CBC kills last of the rumour: Apple 'not exhibiting' at CES 2010

Just in case you’ve been living in hope Apple may make an appearance at giant tech trade show, CES, this coming January we’ve been advised not to hold our breath, with organisers warning the company won’t exhibit at the show this year.

Following Apple’s announcement of its intent to withdraw from Macworld Expo, San Francisco next year, there have been occasional rumours Apple may appear at CES instead. These originally emanated from the Wall Street Journal, which later retracted the tale.

At one point, there was even perception Apple CEO Steve Jobs may deliver a keynote speech there, his first at a show once traditionally opened by a speech from Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates.

These reports were dismissed across the summer, but it seems hopes had remained, prompting CES show organisers to tell CBC News today, “They are not currently slated to exhibit," (according to spokeswoman, Sarah Myers).

An executive with a major electronics maker who asked not to be named recently told CBCNews.ca that he was "90-per-cent sure" that Apple would be at the show. Apple’s growing importance within the consumer electronics industry has continually driven speculation it would attend the event, which usually attracts 140,000 attendees.

Bear in mind, of course, that the wording of the warning the company won't attend this year merely notes Apple hasn't hitched itself to the CES wagon at this point, and given the huge secrecy with which the company operates, anything is possible. But it has become that little more unlikely.