Microsoft Corp. is about to part ways with one of the biggest trade shows in the tech sector.
Next month will mark the last time the software giant delivers the keynote speech and has a booth at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a Microsoft employee said Wednesday.
"We'll continue to participate in CES as a great place to connect with partners and customers across the PC, phone and entertainment industries, but we won't have a keynote or booth after this year because our product news milestones generally don't align with the show's January timing," wrote Frank Shaw, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, Corporate Communications, in a blog. "Microsoft has enjoyed a close to 20-year working relationship with the Consumer Electronics Association -- and we look forward to working with CEA for many years to come," Shaw added.
The 2012 International CES will be held the week of Jan. 9. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is scheduled to give a keynote speech on Monday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at The Venetian.
Microsoft's decision may reflect the declining interest in tech trade shows over the years for at least some big corporations. Apple doesn't participate in trade shows at all after pulling out of the Macworld Conference & Expo a few years ago, according to The Associated Press.
"This is all part of the very long decline of the various technology trade shows," Computer World quoted Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, as stating. "A trade show like CES is a very difficult and expensive selling environment, and although they may be a good way to connect with small retailers, the very largest technology companies don't have to sell that way."
