I’ve been to all but a couple of the Electronic Entertainment Expos (E3) over the past two decades. Here’s some tips for surviving. We hope you enjoy the show. If it’s your first trip, we recommend that you go into it prepared.
The show is big, spanning the huge Los Angeles Convention Center, with at least 2,300 products on display.
I talked with Mike Gallagher, CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, about this year’s show. E3 has 81 new companies this year, and 126 of the exhibitors are virtual reality companies (it had 53 last year). There will be more than 100 mobile and social companies. And there are an estimated 2.6 billion gamers on the planet. At least 75 never-before-seen games will be on display.Crowds: About 50,000 professionals show up at the event. And this year, the Entertainment Software Association is allowing 15,000 fans in as well. That will make the show more crowded. It takes a long time to walk from one end of the convention center to the other, so plan accordingly. If you can’t get somewhere like a big event, consider watching the livestream. It could make your life easier.
Keep in mind you may face a line for getting your badge. Do not lose your badge. They have big goons guarding the doors who are not sympathetic.
Getting around: For Southwest Airlines flights, try to check in exactly 24 hours ahead of boarding. Check in your baggage if you don’t have to get anywhere fast. Be prepared for long cab lines or rental car check-in lines.
When you return to the airport, give yourself time: 2.
5 hours is not a bad target for heading out before your flight at LAX. Use ride-sharing when you can. Most rental cars are off-site at LAX, so allow extra time for returns and shuttles.What to pack: Pack good shoes. You’ll be on your feet for hours, so you want to make sure to have good shoes. Bring spares in case you find that what you thought was comfortable isn’t. Pack some ibuprofen and vitamins, too, along with water and snacks. I also use a roller for my backpack to save me from wearing a heavy load for 14 hours.
If you collect a lot of swag, you can send it home via shipping services instead of carting it on the plane. You should print a map of the exhibit floor or rip one out of…
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