Free Republic

Come July, popular education, writing and media job hub, MediaBistro, may look completely different. The parent company of the website, Mediabistro Inc., announced recently that it was selling off its editorial and e-commerce assets to Prometheus Global Media for $8 million. mediabistro What’s left of MediaBistro will become Mecklermedia Corporation and focus on the company’s growing trade-show business. Via a statement, the company’s CEO Alan Meckler said the change is necessary because he thinks a narrowed focus is best for all involved.  “The new Mecklermedia will be able to significantly reduce debt, add working capital and concentrate on being...

The first ever online Music Trade Show will debut in October 2010. This is the very first trade show for the music industry. The show will contain music artists, both individuals and bands, MP3 download sites, music video producers, film producers, filmmakers, and people in both PR and Media relations and record labels. The point of the show is to display individual and company artists, the contact information, exposure on Facebook and MySpace, live chats, and of course detailed information about the artists and their companies.

CHICAGO—The sprawling McCormick Place became America's convention headquarters when it opened here 50 years ago, hosting buyers and sellers of products from candy bars to windmill turbines. But in recent months, a gradual drop-off in business here has turned into a rout as a string of high-profile shows have pulled out. With the recession cramping convention business across the U.S., exhibitors say Chicago's high costs and complex work rules make other venues more attractive. Chicago's Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which runs McCormick, had an operating loss of $3.6 million in the fiscal year ended last June and expects to...