Ziff-Davis and Microsoft Join Forces with SOFTBANK Expos to Launch New
Consumer Computer Show

FOSTER CITY, CA (June 14, 1995)-SOFTBANK Exposition and Conference Company
today announced ComputerMania, a national series of try it-learn it-buy it
home computing events, in partnership with Ziff-Davis Publishing's
Consumer Media Group and Microsoft Corporation. ComputerMania, which will
begin with two events - September 29-October 1, 1995 at the Anaheim
Convention Center and October 13-15, 1995 at the Dallas Infomart targets
home computing enthusiasts, the driving force in consumer computing, who
are eager to learn about, try out and buy entertainment, education and
home office computer products.

In addition to Microsoft and Ziff Davis, ComputerMania will feature
hands-on product demos by more than 100 hardware, software and
computer-related companies, including Broderbund Software, The Learning
Company, Knowledge Adventure, Berkeley Systems and Egghead Software. More
than 20,000 attendees are expected for each of the 1995 events.

ComputerMania will be supported by major national and local promotion.
Nationally, C/NET will provide on-the-air promotion for ComputerMania on
C/NET Central, their computer TV program aired on the USA and Sci-Fi cable
channels. In addition, local print, radio and broadcast partners, such as
KEZY-FM in Anaheim, will promote each stop on ComputerMania's national
tour.

ComputerMania attendees will be able to buy exhibitors' products from major
national retailers right at the event. Exhibitors can also expand retail
distribution with promotion programs at local retail stores. Insight
Direct will provide direct telephone sales fulfillment for exhibitors and
will jointly produce, with ComputerMania, a catalog of products available
at each event.

In addition to exhibits, ComputerMania attendees will experience computer
products at Interactive Learning Zones sponsored by Ziff-Davis
publications. For example, the Kids & Family FunHouse, sponsored by
FamilyPC, will feature projects such as creating a multimedia family
scrapbook, planning a family vacation, and craft projects including school
election flyers, banners, holiday cards and customized stationery.
Hands-on areas will allow parents and kids to test the best software for
families and share ideas online with other Family PC kids.

The Gear Gallery, sponsored by Computer Life, will include a full schedule
of how-to sessions such as: a digital photography workshop; how to connect
your PC to your stereo, TV, and video camera; and how to upgrade your
system's memory, hard drive and CD-ROM. Attendees will be able to try out
Computer Life's "Best of Everything" products, and take part in contests
such as a computer golf tournament. Ziff-Davis will also develop an Online
Community Zone with hands-on workshops on topics such as navigating the
Internet, creating a personal Web page, and investing online.

The Games Arena, sponsored by Computer Gaming World, will include game
tournaments that will pit attendees against world champions, hint sessions
such as how to design your own Doom level, and guest artists discussing
game art.

"The Home PC market is one of the fast growing areas at this time and one
that Microsoft is very excited about. These events are an opportunity to
give consumers a chance to see and experience the wealth of exciting
products and hardware that are available. We especially think this Fall is
the perfect timing for the ComputerMania debut, as it will coincide with
the release of Windows 95 as well as a full line of new consumer titles
from Microsoft," said Marty Taucher, Senior Group Marketing Manager of
Microsoft's Consumer Division. "I believe the forum that SOFTBANK has
created is exactly what consumers have been wanting and on the corporate
consumer level, Microsoft is putting 100% of our efforts towards
ComputerMania 95."

"The growth in the consumer market for computer products is incredible. The
top consumers in this market are anxious to not only read about new
products, but also to try them out, talk to developers and other experts,"
said Scott Briggs, President of Ziff-Davis Publishing's Consumer Media
Group. "ComputerMania is the perfect opportunity for Computer Life,
FamilyPC and Computer Gaming World to bring this hands-on experience and
the industry experts, our editorial staff, directly to these active
buyers. We are pleased to partner, exclusively, with SOFTBANK, the premier
exposition company in the industry, and Microsoft."

"The computer industry needs new ways to reach home computing enthusiasts,
the buyers fueling the explosion in home computing. ComputerMania is the
only event that reaches both parents who want to educate their kids for
the 21st Century, and individuals whose workdays extend into home and who
use computers to pursue their personal interests," said Michael Edelhart,
Vice President of SOFTBANK Expos' Consumer Events. "Our years of
experience and success as a trade show company, coupled with the strength
of our partners, ensures that we'll attract the right audience for our
exhibitors while delivering a sizzling mix of interactive product demos,
lively learning, and abundant buying opportunities that excites customer
imagination."

ComputerMania is directed by Mr. Edelhart, 43, who has joined SOFTBANK
Expos from Ziff-Davis, where he was most recently Senior Vice President,
New Media. During his 13 years at Ziff-Davis, Mr. Edelhart filled numerous
key roles, including: Executive Vice President, Consumer Publications;
Executive Vice President, Central Operations; and Executive Vice
President, Controlled Circulation Publications. He also served as Editor
in Chief/Publisher of PC/Computing, Editor in Chief of PC Week and
Executive Editor of PC Magazine. Mr. Edelhart has also worked as an editor
at Children's Television Workshop and OMNI Magazine. He has published
extensively in most major magazines and has written over 25 books.

ComputerMania's Sales Director will be Celia Canfield, who recently joined
SOFTBANK Expos from Ziff-Davis Interactive where she was Executive
Director of Online Advertising. She has 15 years experience in magazine
publishing, working as publisher of PC Week Inside, advertising director
at PC World, associate publisher for DBMS magazine, and advertising
manager for Personal Computing.

For more information on exhibiting at ComputerMania call Celia Canfield at
800-468-3767.

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