“While we are obviously disappointed by Apple’s decision not to participate in Macworld 2010,” IDG said in a statement, “we are on track for a terrific show this year, with strong attendance numbers and nearly 500 exhibitors showcasing their products at the January event.”
Looking for life after Apple, IDG added, “Macworld Conference & Expo has thrived for 25 years due to the strong support of tens of thousands of members of the Mac community worldwide who use Macworld as a way to find great products, partake in professional development training, and cultivate their personal and professional networks.”
We are committed to continuing to serve their interests at Moscone Center, January 4 – 8, 2010. Future events will continue to provide quality education, dynamic product viewing and will additionally focus on the amazing ways people are putting Apple products to work across all endeavors, from desktops to iPhones to games to music. We look forward to many more successful years of Macworld to come.”
Apple has long anchored Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, and when Macworld Boston was cancelled following Apple’s pullout from that event, the company made a commitment to the San Francisco show going forward. That changed this year, as Apple said Tuesday it was turning to resources like its own fleet of Apple Store retail locations and the Internet to reach customers.
While Macworld Tokyo and Macworld Boston/New York closed up shop after Apple pulled out, Macworld Paris has continued to have a life after Apple. At the upcoming 2009 show, The Mac Observer will be talking to vendors about their plans for 2010, but it will likely take many months more for IDG and its vendors to know how they will proceed in future shows.