Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/76788
working hours for our members, it also protects the historic work jurisdiction of Local 134." Reilly pointed to splashy product launches held at trade shows or stand- alone corporate meetings and events as a big reason MPEA sought the rule chang- es. Organizers of such events, he said, are more engaged in pure production work as opposed to standard exhibit hall set- up and oſten prefer to have everything handled by experienced stagehands. "Shows like that haven't been willing to book McCormick Place or, on a smaller level, Navy Pier, because that jurisdiction heretofore belonged to the electricians," Reilly told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Today's agreement is another impor- tant step towards making McCormick Place the nation's premier convention venue," Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said at the news conference announcing the deal. "More conventions means more business and more jobs for Illinois." Te predictions of increased business for the MPEA were bolstered this week with the announcement that Reed Exhibi- tions was indeed bringing shows to Chi- cago and extending the run of its Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo through 2014. Reed said Book Expo America would take place in Chicago in 2016 — its first run in the Windy City since 2004. In ad- dition, the annual AIBTM, Te Americas Meeting & Events Exhibition, will rotate between Chicago and Orlando starting next year. R. Craig Moyes, director of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio for Reed Travel Exhibitions, cited Chicago's large hotel inventory, two major airports and ap- proximately 400 corporate headquarters as reasons to make it the show's home base in odd-numbered years. "We will now have the flexibility to maximize the enor- mous potential delivered to AIBTM by both Chicago and Orlando," Moyes said. Reach Jim Reilly at (312) 791-7500 or jreilly@ mpea.com; Craig Moyes at +44 (0)20 8910 7002 or Craig.moyes@reedexpo.co.uk Electronic Entertainment Expo Uneasy About L.A. Stadium Project Could Relocate for 2013 BY HIL ANDERSON, senior editor Los Angeles, CA – Te uncertainty about the impact that building a new football stadium would have on the Los Angeles Convention Center in the next few years has the organizers of the prestigious Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) look- ing at possibly relocating to another city. As of mid-June, Te Entertainment Soſtware Association (ESA) had yet to an- nounce a venue for E3 2013 and confirmed that it had concerns the huge construction project could not only impede access to the neighboring convention center but leave the show without enough exhibit space. An added wrinkle to the discussions was the departure of Pouria Abbassi, the long time general manager of the conven- tion center, in early June. Te city did not immediately name a replacement. A key element of the Farmers Field project is the razing of the convention center's West Hall to make room for the stadium and replacing it with new exhibit space next to the South Hall. Proponents of the project have said the renovation would not disrupt trade shows at the center. But the construction schedule is far from being set and ESA officials are apparently not yet convinced that their huge video gaming show would go on without some risk. "We are in negotiations to ensure E3 continues to be a best-in-class and invalu- able experience for our members, exhibi- tors and attendees," said Rich Taylor, ESA senior vice president of communica- tions. "Tere are several areas that still need to be resolved and we need the city to fully appreciate the value E3 brings to Los Angeles." ESA President Michael Gallagher told reporters during E3 those unanswered questions were critical to a show that drew 45,700 attendees, about 200 exhibi- tors and a large media contingent in its June 5-7 run. "We need assurances on things like square footage, the quality of the space, the ease of loading and unloading equipment, and signage throughout the convention center for marketing and sponsorships," he said. "We love being in Los Angeles, but we also have a show to put on." Te ESA and its show managers from IDG Expo have a cap on attendance at E3, which presumes the show is not outgrow- ing the Los Angeles Convention Center; however the ESA said the video gaming industry itself was booming and the show needed to be accommodated. "Te video game industry is grow- ing and reaching scores of millions of consumers around the world and the show is growing to reflect this energy and passion," said Taylor. "We hope the city can recognize this fact and work with us to resolve areas of concern." Reach Rich Taylor at (202) 223Ð2400 or rtaylor@theesa.comrtaylor@theesa.com www.TradeShowExecutive.com | July 2012 7