 2017 show

ICE organisers have moved swiftly to implement a logistics and communications plan following confirmation that the Custom House Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station will be shut for 12 months as part of the London Crossrail development. Visitors will be able to use the Royal Victoria stop which is 650 metres from ExCeL, with organisers providing a fleet of buses and coaches throughout each of the three days to transport visitors to the main ExCeL registration entrance.

Kate Chambers, who is Managing Director of Clarion’s Gaming Division and the person responsible for overseeing the successful relocation of ICE from its previous home at Earls Court, said, “We have apportioned a separate and ring-fenced budget to provide free transportation and appoint a team, led by ICE Event Director, Greg Saint, which will be responsible for organising the logistics and for communicating the changes to our loyal community of visitors throughout the world.

„In 2012/13, we handled the move from west London to ExCeL and we will be using the same skill set and attention to detail to ensure the smooth and trouble-free movement of visitors from Royal Victoria to ExCeL.“

She added, „My team has been in close contact with their counterparts working for both ExCeL and Transport for London. We have agreed that liaison staff will be on hand at key points en route and, for those not wanting to use the coach service, there will be a sign-posted walk which brings visitors up the approach to the very front of ExCeL. We have timed the walk at seven minutes. We will be keeping the industry fully informed of these changes and working with our exhibitors to ensure we transport ICE attendees to ExCeL as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

The closure of Custom House makes way for the upgrade and implementation of the new Elizabeth line, which will enable visitors to travel from Heathrow airport to ExCeL in less than 45 minutes.