On the back of the news that Apple will no longer attend Macworld after the 2009 expo Ars Technica has spoken to IDG’s Paul Kent to find out about the future of Macworld.

The vice president and general manager of Macworld Expo stated that Macworld 2009 is set to be a “terrific show with strong attendance numbers and nearly 500 exhibitors showcasing their products,” adding “Macworld Conference & Expo has thrived for 25 years due to the strong support of tens of thousands of members of the Mac community worldwide who use Macworld as a way to find great products, partake in professional development training, and cultivate their personal and professional networks.”

As for future Macworlds Kent said, “We’re committed to serving [the Mac community's] interests at Moscone Center January 4-8, 2010″.

In October 2002 Apple announced that it would no longer participate in Macworld Boston. The expo lasted only one more year in Boston until being phased out by IDG…