Jupitermedia Rips Comdex And Launches Rival Trade ShowJupitermedia Rips Comdex And Launches Rival Trade Show

With Key3Media Group Inc. struggling through bankruptcy, rival Jupitermedia Corp. hopes to steal the limelight from Comdex, its competitor's high-tech megashow in Las Vegas. Jupitermedia unveiled plans Tuesday to hold a new trade show called Computer Digital Expo the same week and only blocks away from Comdex.

In promoting the November event on its Web site, Jupitermedia wasn't shy about citing its rival's misfortune.

"The future of Comdex is uncertain! Its parent, Key3Media Group Inc., has filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Now more than ever, our industry requires a showcase event that focuses on computer and digital technology and that event is Computer Digital Expo," the company writes.

Key3Media, which produces a host of high-tech trade shows and conferences, filed Monday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company listed assets of $241.2 million and liabilities of $441 million as of Nov. 30.

Comdex traditionally has been the major launchpad for new products and technologies in the computer industry. However, the overall slump in the tech industry has taken its toll, and companies have scaled back their attendance.