More than 3000 entries were submitted on GamePro.com. The winning entry was proposed by California resident Dante Padre, who has won a trip to the E For All Expo for his submission Padre explained his inspiration behind the E for All Expo name, saying that "this show seems to be about inviting everyone to participate...they even asked gamers to create the name."

The E for All Expo, commonly considered a follow-up to the now-defunct E3 Expo, is officially endorsed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), making it the video game industry's official go-to expo.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 three-day event at on-site retail facilities. Additional attractions are in the works:

high-profile videogame tournaments

job fair/networking opportunities

family-friendly offerings

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.

"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."

Speaking to Next-Gen, a clearly excited source closely related to the event (who opted to remain anonymous) all but confirmed the GamePro Expo. However, the source stopped short of complete confirmation, as official word regarding the event is very likely to surface by the end of the week [An IDG rep indicated to Next-Gen that an official announcement is due next week. - Ed].

According to GameSpot's report, the L.A. Convention and Visitors Bureau expects 30,000 attendees initially, with growth expected. E3 2006 hosted around 60,000 members of the gaming community. GamePro Expo will reportedly take place at the L.A. Convention Center, big E3's old stomping grounds, on October 18, 19 and 20, 2007.

GamePro Expo is also expected to host trade show, consumer and competitive gaming aspects, with gaming competitions possibly taking place in the Staples Center.

Earlier this year, the ESA, which ran the "old" E3, announced the virtual collapse of the event and its reformation into the E3 Media and Business Summit. As the name indicates, the event will be much more business-focused, taking place in smaller venues and hosting around 5,000 invite-only attendees.

The Entertainment Software Association confirmed the weekend's speculation today, E3 is a changing.

The new E3 will be a more intimate affair that focuses on "press events and small meetings with media, retail, development, and other key sectors," according to Doug Lowenstein.

He goes on to say that while there will be opportunities for game demonstrations, E3Expo 2007 will not feature the large trade show environment of previous years.

Ouch.

"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 and CEO of CEA. "Our executive board met yesterday and unanimously asked staff to explore ways that we can help the gaming community."

Added Shapiro, "The Consumer Electronics Association believes that tradeshows are the most viable means for reaching a market as they serve smaller companies and entrepreneurs who need access to media, buyers and investors. Our board, association and events are committed to growing the industry - in fact nearly 80 percent of our members are companies with annual sales of under $10 million."

I'm pretty sure you already know that 99.9% of booth babes would probably think a "console" is what you do for someone who is sad. They are generally clueless about gamers and the industry. This is due to game companies using recruiting firms that use promotional models who work all kinds of conventions from medical equipment to exterminator supplies.

They have been told way too many times that they are a goddess when in fact, they are pretty but still human

They have an inside connection to one of the game's execs (if you know what I mean. *wink wink nudge nudge*) who got them that job so they feel they can act any way they want

They are hung over from the party you didn't get invited to the night before

Or they are just being a bitch and would behave that way in any job they had.

It is as if you have stumbled into a pagan ceremony, where the devotees are paying homage to the gods of video games.

TG isn't like most LAN parties around: there is no age limit, there are no limits regarding speakers, and there's no main target group. The party is for absolutely everyone who is able to take care of themselves and wants to be involved, including gamers and demo scene people, and those who participate to make the most out of it socially. For about $100 you got table space about 2.5 feet square, a power outlet, and a switch port for your network cable for five days. And of course: the craziest Easter you can buy for a modest amount of money.