Electronic Entertainment Expo

Electronic Entertainment Expo, commonly known as E3, is an annual trade fair for the computer and video games industry presented by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). It is used by many video game publishers and accessory manufacturers to show off their upcoming games and game-related merchandise.

E3 is widely considered to be the flagship expo in the video game industry and major video game critics routinely document the event and sometimes even provide a series of E3 awards. Video game companies generally spend more on their presentations for E3 than any other convention. Major video game critics often have a "best of E3" award session (similar to end-of-year award sessions), and only E3 consistently features such awards.

Unlike Gamescom, Penny Arcade Expo (a.k.a. PAX) and other video game trade fairs that are open to the public, E3 is an exclusive, industry-only event. Persons who apply to attend are required by the event's governing body (Entertainment Software Association) to verify that they have some professional connection to the electronic entertainment industry.

E3 is commonly held in late May or early June of each year at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) in Los Angeles, and was held there from June 7 to June 9 in 2011. In 2007, the convention was exceptionally held from July 11 to July 13 in Santa Monica, California.

The latest E3 was held on June 5-7, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (E3 2012).