Paul Kent talks Macworld 2010

Here in its third decade, Macworld is still the annual epicenter of the Apple universe, in a landscape that now includes everything from the Macintosh to the iPhone and iPod to everything in between – and now the iPad as well. Next week six members of the iProng team will be on-site to cover the relevant product rollouts and happenings from hundreds of Apple-oriented exhibitors. But in the mean time, here’s the latest scoop the man in charge of Macworld himself.

Apple just announced the iPad tablet computer. What iPad-related content will you offer Macworld 2010 attendees?

Macworld is always timely in covering issues and products of importance to Apple product users. We announced our iPad Special Event a few hours after Apple’s product announcement. The event will feature Macworld’s editorial director and VP Jason Snell and a panel of pundits dissecting the new iPad’s features and meaning (from what we know about it now). It will be very informative and help people make a buying decision on this first generation product. Someone at the event will actually win an iPad that we’ll deliver as soon as it ships.

Macworld has traditionally been in early January. Why did you move it to mid-February this year?

Macworld 2010 has moved from our traditional first week of January dates to February 9-13th the based on input from exhibitors and attendees. It was a stress to exhibitors to get new products ready and deal with the logistics of planning for the show through the holidays. Similarly for many attendees, the first week of the year is typically a back to work week after having time off through the holidays. We’d heard the the input to move for years – this year, some suitable dates became available at Moscone and we were able to take advantage of the opportunity and deliver on probably our top customer request.

You’ve had a significant amount of participation from the iPhone and iPod community from the start, but the App Pavilion in the exhibit hall is new this year. What’s that all about?

Macworld is always a mirror of what’s going on in the Apple products marketplace. Obviously one of the most interesting and dynamic areas this year has been the explosive growth in iPhone and iPod touch apps. We launched the Mobile App Showcase at Macworld 2010 to be the first place where attendees can get face to face exposure to new apps – try them out and meet representatives from the companies that develop the app. In many cases, attendees will get to interact with the actual developer.  We expect to host around 100 app developers all together. It’s an exciting new addition to the show that we think people are really going to enjoy.

What have you got on tap for the conference tracks this time around?

There’s education everywhere at Macworld 2010 – our conference sessions cover a host of topics to help people get more use out of their Mac, iPhone and favorite apps. The conferences offer power user tips on using Snow Leopard, techniques to further your interest in photography and videography, how Apple technology is being used in education and small business. We’re presenting over 150 total sessions – lectures, demonstrations and panel discussions, taught by a stellar faculty of experts from around the world. We also have quite a bit of free education on the show floor, including our Music Studio where the Berklee College of music, and special guests, will be presenting how to make music with Apple technology- great content for music educators, songwriters, bands and musicians.

“Silent Bob” himself, acclaimed director/screenwriter Kevin Smith, will be one of the featured speakers. I know he’s been an iPhone user from day one, because he was standing in line with the rest of us to buy one at the Apple Store back in 2007. What can we expect from Kevin?

In a word – humor. In two words – adult humor. Kevin will be doing the Q&A format he’s made popular on his speaking tours and DVD. Anything goes, and attendees should be prepared for answers very much in the style of Kevin’s films – thoughtful, funny and often laced with the kind of language that his home state of New Jersey is known for. This will definitely be a highlight for attendees – admission is free, but lines for this will be long and it is first come, first served. Those who make it in will be treated to wit and wisdom from one of the great Apple-using storytellers of our time.

David Pogue and Leo Laporte will also be speaking. What have they got on tap for attendees?

David moves to our opening slot to deliver “Late Night with David Pogue” – even though it’s at 9am, and we look forward to David being his infamous wry, witty, entertaining and insightful self. Along with thoughts on what’s going on in the tech industry in general and the Apple market in particular, I expect a song parody or two and a few other surprises. Leo Laporte is taking over David’s old spot as the host of “Macworld Live” – a Conan-style talk show featuring guests of interest from around the technology and entertainment industries. Leo’s shared with me some of the guests he’s inviting – it’s still a surprise, but suffice it to say attendees will see some very cool people and enjoy hearing from Leo, one of the best regarding personalities in the tech world today.

There are bound to be some skeptics wondering if they should still attend Macworld 2010 now that Apple is no longer participating in trade shows. What do you say to those skeptics?

This is the new era of Macworld. For 25 years we’ve been helping product developers and users find each other in this interesting “marketplace” called Macworld. It’s part fanfest, part shopping excursion, part social networking brought to life, and part professional development university. Close to 300 companies will be exhibiting this year, many of them new to the marketplace. Additionally, the Mobile App Showcase will be the largest face to face showing of iPhone apps. All of this makes for a compelling product viewing experience. Our conferences continue to deliver timely, relevant training information to help everyone from the IT professional to the hobbyist become more proficient and get more enjoyment out of the Apple-related products. There’s really no conference environment like it in the world – putting musicians, photographers, videographers, IT professionals, educators, graphic designers, small business people, hobbyists and pro-sumers alike into a learning environment. Like interests find each other and help each other at appropriate levels, and the cross-pollination expands horizons for all involved.

And of course, our faculty is second to none – the best thinkers and doers in the Apple community sharing what they’ve learned over the past year on all things related to using Apple-products. And then there’s the social vibe, which Macworld is really kind of famous for. The impromptu conversations of people sitting in circle on the floor, the after hours get togethers, the social parties. In a world where people increasingly interact virtually, the value of a week of face to face interaction can’t be understated.

What’s the scoop on this year’s Macworld Blast Party?

Friday, Feb 12 at the Mezzanine in SF. My band, The Houserockers, will be playing and it will be a fun, crowded, dancing, socializing, blow out. Speakers, press, exhibitors and conference attendees will be there as well as several special guests who win tickets.  Lots of prizes, good company, a great time awaits!

We have several messages and announcements to share between now and the show, so interested readers should definitely follow us on Twitter and Fan the Facebook page. It’s going to be a great show – Kevin Smith, David Pogue, Leo Laporte, our outstanding conference and a show floor full of some of the most interesting and useful products to use with your Mac, iPod and iPhone. Register today!

Learn more at MacworldExpo.com • Free iMacworld iPhone app for attendees • Twitter