Update: Next-Gen talked with event organizer IDG and discovered that the "open to the public" title has a little asterisk attached to it. Interested attendees may be a little disappointed to hear that the show won't be free; the going rate for a three-day pass will be $100. $33 a day may be a small price to pay for some people, but until we know what is going to be at the show, will it be worth it?

Original Story:

To clarify, the "E for All" show is not the new E3. It was formally known as the GamePro Expo before the name change. The full details are below.

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™ Expo" (E for All™ 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.

For more information about “E for All Expo" or to register for updates about the event, please visit www.EforAllExpo.com.