We've seen all this before

 

How many companies have copied what they saw at a World's Fair?  Many.  Look at most modern theme parks; the wide avenues, impressive architecture, huge dark rides, fireworks shows, brilliant spectaculars.  

 

Where do you go to see the latest technological innovations?  CES - the Consumer Electronics Show, E3 - Electronic Entertainment Expo for the latest video games and hundreds of other tradeshows and conventions for each trade.  The majority of the tradeshows are limited to people who are "in the industry" and the general public learns about it elsewhere. 

 

When we talk about international events and hosting countries, the Olympics comes to mind. 

 

All of this used to be the domain of the World's Fair.  

 

While Imitation is the highest form of flattery, when something is imitated so much that the original inspiration is discounted, it degrades its role to mediocrity.  But it's not lost.

 

It is time to re-invent the role the World's Fair plays in society.  Yes many of the same things that make huge events popular will still be a part, but the ultimate quesitons are why?  For  what purpose?  For what benefit?  If a World's Fair can change its focus from merchandising and commerce to being a solution for society's ills, it will be relevant and will have a lasting impact that invites imitation again.