CEA To Explore Gaming Show Option

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 8/15/2006

Arlington, Va. – With change in the E3 Show format the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), owner and producer of the International CES, said it is forming an advisory committee to solicit gaming industry feedback and explore the viability of a West Coast event in late spring 2007 focused on the gaming and entertainment marketplace.

CEA attracts 2,700 member companies and exhibitors to its International CES – a majority of whom are active in both the entertainment and gaming categories. CEA claims more than 11 percent (17,800) of those who attended the 2006 International CES expressed specific interest in gaming and gaming products.

The International CES was the nation's largest gaming show until E3 was formed in 1994. In addition, the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation were both launched or previewed at CES.

“Since ESA decided to eliminate the E3 event in its known format, we have been deluged with inquiries on whether we could fill the tradeshow needs of smaller video entertainment companies,” said Gary Shapiro, president/CEO of CEA. “Our executive board met yesterday and unanimously asked staff to explore ways that we can help the gaming community.”

CEA executives, Karen Chupka, senior VP of events and conferences and Dan Cole, VP of business development, will lead the advisory committee efforts. Companies that support the formation of this advisory committee include Auravision, Majesco Entertainment and NCsoft.

“We already have commitments from three companies in this area to provide us advice on a new event in late spring 2007,” said Chupka. “As long as there is desire and commitment, we are ready to service this community and will begin looking at venues in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and for appropriate partners. Should the committee recommend we move forward, we would design an event which is consistent with CES quality.”