The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

Choose text size: Select small text. Select medium text. Select large text.

Featured Article: SEC Launches Investigation in Jobs Heart Attack Rumor

Macworld Boston - Macworld Show Floor Packed

by , 2:30 PM EDT, July 13th, 2004

OPINION -- Although this year's Macworld Boston is a bit smaller than even last summer's Macworld New York, the show floor is packed with Mac users (see our images from Day 1). IDG's official estimate remains at an expected turnout of 10,000 people, and actual numbers will not be released until IDG's attendance figures are fully audited, but the 79 vendors in attendance seem to have all the foot traffic they can handle.

The East Coast Macworld had been the biggest technology show on the East Coast until last year's show was renamed Macworld CreativePro and downsized. That show saw approximately 14,000 attendees and 130 exhibitors and, as we reported last year, was also a hit with those who actually came.

The difference between that show and this one, however, is the fact that Apple isn't at the Boston show. When IDG announced last year that it was moving the show back to Boston, Apple pulled out of the Boston show, leaving its future in doubt. With the company pulling 10,000 to the Boston show without Apple, by most measures it is a success.

Of course, the broader question is whether or not the show is a success for the platform as a whole. In my opinion, the platform benefits greatly from the PR that Macworld typically generates. Judging by the empty press room, there will be no such publicity this time; but, again, Apple isn't here, and that has as much to do with that as anything else.

That means the platform is the biggest loser from this nonsense between IDG and Apple, but the reality is that there is a very positive vibe on the show floor from both the exhibitors and the attendees. With IDG already plugging next year's show, it will be interesting to see how the focus of the Boston Expo develops over time. It will be even more interesting if Apple were to come back to the show in some future year. I shan't hold our breath waiting for that to happen, however.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:MacOSXAddict Posts: 12 Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:21 pm Subject: Just returned to work from Boston Expo

IThe last Expo sho I was at was when it was last in Boston.

Now that it has returned I wanted to go back......

I should have stayed away just as apple had. It was terrible. I know that the vendors that did show up tried their best, but when I finished with every booth in less than 1 hour (yes just ONE HOUR!!! It took 1.5 days last time it was here). Now I'm not just talking about stopping to grab swag, but to actually find out what they are doing.

MacWorld this year is Terrible, and not nearly worth the $15 I spent to go to the Expo. Actually, Maybe I'll actually win something now that the turnout looked to be like it will turn out to be maybe 5000 total...

Bob
MacOSXAddict, but a depressed one for now...


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:Bryan -   TMO Staff Posts: 7334 Joined: 11 Jun 2001
Tue Jul 13, 2004 4:00 pm Subject:

Bob is right that you can do the whole floor in a very short period of time, though many will find it takes a more than an hour. Just in case it wasn't clear, the point of this story was that I was pleasantly surprised at how good the turnout is. That could well be because I feared a disaster, but under the circumstances, I am indeed impressed.


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:pyxl8 Posts: 171 Joined: 24 Dec 2003
Tue Jul 13, 2004 4:52 pm Subject: Too bad

This will be the first (summer) MacWorld in almost 10 years that I couldn't get to, so, tho I'm disappointed, it doesn't seem like I missed anything special. The days of spending TWO whole days wandering around the show floor are all but over, I guess.

Half the fun of MacWorld was seeing the newest Apple wonders just hours after their unveiling. Without that excitement, where's the soul of the show? Apple can rationalize their business decisions all they want-- we KNOW trade shows booths are pricey-- but we don't have to LIKE it!!!

-Ken P


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:pyxl8 Posts: 171 Joined: 24 Dec 2003
Tue Jul 13, 2004 5:02 pm Subject: Attendance

A lot of the attendance is likely local folk who've missed the show since it moved down to NYC. Now it's back in Boston, and they've come to visit an old friend in a new space.

-Ken P

PS: Hey, this is the 1-year anniversary of my pre-ordering Griffin's "RadioSHARK" USB FM radio at the 2003 NYC MacWorld!!! Are they showing it at their booth, or is it still vaporware? Can anyone report on it? Thanks!


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:MacOSXAddict Posts: 12 Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:45 pm Subject: Shark Still vapor ... [nm]

[NM]


 Reply | Quote
View Name:Guest
Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:22 pm Subject: griffin...
Comment on this Article


Guest Posts Hidden. View Them.
Back to top  Page 1 of 1    

You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.
Log in | Register | Having Problems? Reset TMO Cookies & Try Again
Username:   Password:   Log me on automatically each visit   

You are not logged in, and this post will appear as "Guest." Log in with your username and password from the TMO forums. If you do not have a username, you can register here.
Please note that guests are limited to including a maximum of two URLs per post.

Post A Comment
  Subject


  Your Comments



Please enter the word exactly as you see it in the image above. Registered users aren't prompted for this. Having trouble reading the image get a new one.

Recent Headlines - Updated Monday, October 6th, 2008

Mon., 4:20 PM
TMO Reports - Antitrust case Against Apple, AT&T To Proceed
2:25 PM
iPodObserver - kickBACK iPhone Clear Case Introduced with Kickstand
2:05 PM
AAPL Drops 8.4% Amidst Broader Tech Selloff
1:50 PM
9to5Mac: Apple's Brick is a New Manufacturing Process
1:30 PM
iPodObserver - NPD: A Third of iPhone 3G Buyers are Switchers
12:50 PM
Nick DePlume Resurfaces, Says Apple's Gone Soft on Rumors
10:30 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Has Apple Sold 10 Million iPhones?
9:55 AM
Dragoman 1.4 Gets German Localization
9:20 AM
Dream Capture 2.2 Adds H.264 Support
8:45 AM
Monday's Mac Gadget - Want Full Remote Control Action? Check Out Mira!
8:10 AM
SEC Launches Investigation in Jobs Heart Attack Rumor
7:30 AM
TMO Quick Tip - iCal: Finding Shared Calendars
 

The Mac Observer Reader Specials
  • Special Report: iPhone
  • __________
  • Help TMO Grow
  • Macworld Expo - Hotel Deal
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!

Apple Stock Quote

  • AAPL: $98.14. Change Today: 0.00.
  • (Prices delayed up to 20 minutes.)
  • Discuss in our Apple Finance Board

Hot Topics

What's the buzz? These articles have TMO readers talking.

Top Deals From DealsOnTheWeb