Comdex Operators File for Bankruptcy

VileScum writes "According to this article in The Australian, Los Angeles-based Key3Media Group, the company operating the giant Comdex trade show, filed for protection from its creditors yesterday in the United States Bankruptcy Court. Does this mean I have to start buying cloths again instead of getting them at trade shows?" Also see a story in The New York Times. Concerns of bankruptcy were voiced last November.

Comments

Conventions are doomed anyway

[Mononoke]

Ever exhibit at a convention? Ever seen the bills you have to pay? The convention support firms (Freeman decorators, various unions, et al.) are killing the business.

Just a few of the typical expenses (daily rates):

• $20 to rent an $8 table.
• $25 for access to an electrical outlet. Don't plug anything in yourself, though, or some teamster will break your fingers.
• $200 for access to a fractional T1 (a very small fraction, most times).
• $10 to rent a $4 chair.
• Want carpet? That'll be $100. Want that carpet unrolled?...
• Bring your own equipment? Too bad, you've got to pay a fee to be allowed to use it.

You haven't dealt with monopolies until you've tried to exhibit at a convention. One company controls all access, labor, and equipment, and you've got no say over how any of it is handled.

A manufacturer's money is much better spent sending out press releases and designing an infomative web presence.