Showstoppers to host first-ever PC World "Next Gear Innovations Awards" during CES

Winners to receive trophies at elite press event

SAN FRANCISCO and CLEVELAND, Dec. 9, 2003 – PC World, the most widely-read technology or business magazine, and ShowStoppers, producer of award-winning media receptions, today announced an agreement to present the inaugural 2004 PC World "Next Gear Innovations Awards" at ShowStoppers during CES. The event will take place Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

Known for relaxed settings and signature style, ShowStoppers receptions are exclusive, open only to media, industry analysts and selected investment firms. The PC World Next Gear Innovations Awards honor trend-setting products that have emerged with the convergence of technology and consumer electronics. The winning products combine unique qualities with envelope-pushing design and function. With this agreement, PC World and ShowStoppers bring together the finest technologies with hundreds of journalists and decision-makers for in-depth interviews, demonstrations and sneak previews.

“This partnership with PC World intensifies the value and excitement of the reception,” said Dan Janal, co-founder and partner for ShowStoppers. “Because our event is designed to network key press with world-class products and services, it’s a natural fit. The winners benefit from the added press attention, and the media will have immediate access to even more high-quality companies – all in one venue.”

To select the 2004 Next Gear Innovations winners (article will be featured in the February 2004 issue), PC World editors compared many products.

About ShowStoppers:

Founded in 1993, ShowStoppers produces award-winning media receptions that have helped more than 700 companies introduce new products to more than 7,000 reporters. Sponsors include Sony, Intel, HP, Logitech and many other industry leaders and category killers -- as well as start-up companies launching their first products. ShowStoppers hosts events at CeBIT America, CES, Comdex and other leading conventions and conferences.

ShowStoppers is the fastest, easiest, most economical way to meet the press. Sponsors get serious "face time" with reporters, editors and columnists from the very best business, computer and consumer publications - as well as industry analysts, selected members of the investment community.

About PC World:

PC World Communications Inc. is the publisher of PC World and PCWorld.com and is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. The winner of the 2003 Eddie Award for Editorial Excellence, PC World is the most widely-read technology or business publication with a readership of 7.1 million (IntelliQuest CIMS v10.0: unduplicated, combined Business & Home Average Issue Audience). With nearly 4.1 million unique visitors per month (HitBox, November 2003), PCWorld.com, winner of the 2003 Maggie Award for Best Online Publication, is a leading online resource for PC-product buyers and users. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net, which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related events worldwide, and IDG's research company, IDC, provides global market intelligence and advice through 51 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at www.idg.com.