Apple Expo 2008: Time for a Review

While we are recovering from the most work-loaded week in the year, it is time to present a review of the first Apple Expo NOT officially supported by Apple. It is only related to the lack of official support from Apple, because it was really a promoting show for Mac hardware and software, and there was nothing really different from the previous Apple Expo.
- Most of the exhibitors we met were satisfied by the event. Some admitted to fear a flop as Apple decided not to support it officially anymore, but they then agreed to have been positively surprised by the success. Exhibitors coming to demo their products or solutions, and/or to build contacts were also satisfied despite the lack of the official black-curtain Apple booth, replaced this year by the BMW Mini cooper booth (see your Apple Expo Summary for the video)
- If the organizer did not release any news yet, and we should only know the figures on Tuesday, we understood that they were satisfied by the 2008 Edition. We would not be surprise at all if they decide to plan a new Edition without Apple for September 2009, as many exhibitors expect it and already expressed their wish for an Apple Expo 2009.
- Regarding non-professional visitors, they admitted that the Apple Expo was “different” as the official Apple booth was not present; however they were happy to visit the Expo. The Apple-solution dedicated to audio/video/music solutions and entitled “Agora of talents” attracted a lot of visitors for both live demo and conferences. When talking to “Apple Genius” performing the demo of iPhoto/Aperture, video editing solutions or other software, it did not seem that they add less questions and visitors.
- For us, t was of course a great moment as it allows us to meet physically and exchange with our readers, with developers and product manufacturers. We also hope that there will be an Apple Expo in 2009, as it is for us a great moment for sharing with others outside this virtual world.