The new E3Expo will take shape over the next several months. As currently envisioned, it will still take place in Los Angeles, described by ESA as a "great and supportive partner helping to build E3." It will focus on press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors. While there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.

Additionally, the evolution of the video game industry into a vibrant and expanding global market has led to the creation of major events in different regions, such as the Games Convention in Leipzig, the Tokyo Game Show, and company-specific events held by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, and others around the world. As a result, Lowenstein said, "It is no longer necessary or efficient to have a single industry 'mega-show.' By refocusing on a highly-targeted event, we think we can do a better job serving our members and the industry as a whole, and our members are energized about creating this new E3."

The impact of this decision will not be fully understood for some months. The absence of E3’s 36,000 room nights in May of next year and the ensuing years through 2012 will clearly be a net loss notwithstanding what other smaller hotel specific events ESA may schedule throughout LA. But what is equally clear is that the absence of E3’s several week move-in and out requirements now frees us to sell what is a very high-demand period of the year….during a time when the LA LIVE project is achieving new national attention.

As you might expect, sales calls are being made now to inform organizations who have expressed an interest in what has been the E3 time slot. We will keep you informed of developments in what will be an evolving story in the months to come.