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Apple Won't Be At Macworld Boston
analog_line writes "Apple apparently is none too pleased about the decision to move Macworld to Boston from New York in 2004. So much so that they have said that they 'will not be participating in Macworld Boston.' They are also considering pulling out of Macworld New York 2003, though they say they will be at Macworld San Francisco."
It's happened a bunch of times in the past few years.
The convention center has a pretty much direct road (pretty new - still says "authorized vehicles only, but cabs and pretty much everyone else, uses it to get to the airport. This road is also accessable from exit 18 on 93 which is just south of Boston) to the airport, thanks to the Big Dig.
My understanding of the article from Boston.com, is that their not attending their own party could have to do with IDG (convention organizers) no longer "investing" in NY.
Apple never mentioned anything about this until after the deal was made. They knew all along it was happening, and the rumors were flying around weeks ago. "Apple remains an important partner for Macworld and IDG World Expo has been in discussions with Apple officials for some time about the move back to Boston," the representative said. "Since we just heard of Apple's position, we can only speculate about their reasons, which may be driven by their financial situation."
Um.. Microsoft has always gone to MacWorld. They are actually the largest software producer for the Mac (maybe second to Adobe). Maybe you should do some research before posting your drivel.
The cost to stay in the Boston area is considerably less than that of NY.
From comments made in a similar article on Boston.com, it seems that perhaps Apple wants to keep money rolling into NY.
Personally, I think that much of Apple's marketing efforts are targeted towards newbies and tradeshows aren't attended heavily by newbies.
I like how something that has happened for 4 years is suddenly a tradition. Macworld was traditionally in Boston for the first 12 years of the event. Sounds to me like they are just going home.
Uh, Apple does want their convention in the Big Apple, they just don't want it in Beantown.
It's hosted by Macworld, the magazine. Not Apple.
There should be a moratorium on the use of the apostrophe.
Max V.
NeXTMail/MIME Mail welcome
It looks like it is a decision that Jobs or his team feels strongly about.
Apple tries to get into the center of the biggest cities to influence more people. Sony's Metreon stores are probably a similar tactic.
The news.com article states that the show was held in Boston for 12 years, before moving to New York in 1998.
If you look at Apple's Stock Chart their business shot up starting in 1998.
Here's a brief timeline:
1997
- Steve Jobs becomes an advisor at Apple Computer.
- Steve Jobs becomes interim CEO (for life)
1998:
- Apple phases out Newton.
- Apple discontinues support for all 68000- and 68020-based Macs, and most 86030-based models.
- iMac introduced, largest model rollout in the industry.
- Mac OS 8.5 ships, first Mac OS release with no 680X0 support.
- Apple had their first year with four profitable quarters since 1985.
It was a very good year.
Apple also has plenty of cash to survive a rough market: $4.31B
I know Boston's a big city but after all, New York's the Big Apple!
The report I read said that trade show insurance in NYC went up from $350,000 to $3,500,000 as a result of 9/11/2001.
Plus - Boston's throwing in a couple of years of FREE rent, and a few years of discounted rent after that, and Boston-area taxpayers even get to pay the MacWorld show sponsors if the FREE convention center space isn't ready on time.
Oh yes, and the show organizers wanted guaranteed rooms/rates from all of the hotels around the convention spot.
Every movement of a major trade show, event, concert, etc. is going to be noted, criticized, and pushed through the New York Press which is read by the majority of the world.
No, it isn't.
Unless you count North America as the majority of the world.