MPA cancels annual conference

The Magazine Publishers of America (MPA), reeling from membership defections by some of its key members, is reported by Folio: (via Mediaweek) to be cancelling its annual conference. The American Magazine Conference is usually a big event at a glitzy resort; this year it was to be in Boca Raton, Florida. MPA president Nina Link (herself the focus of some controversy over her large salary) says in a statement:

“The cancellation of this year’s AMC is in response to the difficult economic climate facing all businesses, including the magazine industry,” MPA president Nina Link said in a statement. “We recognize that this year our members are looking at a variety of ways to achieve savings, which would include curtailing certain discretionary travel and hotel expenses. We hope to resume the AMC next year in the city of Chicago.”

The separate MPA-associated U.S. National Magazine Awards are expected to go ahead as planned.