Industry Publication news

Tradeshow Week ceases publishing

LAS VEGAS — I have in my possession the last issue of Tradeshow Week. It was in today’s mail.

On Friday it was announced that the magazine is shutting down. I read the news on my iPhone on Sunday afternoon while watching The Apprentice.

I often catch up on news while watching television by going through my various iPhone Apps and bookmarks. Tradeshow Week happens to be one of the mobile bookmarks I check on a regular basis.

By now most trade show industry insiders are aware of this somewhat shocking news.

For the record, it was announced on April 16 that Tradeshow Week is no longer publishing any additional print issues and that its Web site will close on April 30. Its parent company, Reed Elsevier, announced almost a year ago, in July 2009, its intentions to substantially exit its Reed Business Information-U.S. publishing business, while retaining some specific businesses.

“Over the past several months, multiple publishing brands were divested. As of April 16, 2010, the remaining publishing brands and their associated products and services have closed,” said a company statement.

As a result of this action, Tradeshow Week, based in Los Angeles, has closed.

The statement concluded, “We are proud of the role we have played in helping our loyal readers, advertisers and partners. Thank you for your support.”

I never thought a magazine published by a large company such as Reed Business Information would just simply vanish. The issues may have been thinner lately but TSW still seemed to serve a purpose. A month of issues had so much information, statistics and a handy calendar.

It sucks to lose a job. It feels awful to be called into the publisher’s office and told, “Your services are no longer needed here.”

I can only imagine what the TSW staff is going through. Many are taking unplanned vacations. Suddenly resumes need to be updated. It is a horrible feeling to suddenly realize it is time to move on.

I know the feeling. A year ago I was called into a publisher’s office and told that my job was being eliminated. I was told about budget cuts at the monthly business-to-business magazine and had been employed at for more than three years. I was angry as I boxed my belongings and left the office that day.

To everyone at TSW, I say good luck and hang in there.

Stephen Nold President of Advon Technologies and founder of MeetingTechOnline, comments on the demise of TSW in his blog.

Nold talks about a void that has been left. Some may say that this is the nature of the print business. More and more newspapers and magazine seem to be closing down print operations. I grew up reading newspapers and I looked forward to reading the Los Angeles Herald Examiner sports section everyday. I also enjoyed reading the Santa Monica Evening Outlook. Booth of these childhood publications no longer exists.

More and more people are turning to the Internet and the Social Media for their news and information. I am just as guilty. I catch up on the news on my iPhone while walking my dogs. I also have a Web site that shared news and information with trade show marketers, exhibitors, planners and all trade show people.

Tradeshow week has been an influential voice in the exhibition industry for 39 years. From its editorial coverage and renowned directories to its well-known lists and awards.

I may not have the resources that TSW had, but I have the desire to remain a part of the trade show industry. I have been a journalist working in the newspaper industry for more than two decades. I enjoy being in this field.

However, I do recognize the need to change when technology dictates how people share news and ideas.

I invite anyone with the same desire to join me in my quest create a Web site where everyone can share their news and opinions. Follow me on Twitter, friend me on facebook and read my occasional Blog postings. Join my LinkedIn Network. I welcome your articles, columns and advertisements at Trade Show Expo. Join my Trade Show Expo World Community.

I may not fill the void left by the closure of Tradeshow Week, but I can certainly do my best to provide a new place for the industry to meet and share ideas.

For a full list of the brands that have been closed, the brands that have been retained, and the brands that have sold, please see the Reed Business Information-US corporate web site at http://www.reedbusiness.com/us.

Also read: Reed Business Information Concludes the Divestment of US Controlled Circulation Magazines