Zach Spear
Rumors have spread that Macworld could go the way of Apple Expo Paris, which folded without Apple's participation. Â Instead, Kent insists Macworld will go on.
"We come to Macworld to be inspired," said Kent.  "This show is going to evolve and you need to know that we are embracing this evolution."
Kent suggested future Macworld Expos could connect with film festivals, music  festivals, and digital photography.
"We want Apple to go build more great products, and then we'll be here to show you how to use them," he said.
Apple vice president Phil Schiller said in Tuesday's keynote that Apple reaches millions every month through its network of Apple Store retail outlets, far more than the reach of a week-long Macworld.  Kent countered by saying only 10 percent of the products being exhibited are actually available in the Cupertino-based company's stores.
Others suggestions during the Town Hall meeting included a return to Boston or New York for future events, or rotating between cities.
According to Kent, 60 companies have already registered for the 2010 Macworld Expo, including Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Other World Computing.
Free registration is already underway for Macworld Expo 2010.
IDG World Expo invites ideas for the future of Macworld at suggestionbox@macworld2010.com.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
19 Comments
If I had to bet my life savings I'd say there will be no Macworld 2011.
Though Macworld 2010 may fall through yet, I wouldn't be surprised. Though, there's a large sentimental group here also.
what am i gonna do about one night stands with out tradeshows. i'd have to go back to boinking my wife once a year.
My only suggestion is that they scale it down and turn MacWorld into a "traveling circus" of sorts (have it held in three locations: in Los Angeles, New York and Denver) and focus more on developers. This way, they could increase the face to face meetings that are important to developers and the community and decrease the costs to attend and hold this behemoth event.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once."
Bill Gates will be giving the keynote