LADYDRAGON.COM - E3Expo 2003 Surpasses Key Milestones; World's Leading Computer and Video Game Trade Event Sees Growth

Thursday April 17, 2003

E3Expo 2003 Surpasses Key Milestones; World's Leading Computer and Video Game Trade Event Sees Growth

Reflecting the Electronic Entertainment Expo's (E3Expo) position as the world's leading venue for interactive entertainment products, E3Expo show management today announced that the event is on track to surpass key exhibit space and registration milestones from the prior year.

To date, E3Expo 2003 has sold approximately 515,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the largest amount of space sold since 2000. This year's show is on track to host more than 400 exhibitors, including 163 new exhibiting companies, and has also seen growth in the number of qualified pre-registered general attendees, with pre-registration numbers exceeding those seen at the same time in 2002. The show, now in its ninth year, is scheduled May 14-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"Given a global environment in which concerns about war, disease, and the economy are affecting just about everything, it is striking that the current outlook for E3Expo 2003 is so robust," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3Expo. "In my view, this reflects the fact that interest in the computer and video game industry and its future remains exceptionally high, and the recognition that attendance at E3Expo is essential for anyone with a stake in this growing business."

An invaluable forum for industry professionals seeking to learn more about the business, E3Expo 2003 will offer an unparalleled panel of 100 industry leaders who will share their knowledge during 33 educational conference sessions and workshops.

E3Expo is owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. IDSA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers, including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer research, government relations, and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.

E3Expo is a trade event, not open to the general public. Only working journalists with qualified media outlets will be eligible to register for media badges. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly enforced.