Macworld move sours Apple
Published: 17 Oct 2002 16:47 BST
IDG World Expo said Thursday that it plans to move the East Coast installment of Macworld Expo back to Boston, but Apple Computer says it won't be taking part.
After weeks of hinting, suggesting and implying that it was headed back to Boston, trade show promoter IDG is making the move official in a press conference in Boston. However, Apple quickly issued a statement saying it opposes the move and may pull out of Macworld as early as next year.
"Today IDG announced plans to move Macworld New York to Boston in July of 2004," the company said in a statement. "Apple disagrees with this decision, and will not be participating in Macworld Boston. Since IDG is no longer investing in New York, we now need to re-evaluate our participation in Macworld New York 2003."
The company said it will participate in Macworld Expo in San Francisco, scheduled for January.
IDG first suggested this summer that it was considering a move, citing the rising costs of hosting the show in New York. The East Coast version of the twice-yearly Mac show was held in Boston for 12 years, before moving to New York in 1998.
The trade show promoter said it has inked a three-year deal with the city of Boston and the city's new convention center to host Macworld. It also has the option of a two-year extension.
"IDG World Expo is excited to bring Macworld back home to Boston in 2004 for its 20th anniversary," Charlie Greco, IDG World Expo president and CEO, said in a statement. "We have had a number of successful years in New York, but we're also eager to return to the loyal audience that's based in Boston."
Boston has made a number of concessions to win the show from New York, including discounts on various services, reduced hotel rates and use of several city facilities.
"I am proud to announce that Macworld is coming back to Boston, where it was born, and where it belongs," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said in a statement.
An Apple representative declined to comment further. An IDG World Expo representative was not immediately available for comment.
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