15 ’80s Tech Trade Shows That Are Now History
These 15 tech trade shows from the 1980s played a major role in early computer and electronics history but no longer exist.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1980s, tech trade shows helped shape the early personal computing and electronics industries. They were important spaces for new product launches, developer networking, and media attention. Most of these shows ended due to shifts in business models, technology platforms, or the rise of digital communication.
1. COMDEX (Computer Dealers’ Exhibition)
atramos on Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 1979, COMDEX became a central platform for companies like Microsoft, Intel, and IBM to announce new products. The event attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, including press, developers, and business leaders. After declining attendance in the early 2000s, the show was officially discontinued in 2004.
2. AppleFest
Bob Embleton on Wikimedia Commons
AppleFest was a trade show dedicated to software and hardware developed for Apple computers. It took place in several U.S. cities and featured both independent developers and established companies. These events helped build the early Apple user community and highlighted third-party tools. As Apple changed direction in the 1990s, the shows lost support and were eventually canceled.
3. National Computer Conference (NCC)
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The National Computer Conference was once a major industry event run by the American Federation of Information Processing Societies. It began in 1951 and continued through the early 1980s, hosting thousands of attendees from research and corporate backgrounds. It was a space for academic presentations, product showcases, and policy discussions. The event was discontinued in 1987 after declining relevance and sponsorship.
4. CES (Computer Section)
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During the 1980s, the Consumer Electronics Show had a large computing section that attracted major technology firms. This part of CES highlighted the growing personal computer market and showcased early hardware and software. As computing matured, companies began favoring dedicated computer shows like COMDEX. CES later shifted its focus toward consumer devices, entertainment, and home electronics.
5. West Coast Computer Faire
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First held in 1977 in San Francisco, the West Coast Computer Faire was a key event for personal computing in its early years. The Apple II was first introduced there, and other major companies also used the event for announcements. It attracted engineers, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs during the rapid growth of the industry. By the late 1980s, it had lost momentum and was eventually discontinued.
6. PC Expo
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PC Expo was launched in the 1980s and held in New York City. It focused on business computing and helped corporate buyers evaluate new software, networking tools, and office technologies. The show was significant during the rise of desktop computing in the workplace. It merged into other IT events in the early 2000s after losing exhibitors and attendees.
7. Macworld Expo (Independent Era)
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Macworld Expo began in 1985 and quickly became the most important event for Apple product users and developers. For many years, Apple used it to introduce new Macintosh computers, operating systems, and accessories. After Apple officially withdrew from the event in 2009, attendance dropped sharply. The last official Macworld Expo was held in 2014.
8. Fall Joint Computer Conference
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The Fall Joint Computer Conference was a gathering point for researchers and computer professionals. It was organized by academic and government institutions and focused on developments in computing theory and systems. Landmark innovations like the “Mother of All Demos” were presented at this conference. The show ended in the late 1980s as other conferences and private industry events took the lead.
9. Amiga Computer Expo
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
The Amiga Computer Expo centered on Commodore’s Amiga platform, which was known for its multimedia capabilities. The expo brought together users, software developers, and third-party hardware makers. These events supported a strong niche community during the late 1980s and early 1990s. As the Amiga lost market share and support, the expo ended.
10. World of Commodore
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This series of events focused on Commodore’s entire line of computers, including the popular Commodore 64 and Amiga. Held in Canada and other countries, the show featured hardware launches, educational sessions, and software exhibitions. It remained popular until Commodore declared bankruptcy in 1994. After that, the official show ended, although fan-led versions still take place occasionally.
11. Atari Computer Expo
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The Atari Computer Expo showcased Atari’s personal computers and software ecosystem. It included both business and gaming applications, reflecting Atari’s mixed market. As Atari lost its competitive position in the early 1990s, the show’s relevance faded. It was eventually discontinued along with many of the company’s hardware products.
12. SIGGRAPH (Tech-Focused Phase)
International Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1980s, SIGGRAPH was more focused on the technical side of computer graphics and hardware. It presented early work in rendering, display technology, and 3D animation. While SIGGRAPH still exists today, its focus has shifted toward the creative and academic side of graphics and visual effects. Its earlier role as a computing trade show has declined.
13. Unix Expo
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Unix Expo was held in New York and brought together software developers, system administrators, and vendors who built products for Unix platforms. It was particularly relevant during the 1980s and early 1990s when Unix systems were expanding in academia and business. The rise of Linux, Windows, and open-source platforms reduced interest in Unix-only trade shows. The event ended in the late 1990s.
14. BBScon (Bulletin Board System Convention)
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BBScon was a trade show for operators and users of bulletin board systems, which were a popular form of digital communication before the web. The event included technical sessions, demos, and networking. It thrived during the early 1990s but quickly lost ground once the internet became widely accessible. It ended in the mid-1990s as public interest declined.
15. LaserDisc and Multimedia Trade Events
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
During the 1980s, several trade shows were devoted to LaserDisc technology and early multimedia tools. These events were aimed at education, business training, and interactive learning markets. Although innovative at the time, LaserDisc never reached mass adoption due to high costs and bulky equipment. The rise of CDs, DVDs, and internet-based media made these shows obsolete.