European Computer Trade Show
Encyclopedia
The European Computer Trade Show, commonly known as ECTS, was an annual trade show for the Europe
an computer and video game industry
, which first ran in 1988, with the last event occurring in 2004.
The exposition was only open to industry professionals and journalists, although it was frequently attended by members of the public who had faked credentials. Due to the wide-scale nature of this, many exhibitors planned stalls to appeal to both trade and public, except when alternative public shows were planned (such as the Future Entertainment Show and Game Stars Live).
ECTS was held towards the end of August or the beginning of September. Post-2002, the show was held in Earls Court Exhibition Centre
in London
. Previous to this the show had been held in ExCeL Exhibition Centre
and the Grand Hall at Olympia, both also in London.
From 2001 until 2004, the Game Developers Conference Europe was held alongside ECTS. Unlike the primarily press-oriented ECTS, GDCE focused on talks and discussions about the development of games, and was aimed at the developers themselves. In 2004, however, GDCE moved locations and ran alongside the Game Stars Live event.
In April 2005, organiser CMP announced that they were withdrawing from the British trade show market, marking the end of 17 years of shows.
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an computer and video game industry
Computer and video game industry
The video game industry is the economic sector involved with the development, marketing and sales of video games...
, which first ran in 1988, with the last event occurring in 2004.
The exposition was only open to industry professionals and journalists, although it was frequently attended by members of the public who had faked credentials. Due to the wide-scale nature of this, many exhibitors planned stalls to appeal to both trade and public, except when alternative public shows were planned (such as the Future Entertainment Show and Game Stars Live).
ECTS was held towards the end of August or the beginning of September. Post-2002, the show was held in Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
The Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, conference and event venue located in west London, United Kingdom in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea . It is the largest exhibition venue in central London. It is served by two underground stations, Earl's Court and West...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Previous to this the show had been held in ExCeL Exhibition Centre
ExCeL Exhibition Centre
ExCeL London is an exhibitions and conference centre in the London Borough of Newham, England. It is located on a site on the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Dock in London Docklands, between Canary Wharf and London City Airport.- History :The centre was built by Sir Robert McAlpine, opened...
and the Grand Hall at Olympia, both also in London.
From 2001 until 2004, the Game Developers Conference Europe was held alongside ECTS. Unlike the primarily press-oriented ECTS, GDCE focused on talks and discussions about the development of games, and was aimed at the developers themselves. In 2004, however, GDCE moved locations and ran alongside the Game Stars Live event.
In April 2005, organiser CMP announced that they were withdrawing from the British trade show market, marking the end of 17 years of shows.
Venues
| Year | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 16-18 April | Business Design Centre |
| 1990 | 1-3 April | Business Design Centre |
| 1991 | 14-16 April | Business Design Centre |
| 1992 | 12-14 April | Business Design Centre |
| 6-8 September | Business Design Centre | |
| 1993 | 4-6 April | Business Design Centre |
| 5-7 September | Business Design Centre | |
| 1994 | 10-12 April | Business Design Centre |
| 4-6 September | Business Design Centre | |
| 1995 | 26-28 March | Olympia |
| 10-12 September | Olympia | |
| 1996 | 14-16 April | Olympia |
| 9-10 September | Olympia | |
| 1997 | 7-9 September | Olympia |
| 1998 | 6-8 September | Olympia |
| 1999 | 5-7 September | Olympia |
| 2000 | 3-5 September | Olympia |
| 2001 | 2-4 September | ExCeL |
| 2002 | 29-31 August | Earls Court Exhibition Centre |
| 2003 | 27-29 August | Earls Court Exhibition Centre |
| 2004 | 1-3 September | Earls Court Exhibition Centre |