Confessions of an E3 Newb
by: Jennifer Gundlach, Staff Writer

If you’ve never been to E3, …well, stick with me. I’ve never been
either, and I’m going to do my best to give you a “newbie’s” view of
the place—from the press room to the show floor.

Now, you have to understand that since I’m new, I don’t get invited to
all the nifty briefings, media junk, and parties. That’s something
you learn about while you’re at E3. If you’re with a big
company, you’re more likely to get invited to any or all of those
wonderful events. Of course, I did get invited to a few; so, to the
ones that I did get invited, you’ll get a chance to “virtually” go
with me.

I arrived here in sunny California last Thursday. I figured that
would give me time to absorb a bit of the lovely weather and to get
ready for the convention. A word to the wise, however—if you plan on
coming to E3, register early, RSVP for everything, and try to get to
know as much as you can from those who have been. Not only was I not
prepared for all the media events (many of which I wish I could have
gone to), but I also might have been able to RSVP for a few more of
them if I'd been prepared. Something else you should know, too.
BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD! Did I mention that you should bring your
business card? In fact, bring more than one. You’ll likely be
handing them out at the show, and from what Staci Krause, three-time
E3 show-goer says, most of the people here won’t even talk to you
without a business card. So be sure you have one.

It pays to discover—and no, that’s not just from a commercial. I’d
suggest bringing your own laptop computer; though, you’ll have plenty
of ways to access computers while you’re at E3—at least if you’re one
of the press. Still, you’ll probably want to glean facts quickly and
on your own without the need to run around the convention center
looking for the nearest computer. Either way, keep an eye on the E3
site. They’ve got great people and media PR scouting the convention
and in constant contact with the industry attendees. If something’s
going to happen at the convention, they’re going to know about it, and
if you’re checking that website—you’ll know about it, too.

Right. So now that you have some idea of how to find what you want to
do, let me get back to telling you about how everything’s going here.

It’s busy. Monday there were briefings, many of them from leading
industry participants like Sony, Xbox, and others—each trying to make
sure their wares for the con have some really great coverage and
exposure to all the people here looking to buy—and that means anyone
from individuals to store chains. Tuesday there’s a flurry of
activity as booths are being finished, industry professionals are
going over their schedules, and the media are taking in the sights and
sounds early to be sure they’re getting you the latest news. There
are more press briefings, a few conference sessions, and tonight—
tonight is the big media sha-bang: E-Focus.

You’ll see people here in all kinds of clothing, too, but mostly today
at the convention center people are looking casual and relaxed.
They’re doing a lot of running around, crawling around, and scouting
for information—and that means walking, lots of walking. Luckily for
me, I don’t have anything to do but regale you with my “insider”
knowledge of E3. And that means you’re getting the sneaker tour—well,
at least until tomorrow when I will tell you all how tonight’s event
went.

For the most part, the convention center looks half-done; there are
boxes everywhere, people everywhere, and those who have been here
before are saying their brief and/or fond hellos. New friends are
being made, and groups are working on making sure they have everything
ready for tomorrow—from appointment assignments to games and consoles
and media they’re going to be checking out on the floor. For most of
us, this is going to be the last day we get any real semblance of
sleep. For tomorrow is the opening of the conference!

Be sure to check back for more details as I get them, and if there’s
anything you want to know about the show, let me know. I’ll see what
I can do to find out for you!

If you'd like to see some pictures of E3 just before it gets crazy, the calm before the storm, you can find them here.