The 2010 Macworld Expo: It's caused a lot of hand-wringing, ever since Apple announced that it was pulling out of every Macworld Expo after this past January's, when Phil Schiller gave the final Apple keynote. IDG World Expo, the company that puts on the shindig, did a town hall event at this year's show to start a dialogue about what the Expo would look like when Apple quits the scene.

Today IDG has announced that the 2010 Macworld Expo will be held February 9 through 13 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. Traditionally, this Expo is held in early January, but this change was made from feedback from Expo exhibitors and attendees, who could now theoretically squeeze in both Macworld and the ever-growing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which will happen January 7 through 10, 2010.

Apple is rumored to be appearing at CES 2010, which would contradict its reasoning for abandoning the Macworld Expo, which was that the company didn't need trade shows to reach consumers thanks to the popularity of its Apple Stores. The Consumer Electronics Association, which runs CES, told CNET that it planned to have a Mac-centric area at CES 2010, and of course it would be great to see our favorite computer company there, but so far Apple hasn't confirmed anything.

The new Macworld 2010 dates also include a Saturday: "This shift will provide all attendees, including full-time professionals, with more flexible times and convenient weekend access to the show floor," reads IDG's press release. Exhibit hall passes, offered free of charge, are available here.

What do you think: Is this a smart move? Are you more likely to attend Macworld Expo in February, after the holidays are over and CES is in the bag? Are you more likely to check out Macworld's exhibit halls when they'll be open on a Saturday? Will Apple (kind of) reverse itself and appear at CES? Express yourself in the comments, and then stay tuned to MacLife.com as more develops...