I'll be pushing for the Macworld Expo to live on because it gives me: 1) a chance to network and see in person friends and colleagues I only see once a year (the Macsimum staff is scattered across the US, and even the world), and 2) it gives me a chance to see products I might not otherwise see.

That said, I think IDG should consider moving the date of the show so it doesn't bump up against the Consumer Electronics Trade Show in Las Vegas (and there are rumors that Apple is considering displaying at CES -- but remember it is a rumor). A spring, summer or fall show perhaps?

IDG might also consider taking the show on the road, with a different venue each year --Chicago, San Diego, New York, etc. In other words, spread the love around.

If the expo is going to survive, it will have to evolve. I'm pulling for it -- and at Macsimum News, we'll help promote it. And though I can understand why Apple wouldn't want to do the keynote (the pressure of having to come up with something earthshattering at the same tie every year is pretty unrealistic, though it makes for a great show), but I wish the company would reconsider and at least exhibit. After all, it's the biggest gathering and pep rally of the year for Apple fans and vendors.

The Macworld Conference & Expo as we know it is gone. But long live the Macworld Expo.