Video Game Trade Show E3 Signs on to Stay in L.A. for Three More Years
July 29, 2012
The city of Los Angeles likely is collectively sighing in relief since the Entertainment Software Association decided to keep the lucrative video game trade show E3 in town through 2015.
Even though there were rumblings E3 was considering moving out because of planned construction of a new stadium that will impact the Los Angeles Convention Center where the show is held, ESA signed a new contract that will bring the show back to the city 2013, 2014 and 2015.
“We are proud to partner with Los Angeles for another three years,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents the U.S. video game industry. “The city serves as a strong backdrop for the video game industry’s biggest announcements, and we look forward to remaining in L.A.”
He added, “Video games are a dominant force in the global entertainment marketplace and there is no better place to display that than Los Angeles. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the City and AEG.”
Last year’s show resulted in 30,000 total hotel room nights with a $40 million citywide economic impact, according to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
The 2013 conference is expected to generate $40 million in economic impact and will take place June 11-13, 2013.
“It is a privilege that Los Angeles will continue to host E3,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
He added, “Los Angeles is the birthplace of E3, and by returning year after year, it continues to keep the city at the forefront of technology.”
Mark Liberman, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, said, “Not only is E3 important for the technology and video game industry, it’s also important for tourism. With approximately 200 exhibitors attending this past year plus the 45,000 attendees, we recognize that all eyes are on Los Angeles during the event and our hotels, restaurants and transportation partners are appreciative of the business gained as a result.”
E3, which is owned by ESA and produced by IDG World Expo, was first held in Los Angeles in 1995, and 2013 will mark its 17th year in Los Angeles.
How the construction project, which will include demolition of the West Hall where the new stadium will be built and a new hall will be built adjacent to the center’s South Hall, might impact E3 still is unknown.
This year’s E3 Expo had several large exhibitors in the West Hall, including Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft The majority of exhibitors are located in the South Hall.
Timothy J. Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, the company behind the stadium project, said of E3 deciding to stay in L.A.: “It was the true collaborative efforts and partnership between the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Los Angeles Convention Center, hospitality industry, AEG and other stakeholders with the Entertainment Software Association that gave us the ability to negotiate this significant three-year extension with one the city’s most important conventions.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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