The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the owner and producer of the International CES, announced today that it is forming an advisory committee to solicit gaming industry feedback and explore the viability of a West Coast event in late spring 2007 focused on the gaming and entertainment marketplace.

“Since ESA decided to eliminate the E3 event in its known format, we have been deluged with inquiries on whether we could fill the tradeshow needs of smaller video entertainment companies,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “Our executive board met yesterday and unanimously asked staff to explore ways that we can help the gaming community.”

CEA executives, Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences and Dan Cole, vice president of business development, will lead the advisory committee efforts. Companies that support the formation of this advisory committee include Auravision, Majesco Entertainment and NCsoft.