In the absence of such an event, the OECD's Economic Outlook predicted positive growth in the eurozone for 2012 as a whole of 0.2%, despite a shallow recession in the period September 2011 to March 2012.

BBC: OECD warns of European recession

Despite the absence of a Brands Hatch event, they will get to race in front of home fans as there is a round taking place at Donington.

BBC: Brands Hatch to lose Superbikes

That event went ahead despite the absence of the Queen, who had been due to hand out ceremonial leeks to the soldiers.

BBC: Royal Welsh hold Anglesey 'freedom' parade in Holyhead

Only months ago he emerged from a leave of absence to present at an Apple keynote event, and his passing comes with AAPL continuing to ascend to the dominant position in the consumer electronics market.

FORBES: Stocks Move Higher As World Mourns Steve Jobs

And there are rumors that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who handed over the company to Cook in August following a medical leave of absence, will make an appearance at the event.

CNN: What to expect from the iPhone event

Having an event this early allows Sony to grab the spotlight for a few months, though the absence of an actual device was noted by many people on Twitter and elsewhere.

NPR: Sony Shows PlayStation 4 Capabilities, But No Box

Meanwhile, Obama's absence at the forum has prompted both controversy and a backlash against Tavis Smiley, the organizer of the event who has openly criticized Obama's decision.

CNN: Obama takes heat for skipping State of the Black Union

Federal law prohibits government funding of world fair exhibitions in the absence of express Congressional authorization, and in the downturn American companies were reluctant to dole out cash for the Shanghai event.

FORBES