Posted on 01/24/2006 1:46:13 PM PST by Panerai
The video game industry's 2006 E3Expo trade show in Los Angeles is getting a makeover--banned are the swarms of sexy, semi-clad "booth babes" that in years past took the unveiling of new games and technology to titillating new levels.
Rules prohibiting the use of scantily clad young women to peddle video games are nothing new, but the handbook for this year's show in May outlines tough new penalties, including a $5,000 fine on the spot for the booth owner if the "booth babe" is semi-clad.
"What's new in 2006 is an update and clarification of the enforcement policies; as we do from time to time, we have taken steps to ensure that exhibitors are familiar with the policy and how it will be enforced," Mary Dolaher, E3Expo show director, said in an e-mail.
She did not comment on the reasons for the change.
The video game industry has come under fire from federal and local politicians, who want to limit sales of violent and sexually explicit games to minors.
The handbook from the Entertainment Software Association, the show's promoter, says: "Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show."
Exhibitors would receive one verbal warning when a violation occurs. Upon a second violation, the ESA said it would impose a $5,000 penalty, payable immediately on the site. It would also require that models comply with the dress code before returning to the floor.
ESA said it has sole discretion to determine what is acceptable.
Before you know it E3 will be as tame as a SPIE convention. No booth babes for the optical guys, nope...
LOL. A $5,000 fine? The cartage charges to get the average booth 50 yards from the loading bay to the show floor is calculated in multiples of $5K. $5K is not even a drop in the bucket for a presence at E3, and I'm certain that for a lot of exhibitors, it'll just be rolled into the cost of the doing the show.
Just like the exhibitors shake in their boots when the enforcers come around with the decibel meter and threaten them if the floor noise is too loud. They turn it down for a whole 2.5 minutes, and then turn it up even louder.
If these women are removed how are the guys that go to these conventions ever going to see a real live girl?
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