C3 Expo debuted on Wednesday and died on Friday. This was another attempt at creating an old fashioned big time trade show like we used to have in the 20th Century. The people behind C3 were the creators of the once great PC Expo with help from a few media companies who are probably pleased they kept a low profile in promoting this bomb.

Some highlights: most seminar rooms had fewer than 5 attendees. In most cases the speaker panel had more bodies than those in attendance. Many exhibitors did not appear. For example the Washington Post booth was unattended, but did have a pile of Washington Post trade magazines for the taking.

I feel for the Ianuzzi family that decided to come out of trade show retirement and attempt to start another great event (the Ianuzzi's created PC Expo and sold it for a bundle several years ago). I too failed with my attempt at an old fashioned 20th century tech trade show (remember cdXpo)back in 2003. Ralph - you guys should stick with golf or whatever you have been doing for the previous 8 years. Its tough to make a comeback in the trade show business. The times have changed. Vertical is in and big is out and clearly C3 was not needed.