LinuxWorld convention moves to Boston

[Cotuit]

LinuxWorld to visit Hub for 1st time

By Robert Weisman, Globe Staff

[Cotuit]

Linux show plans BCEC move

By Jay Fitzgerald | Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Only two days into Boston's first LinuxWorld show and officials are already planning to move it next year to the new and larger convention center in South Boston.

"We're pretty much wall-to-wall with exhibits" and people, said Darrell Baker, vice president of event service at IDG World Expo, organizer of LinuxWorld, under way at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.

LinuxWorld, moved this year from New York, was expecting to stay at the Hynes for two to three years, then graduate to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Southie if the event was a success.

Success came early - even before LinuxWorld opened its doors this week.

IDG, looking at the 180 vendors at the expo, decided about six weeks ago to commit to Southie for next year - but kept the decision quiet. This year's show is expected to attract 6,000 to 8,000 people.

James E. Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which runs the Hynes and BCEC, said no contract has been signed for the move. But LinuxWorld is clearly already a success, based on heavy turnout, he said.

Ironically, Rooney said, the Macworld show, brought back to Boston from New York last year, is moving from Southie to the Hynes this year because it doesn't need as much vendor space.

"I'm surprised and very happy," said Pat Moscaritolo, president of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau of LinuxWorld's move to Southie.

Moscaritolo said the change shows that both convention centers have a niche in Boston.

The Southie center has been the source of controversy due to initial low bookings when it opened this past summer, after the state spent $850 million building the giant hall. The future of the Hynes, meanwhile, is in limbo, with lawmakers studying what to do with the Back Bay landmark.

From Boston Herald

[LeTaureau]

Yay, this is great news! I'd like to see Boston return to roaring 90's once again. Does anyone know if MacWorld is coming back? I know there have been speculations, but nothing confirmed yet.

[Cotuit]

I'm pretty sure MacWorld is booked at the Hynes next year, and they may have booked several years already.