Entertainment for All Expo Announced

IDG World Expo has issued a press release announcing a new "Entertainment for All Expo" that will offer a similar experience as pre-2007 E3 events.
New Interactive Entertainment Event Announces Name: “Entertainment for All Expo” (E for All) The Entertainment Show that’s for Everyone

California resident wins trip to “E for All” by naming the new event targeting consumers who are passionate about video games and other electronic entertainment

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDG World Expo today announced the official name of its newest event: "Entertainment for All((TM)) Expo" (E for All((TM)) Expo), scheduled for October 18-20, 2007, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The name replaces "GamePro Expo" - a placeholder while the company held a naming contest. More than 3000 entries were submitted on popular video game site GamePro.com. The winning entry was proposed by California resident Dante Padre.

The new name highlights the show's focus on entertainment and its openness and accessibility to the public. Building on momentum and pent-up demand that has grown within the consumer audience for all things related to computer and video games, event organizers anticipate its mid-October dates will launch an early holiday shopping season for the industry. The new name also reflects the cross-pollinization between traditional and digital entertainment - the reason behind establishing the show in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world.

When asked what inspired his name submission, Mr. Padre said: "This show seems to be about inviting everyone to participate; they even asked gamers to create the name. Unlike other industry-only events, this show is for everyone. Now everyone will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, the entertainment, and the early look at the industry that's only been available to insiders before."

"E for All Expo" will offer consumers the opportunity to test-drive the latest in games and gadgetry, as well as purchase products they enjoyed over the course of the 3-day event at on-site retail facilities. Additional attractions are in the works, including high-profile videogame tournaments; job fair/networking opportunities; family-friendly offerings; and the acclaimed Video Games Live concert. The Expo will also take advantage of soon-to-be-expanded LA Live area adjoining the LA Convention Center and Staples Center.

"The games market continues to expand in every way," says Danielle Levitas, vice president of IDC's Consumer, Broadband, and New Media practice. "From consoles and handhelds to online and mobile gaming, we are seeing platforms, business models, and content evolve to take advantage of new populations of gamers that span all corners of the globe, young and old, and male and female. Furthermore, with the burgeoning growth in virtual worlds and downloadable games to portable CE devices, the line between games and other forms of entertainment is blurring and this should ultimately drive gamer numbers even higher."

"We've witnessed a growing demand for a consumer-focused interactive entertainment show these last few years - both from consumers and from the industry," says Mary Dolaher, executive vice president of IDG World Expo. " "E for All Expo" will offer an unprecedented opportunity for people who share a passion for games to try before they buy - and to interact with the people who created them. For companies that produce and develop games, interactive toys, and all things related, our goal is that "E for All" will foster promotional and relationship-building opportunities that only face-to-face contact can create."

"E for All Expo" has been endorsed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association exclusively dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies that publish video and computer games for video game consoles, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sold in the U.S. in 2005, and billions more in export sales of U.S.-made entertainment software.

About IDG World Expo

IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) produces tradeshows, conferences and events for professionals seeking world-class education, peer-to-peer networking and one-stop comparison shopping. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes E for All Expo, Macworld Conference & Expo®, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®, LinuxWorld® OpenSolutions Summit(TM), Next Generation Data Center (NGDC), SaaScon(TM), GridWorld(TM), OSBC®, Digital ID World®, RoboBusiness, RoboNexus, and RoboDevelopment Conference & Expo. IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About International Data Group (IDG)

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's online network includes more than 450 Web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and gaming worldwide. IDG's lead generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including E for All Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Macworld Conference & Expo, DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 850 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends.

Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com .