E3 to stay in LA for three years

The Los Angeles Convention Center and Visitors Bureau has announced E3 will remain in LA for the next three years.

According to Edge, it’s an important deal for Los Angeles – as the city expects $18 million in economic impact from the upsized expo, with everything from cab fares to hotel and food expenses giving a boost to the local economy.

The city estimates 33,000 room nights will be paid during the Entertainment Software Association’s games industry event, taking place on June 2nd to 4th in 2009.

L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in a statement, "There is much to be said about a convention of this magnitude returning to the entertainment capital of the world.

"The videogame industry is one of the few industries in the nation that continues to show signs of growth, and ESA’s three-year commitment to Los Angeles is a testament to our City’s formidable hospitality and technology sectors.”

The city said the hospitality and tech industries employ more than 470,000 LA citizens.