Los Angeles to Host the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

E3 is now the largest convention scheduled for 2009, 2010 and 2011 in LA.
E3 Media & Business Summit 2009

LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has selected Los Angeles to host the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) for the next three years. The 2009 event, which will take place from June 2-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), will account for more than 33,000 room nights and more than $18 million in economic impact for Los Angeles.

“There is much to be said about a convention of this magnitude returning to the entertainment capital of the world,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “The video game industry is one of the few industries in the nation that continues to show signs of growth, and ESA’s three-year commitment to Los Angeles is a testament to our City’s formidable hospitality and technology sectors.” More than 470,000 Angelenos are employed by the hospitality and technology industries.

“E3 returning to Los Angeles is such good news for the hospitality industry and our local economy,” said Mark Liberman, president and CEO of LA INC. “LA INC. set a record for citywide convention bookings last fiscal year, in which the 53 citywide conventions booked are expected to generate $360 million in economic impact for Los Angeles. The booking of E3 keeps us on pace for another successful year.”

E3 will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology. After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees — these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.

“Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and organizes the annual event. “The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E3 the must-attend event of the year.”

E3 will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit.

IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E3 since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

About ESA

The Entertainment Software Association is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), business and consumer research, federal and state government relations, First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.

About LA INC.

LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com.

Contacts

Bill Karz
213/236-2330, fax 213/452-1430
wkarz {at} LAInc(.)us
www.discoverLosAngeles.com