Macworld Expo moving from January to February

IDG said the new dates are the result of feedback from the Mac community that will "give exhibitors and attendees more breathing room between the busy holiday season and the world’s largest event focused specifically on Apple products."

Macworld Expo is embarking on a new era in 2010, as it will be the first time in the show's 25-year history that Apple will not be in attendance. The Cupertino-based company announced last December that this past January's Macworld would be its last, citing a broader move away from trade shows in general.

Since then, IDG has been soliciting feedback from the Mac community on how to keep Macworld afloat without the Mac maker's participation. It also held a town hall meeting during January's show to offer fans and industry figures a forum to share their ideas.

"As we began the planning process, attendees and exhibitors made it clear that February in San Francisco was the time and location that worked best, so we listened," IDG chief executive Mary Dolaher said in a statement Monday.

"We firmly believe that these new dates will better meet the needs of everyone participating in Macworld, and are pleased to have been able to respond to this request from the community," he added. "The journey toward a new era for Macworld has begun and we are more excited about this ride than ever before."

In addition to moving the event to February, Macworld 2010 will further break from tradition by shifting the expo portion of the event to include a Saturday. The Expo now is scheduled to take place Thursday, February 11, through Saturday, February 13.

The Macworld conference sessions will take place Tuesday, February 9, through Saturday, February 13. To register for next year's show or provide a suggestion to show organizers, please visit MacworldExpo.com.