Gen Con Hires Former E3 Director To Assist Expansion

Organizers of the annual Gen Con gaming hobbyist conventions have announced the appointment of former Entertainment Software Association (ESA) executive Bill Creonte as the new senior vice president of business development. In his new role, Creonte is tasked with expanding Gen Con's business, including building upon the previously announced plans to add video game-related content in the wake of the changes made to the E3 convention earlier this year. In its newly expanded form, Gen Con organizers hope to provide a venue for video game manufacturers, developers, publishers and others a place to feature their products to the trade, media and consumers alike. In his previous role at the ESA, Creonte worked as the director of exhibit sales and business development for E3, which the ESA owns and manages. Prior to joining the ESA, Creonte was the national sales manager for E3 at IDG Expo Management, the company formerly responsible for E3's management. In total, he has spent nine years involved with the industry trade event. In August, Gen Con officials noted that the first show to be expanded will be the upcoming Indianapolis show in 2007, which will feature an additional 43,000 square feet added to the exhibit hall, as well as additional space expanding into area hotels. In addition, Gen Con So Cal, the show traditionally held in Anaheim, is now expected to take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the former site of the annual E3 trade show, at an unspecified date in 2007.