The Entertainment Software Association (ESA; formerly the IDSA) has posted a call for conference program speakers on its Web site. The open call is for "new, inventive, and exciting topics for our Conference Program."

　　With those words, the "must now constantly think about E3" season has officially begun.

　　The 2005 event will take place in Los Angeles from May 17 to 20. The Conference Program takes place during the first three days while the expo floor is open the last three days. E3 Expo takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

　　While the event's organizers have yet to specify conference tracks for the '05 program, the tracks aren’t likely to stray too far from last year's Business, Development, and Online/Mobile tracks. Expect further updates from the ESA soon.

　　Last year's program saw a number of the industry's top talent participate. Among the speakers were Eyetoy creator Richard Marks, Maxis founder Will Wright, Electronic Arts' Bing Gordon, Half-Life 2 designer Gabe Newell, and Ultima creator Richard Garriott. Business hotshots from last year's program included Gerhard Florin of EA Europe, Bill Anker of Activision, and SOE's John Needham.

　　The official submission form for the 2005 program is now available online.