AMERICAS – Global exhibition organiser UBM has cancelled its annual US telecoms and wireless trade show, 4G World, citing “evolving market conditions”.
The news comes as the organiser’s London office announced it would cancel its May Design Series, which catered to architecture and design professionals, to focus on niche events.
A UBM spokesperson told EW the 2014 edition of 4G World, held in Las Vegas on 9-11 September, was its last as a standalone brand.
“While it is no longer running as a singular brand, the 4G World program and content are a big part of the mobile broadband conversation at Tower & Small Cell Summit, known as the show leading the wireless infrastructure industry for 18 years,” the spokesperson said.
The 2015 edition of the Tower & Small Cell Summit is scheduled for 9-11 September 2015 at Sands Expo Centre, Las Vegas.
“As we look to the future of the industry and the evolving nature of telecommunications technology, it made sense to combine the programs into an infrastructure-focused show going forward.
“With this new infrastructure focus, most 4G World exhibitors were enthusiastic about the refresh and have transferred their sponsorships to Tower & Small Cell Summit for 2015,” UBM’s spokesperson said.
In a written statement on 4G World’s website, organisers state: “UBM Tech, the producers of the event, recognizes the importance of the 4G technology community but due to the evolving market conditions have decided to discontinue the production of the yearly event.”
The website for 4G World’s India edition still shows details of the show’s 2014 event. UBM’s spokesperson did not comment on the future of the show.
As previously reported in EW, UBM acquired 4G World in 2012, on behalf of its subsidiary UBM Tech, from Yankee Group Research.
UBM's 2012 annual report states that the £2.6m deal (US$4.25m) "contributed to reported revenue growth".
Got a news story for EW? Email Melanie Gardiner
Join the conversation on Twitter, follow @ExhibitionWorld
