Trade show wrestles with an 'image crisis'

by John Blau

March 6, 2007 —

There will be something for everyone at this year's Cebit trade show. Unfortunately, that's not what everyone wants.

When the world's biggest IT fair opens its doors next Thursday in Hanover, Germany, there will be plenty on show for business customers, including CRM, VOIP and RFID products. There will also be much for consumers, with high-definition TVs, digital cameras and next-generation DVD players all on display.

Something for everyone is nice, but the growth in consumer products has made some exhibitors think twice about attending. The cell phones and flat-screen TVs draw more consumers to the show, critics say, and that's not good for companies that want to meet professional IT buyers.

"The ROI [return on investment] of a presence at Cebit is not really worthwhile," said Christine N

IDG News Service