If you can get the same number of visitors with less than half the square footage, isn't that a plus?

I've been to a number of MW shows from Boston to SF. Boston I don't remember but in SF there were always tons of booths (including NEXT) and it wasn't really easy to see everything worth seeing without looking through everything first.

The notion of being able to have a good look at the "good stuff" is rather helpful. And, as much as I like Apple, I didn't visit their large presence. I didn't feel compelled. There were already lots of other enthusiasts there taking up space.

All in all, MW was a fun time well spent.

...they should decentralize their presence, and appear in smaller theme-based kiosks peppered throughout the halls. The big tent is just a little too Big Brother. Really cramped their style. or at least my perception of their style. I realize that's changing with "Apple, Inc."

If they don't return then more space can be given for the anchor vendors like Adobe.

Trade shows, while not a major marketing tool, are a major marketing tool. ;-)

This year's attendance isn't the litmus test. Next year will reflect how successful both exhibitors and attendees found this year's non Apple event. If they were disappointed, they won't be back. My guess is that exhibitor and attendance will drop drastically.

Press coverage wise, the event has gone ignored in most non Mac centric media. The usual avalanche of news just hasn't happened. It isn't just Apple's withdrawal and lack of a noteworthy keynote. Where were the big product announcements from Mac oriented hardware and software companies? Where is the buzz? Both are very much missing this year. And it is that publicity and buzz that draws the crowds for future events.

No this is an event that has lost its lustre.

In past expos, it took me one entire day to go over the whole show and then go back and explore the booths I wanted to focus on, plus buy some specials and get a chance to win a drawing. This year, it only took 2 hours to do the same. There were fewer things that seemed interesting, and very few drawings compared to before. Not only was Apple not there, but many big name vendors.
Apple not there meant Filemaker was not there. As was not: Adobe, Epson, Canon, Nikon, Seagate, Peachpit Press (maybe I missed them). Even smaller companies like BTI, Intuit, and even the old stalwart Guitar Center was not there. Hope it gets better next year.