NZ internet conference cancelled

Internet World, the conference and expo which was to have taken place in Auckland in October, has been cancelled.

Penton Media Australia, the company which was to have produced the conference, announced the cancellation yesterday blaming lack of sponsorship and exhibitor support.

Philip Alexander, Penton Media Australia's chief operating officer, says although the conference had attracted more than 50 speakers, support from potential exhibitors and sponsors was "conservative".

"Regrettably as a result of the global downturn in the IT industry, trade conferences and exhibitions are being affected worldwide. As a result, many of our traditional exhibitors have decided not to participate in Internet World New Zealand 2001."

Alexander says a trade conference in New Zealand was likely when the market picks up.