Digital Media World hits back on timing clash

In response to an announcement from the organisers of the new Digital Arts Festival, that the event will clash with the dates of Digital Media World and the London Effects and Animation Festival (DMW and LEAF), the organisers and some participants of DMW & LEAF have hit back with strong criticism.
"We have worked closely with the market place for a number of years and the consensus of opinion, from both vendors and attendees, is that they do not wish to support two 'creative' events that occur on the same dates," said CEO of Advanstar Communications, Simon Timm. "The announcement from the organisers of Digital Arts Festival that their event will run on exactly the same days as DMW/LEAF is not in the best interests of the market. This action will serve only to divide the creative community."
Vendors and service providers have expressed their dislike of the situation.
"It appears that a number of the companies that are quoted by the organisers of Digital Arts Festival to be supportive are angry with the clash of dates as well as with their 'supposed statement' of commitment for that event," said Karen Parks, DMW/LEAF Event Director.
Nick Manning, Business Manager, Animation UK, of Discreet, states: "We are not happy with the clash of events and no decision has been made to exhibiting." A spokesperson from SoftImage also says: "With regard to SoftImage, there has been no decision taken to participate at either event."
(GB)