Conference and Re-Signs Boom, Exhibits Flat at a Rainy Wireless Symposium/Portable by Design.

Business Editors

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2000

Penton Media, Inc.'s Electronics Event Group today released attendance reports from its eighth annual Wireless Symposium/Portable by Design held February 22nd - 25th in San Jose, CA.

The Wireless/Portable conference program almost doubled in size from 410 registrants in 1999 to 803 attendees this year, with many sessions averaging 130 attendees each. The most popular technical content focused on designing wireless and short-range LAN networks using Bluetooth and other technologies. Next in popularity were engineering and design tracks in 3G Wideband, Broadband Wireless, and Antenna design. The popularity of these sessions reflects the industry's critical emphasis on LANs, 3G, and Broadband issues.

Total exhibit floor attendance increased to 4,715 from 4,695. "The event faced some challenges this year, notably the weather and parking issues. We can't plan the weather, but it's apparent that downtown San Jose is heavily impacted by its auto traffic," said Show Director Bill Rutledge. Rutledge believes heavy rains on opening day that went well into the second day compounded a lack of parking issue, thereby depressing the verification rate and walk-in attendance. "The show experienced a dramatic change in its verification rate: from 75% and 80% in prior years, down to 49% this year," said Rutledge. A verification rate is the amount of those pre-registered that actually attend an event.

Exhibits Surveys, Inc. is conducting research of non-verified attendees to identify what role weather and parking played at Wireless/Portable. The San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau is already working closely with Penton to identify potential parking solutions. Rutledge added, "We're open to date and site changes if it helps resolve the issues. We'll look very closely at our research and act accordingly."

Even with the flat attendance, exhibitors recorded over 28,000 leads through the show's lead retrieval equipment. "This quantity is indicative of the quality registrant at Wireless/Portable. There was a lot of business and networking taking place on the show floor," said Rutledge. Exhibitor's approval of the event can be seen in the amount of re-signs for next year. Space applications were up 21% compared to 1999, with 53,000 sq. ft. of space being reserved in comparison to 42,000 sq. ft. last year.

Said Penton Group Publisher Craig Roth, "The Wireless/Portable conference solidified itself as a premier industry leader in continuing education for engineers and designers, and the show floor was full of high-quality buyers and sellers. I'm excited about this event's future."

For more information on the Wireless Symposium/Portable by Design Conference & Exhibition, call 888-947-3734, Fax: [phone], or visit www.WirelessPortable.com.

Penton Media, Inc. (NYSE: PME) is a leading diversified business media company that produces market-focused magazines, websites, trade shows, and conferences. Penton serves the electronics; design/engineering; Internet/IT; natural products/food/retail; manufacturing; management; supply chain-aviation; government/compliance; mechanical systems/construction; and leisure/hospitality markets. For more information, visit www.Penton.com.