Macworld Expo cancelled due to lack of interest

IDG has decided to cancel next year's Macworld Expo/Tokyo show, blaming a lack of interest and cancellations from exhibitors.

Following hot on the heels of an undersubscribed Comdex show in Las Vegas, the news confirms the diminishing pulling power of major high-tech events, amid the continuing economic downturn.

An email from IDG said: "IDG World Expo Japan made a decision to cancel the Macworld Expo/Tokyo 2003 because of not receiving applications from major exhibitors by the time of deadline."

The move follows a recent spat between Apple Computer and IDG over the show organiser's decision in October to move the East Coast instalment of Macworld Expo to Boston from New York. Apple has committed to exhibiting at January's Macworld Expo in San Francisco, but has said it won't make the move to Boston and is rethinking whether it will take part in the final New York Macworld in July.

An Apple representative did not return a call seeking comment.

In the past, Apple has been the main attraction at the Japanese Macworld show, which typically takes place in February or March. This year, Apple used the show to introduce a higher-capacity iPod and a high-resolution 23-inch flat-panel monitor. In 2001, Steve Jobs went to Japan to introduce two psychedelic iMacs - Flower Power and Blue Dalmatian.

In its email, IDG said it is "planning future specialised conferences focused on specific topics, issues and categories for Mac users in 2003."

Ian Fried writes for News.com