Original URL: http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2007/01/24/restructure_for_cebit/
CeBIT to get B2B overhaul in 2008
More business, less hype
Posted in IT Channel, 24th January 2007 15:29 GMT
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CeBIT, the world's biggest technology and telecoms trade fair, has admitted [1] it will radically restructure the show in 2008 with more focus on B2B and less on novelties. The new CEBIT [2] will also be a day shorter.
CeBIT is expecting a €6m loss this year due to declining visitors and exhibitors. Big spending exhibitors such as Konica Minolta, Lenovo, BenQ, Nokia, and Motorola have all cancelled.
At a presentation in Hanover yesterday, board member Ernst Raue called the new concept a "paradigm shift". Raue says he wants more business, less "hype". Innovative solutions and applications will be more important than products as such.
Future CeBITs will have three major themes: business, public sector and residential for retailers and hobbyists. However, the show will still be open to the general public during the weekend.
This year's show will also have a more business-like feel, the organisers claim. Almost 6,000 stands from 70 countries will be at the show, which runs 15-21 March in Hanover. ®