December 20, 2008 by Matt Thomas
Earlier in the week we reported that Apple were pulling out of Macworld after this year. In doing so, the company have all but said that they do not need the trade show circuit to sell their product, so strong is their marketing team and relationship with the consumer. This may well be true – Apple do enjoy a marketing platform unlike any other, if there’s a major new development or product, you’re likely to hear about it, whether you like it or not.
However, some have suggested that the move will hurt the numerous 3rd party developers that rely on Macworld to sell their products and programmes. This is quite possible, firstly, without Steve Jobs’ keynote or a comparable draw (I can’t think of one) who, amongst the big guns, is going to come? Secondly, if, as rumoured, Apple are planning to hold their own trade event then they will have even more of a stranglehold over their developers as they are forced to dance to their tune completely. At least at Macworld attendance was decided by a vaguely neutral third party.
However, there is the argument that since trade shows are dying out anyway Apple may as well help put Macworld out of its misery and save some money. Maybe they’re ahead of the game here. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Related posts:
