L.A. in talks to keep E3 convention

The largest annual convention in Los Angeles — a video games conference that wraps up today  — may be in play.

Los Angeles city officials are in negotiations with organizers of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, to ensure that the vast displays of new games, consoles and other electronic wizardry as well as costumed goblins, elves and booth babes return after next year, when the show's contract with the city-owned convention center ends.

The weeklong convention, expected to attract 45,600 attendees and fill an estimated 25,000 hotel rooms this week, is among the most lucrative shows for downtown merchants and hoteliers.

E3 exhibitors and attendees last year spent an estimated $25 million on restaurants, taxis, hotels, and the hiring of hundreds of temporary workers to staff their booths, among other things, according to the Entertainment Software Assn., the group that puts together E3.

While association executives say the discussions with the city are "very positive," the group says it is keeping its options open.
LAMediaWatch.com