Yes, we did call this one last year. The 4G World trade show and exposition has been sold to UBM plc, a global media company. The sale of the stand-alone business unit allows Yankee Group to focus exclusively on research and advisory services, as well as concentrate more investment into new products. According to UBM’s calculations, 4G World is the largest independent wireless show in the world. (Independent meaning not put on by an association.)
In talking with Joe Braue, EVP/Group Director of the Light Reading Communications Network, UBM sees 4G World as an important show in the mobile space. It will keep its fall timeslot because “the major supporters of the show have been telling us they want an event mid-way between CTIA Wireless in May and Mobile World Congress in February. They love to talk about their Fall Plans & Strategy and they don’t want to wait until Barcelona.”
Also, the name will stay the same. “All the carrier’s TV ads are about 4G right now. The title is on track.” The attendance goal is to increase from 8,500 to 10,000.
While traditionally an infrastructure-only event, UBM plans to leverage its assets to make 4G World a broader wireless event – focusing on Services and Applications as well as continuing to do infrastructure. “We have all the assets that cover infrastructure, with Light Reading and Heavy Reading. But we also have Informationweek with the enterprise decision makers. And we are the largest technology event player in North America. Our goal is to bring together a bigger community of buyers and sellers.”
So for all of you out there who have been waiting, like me, for a strong wireless enterprise show… My bet is on this one.