In the wake of Apple’s announcement that Macworld 2009 would be their last year as an exhibitor, I’ve seen a number of stories to the effect that Apple is “screwing the little guy” by pulling out. As a little guy who is about to exhibit at Macworld for the third year in a row, I thought I’d weigh in on the subject.
Yes, the timing is awkward. The announcement seems rushed, and ideally Apple would have said something about what, if anything, will fill Macworld’s rather large shoes in the Apple ecosystem. That said, I’m happy they made the announcement now, rather than after the show, for the simple reason that I can make an informed decision about whether to exhibit next year or not.
You see, IDG asks exhibitors to commit for the following year while they’re at the show. They assign priority-based meeting times for you to stop by the show HQ, view the available booths, and sign a contract. Booth assignments are first come, first served (at least at the little guy level), so it really is to your advantage to reserve your space early. If you do, your name goes on the floor plan and you’ve locked in your place. Incidentally, if memory serves, Apple’s name was NOT on the board last year when I signed up for this year’s booth. Presumably they have a slightly higher priority for booth space than I do…
But is Apple “screwing the little guy” by pulling out?
I certainly don’t feel that way. In recent years, Apple has had a good track record of helping the smaller developers. A case in point: My first “booth” at the show was actually an Apple-subsidized kiosk in the Developer Pavillion. It was part of a package Apple and IDG offered to help smaller companies get recognition and included space next to the Apple booth (what better location could you ask for?) and they took care of most of the hassle of getting the booth setup and wired. Thanks Apple!
I see no reason why they won’t have our backs in some other form in the future. There is a lot of innovation at the little guy level, and they’re not, um, stupid.
As for the keynote kerfuffle: The media and investor community can’t simultaneously demand a succession plan and balk the first time Apple takes baby steps towards implementing one. This is “grooming” in action–heck, it may even be an audition. I’ll be interested to see how Phil handles it–and I hope he hits it out of the park.
Am I sad to see Macworld decline (and let’s face it, it will decline)? Yes. Absolutely. This year, I’ll probably stay a little later at the parties, indulge in the whole “end of an era” scene that is sure to evolve, and then, on the 10th, get back to work making great software.
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