Macworld taking off without Apple

Long a centerpiece of the cult-like gathering, Apple has opted out of the event and will not be giving a keynote presentation this year, that was previously so popular that people queued around the building for seats.

“I am still very excited about it,” said Jed Seifert, executive vice president of MusicSkins which makes hip vinyl coatings for personalizing iPhones, iPods, MacBook computers and other gizmos.

“Macworld is all about finding the hottest coolest new stuff out there.”

A conference portion begins today with seminars on succeeding in an Apple “ecosystem” ranging from software applications to cases, ear buds or other accessories for the Californian company's popular devices.

An expo at which companies show off Apple-oriented creations opens Thursday and continues through the end of the conference on Saturday.

“This will be a thrilling time,” predicted Jeanniey Mullen of Zinio, a global 'digital newsstand' for Internet Age magazines and books delivered to a wide array of electronics devices including iPhones.

“The recessionary period, if nothing else, led to a lot of innovation for survival and a pretty great explosion of ideas.”

Macworld organizer, IDG, enhanced the conference line-up in an apparent move to fill the void left by Apple.

Actor and film-maker, Kevin Smith, will be a “feature presenter,” sharing views on using technology to tell stories and create art. Smith's films include “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy.”

The list of Macworld speakers includes long-ago Apple employee turned venture capitalist, Guy Kawasaki, New York Times technology columnist, David Pogue, and John Gruber of Daring Fireball blog.

“Macworld 2010 is an ideal venue for an in-depth discussion about how revolutionary products are still being conceived, designed and delivered for Apple product users,” Kawasaki said.

The star presenter of Macworlds past was Apple chief executive, Steve Jobs, who wowed crowds by introducing innovations such as the iPhone with a trademark “one more thing” line.

Apple hosted its own event just weeks ago a block from the Macworld venue to unveil a touch-screen tablet computer called the iPad.

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