In an article published Friday, Game Daily Biz interviewed E3 show manager Mary Dolaher on marketing and security at this May's event.
It's an article worth reading for a couple of reasons - first, to get an idea of what goes into security at E3; second, is that it's the type of article that most, if not all, shows should consider doing with their own industry pubs.
While the interview doesn't break any news on marketing innovations, the portions of the interview involving security are interesting.
The nature of E3 demands a level of security that is much higher than most of us face. After attendees are screened by E3 staff for buyer qualifications, the list is sent to the Feds, who examine it to look for registrants with prior records of software and game pirating or those on government watch lists.
Also of interest is how Dolaher stays one step ahead of badge counterfeiters and has implemented one of our industry's tightest show security programs, which includes both uniformed LAPD and undercover cops on patrol throughout the show to prevent theft and vandalism.
It's good to see that a gaming industry publication was interested in running an article like this one.
In fact, we'd recommend this story angle for all show managers.
Most attendees (and unfortunately too many exhibitors) still have no idea what goes into producing a show or conference. Offering an insider's "behind-the-scenes" look at your show provides both a humanizing element and demonstrates the value add that the show management team provides to the industry.
You can argue that such an article may even more valuable than the usual release of show statistics that many of your audience will greet with skepticism, if they read it at all.
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