Media Companies Report Mixed Show Results

Jupitermedia's events revenue increased in 2003 but, thanks in part to the ill-fated Computer Digital Expo launch, the unit turned in a $1.3-million loss. Primedia, meanwhile, revealed a new operating structure and reported that tradeshow revenue is beginning to stabilize.

Its events segment was Jupitermedia's second-fastest-growing in 2003, racking up $8.3 million in revenue, compared with $6.2 million in 2002. CdXpo, held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in November, was intended to rival COMDEX, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center the same week. The show lost $750,000, more than the typical $175,000 associated with unsuccessful launches, said CEO Alan Meckler.

Still, Meckler defended the launch attempt. "If we were not a company, and maybe the only company in the technology media business, that tries new things, the events business would have the best numbers of all our divisions," he told analysts during the company's conference call. "If you don't try, you don't grow."

He noted that Wi-Fi Planet took in $175,000 during its inaugural launch two years ago, and now generates more than $1 million. Jupitermedia has 20 tradeshows and conferences on tap for 2004, including two new events in New York: the Digital Rights Management Strategies Conference & Expo April 12-14, and the Internet Planet Conference & Expo June 15-16.

At Primedia, tradeshows make up only a small portion of the overall business. The company produces more than 200 magazines, more than 100 Web sites, 81 guides, 53 directories and 23 events.

Its new CEO, Kelly Conlin, has restructured the company into four divisions, including the business information unit that oversees tradeshows. He promised, during Primedia's recent conference call, to force more management accountability and invest in the core business this year. "Operationally it means building a new culture here at Primedia," he said.