Blog: Claudia Imhoff

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A Giant Stumbles - Comdex Trade Show Cancelled AGAIN

At one time, Comdex was the largest high-tech tradeshow in the world. Today, it was announced by the show's owner that the show has been cancelled -- for a second year!

How sad -- and what does this say for the tradeshow business in general? Comdex in its heyday - the mid 1990's -- attracted more than 200,000 attendees to Las Vegas and was quite the showplace for new and established technology exhibitors. It was THE place where all major IT products and innovations were launched.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to present there for two years and what a thrill it was. I have never seen so much creativity under one (really big) roof. The excitement and undercurrent of energy was incredible. Ah, it was grand!

Unfortunately these types of large shows have had their attendees drained off in recent years by smaller and more focused events. According to the organizers, the traditional exhibitors were not enthusiastic enough about being in this year's show. Others state that they have doubts that the past enthusiam will ever return. Could this be the death nell for a grand old show?

Let me know your thoughts.

Yours in BI success,

Claudia

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