After 65 years as a staple trade show for the cable television industry, INTX will no longer take place, its organizers said, and they have no plans to replace it with anything resembling the show’s current structure. Known by a variety of names over the past six decades, INTX was produced by National Cable Television Association, which sunsetted its association name along with its cornerstone event. NCTA officials said the organization will now be known as the Internet & Television Association to better reflect the changing industry it serves, and it called the dramatic change necessary to remain relevant in an industry that hinges on innovation.
Reflecting on the decision, NCTA CEO Michael Powell said, “It has been a fixture of our organization and our industry, and in its time it served a valuable purpose. Many of us have many fond memories of shows gone by and will continue to swap stories about past experiences. But all good things must come to an end. And endings hold the promise of new beginnings.” But Powell said he does not envision a renamed trade show as part of the organization’s new brand. “We are now exploring new and better ways to tell our story, to gather our community, to advance our growth and present our vision of the future,” Powell said. “We believe large trade show floors, dotted with exhibit booths and stilted schedules have become an anachronism. Contemporary venues emphasize conversation, dialog, and more intimate opportunities to explore and interact with technology. Ending INTX gives us a clean slate and we are excited to explore presenting our industry in new and different ways.”
