IP: COMDEX bans bags, laptops; requires ID at all times

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2001 18:54:23 -0700
> To: farber () cis upenn edu
> From: Brett Glass <brett () lariat org>
> Subject: For IP: COMDEX bans bags, laptops; requires ID at all times
>
> Dave:
>
> In the wake of the 9-11 attacks, extreme paranoia appears to have gripped 
> the organizers of the annual COMDEX Fall computer trade show.
>
> According to an "official statement"  on the COMDEX Web site, bags of any 
> kind will not be allowed onto the show floor, and purses and waist packs 
> will be searched. (The organizers, alas, fail to mention what these may or 
> may not contain. Would a Leatherman tool, screwdriver, pocket knife, or 
> nail file be prohibited, lest someone attempt to perform a hijacking of 
> the Convention Center?)
>
> The real shocker, however, is that laptop computers -- a vital tool of the 
> trade for computer users, dealers, and others who are likely to attend the 
> show -- will be prohibited anywhere within the Convention Center. Since 
> the show itself is ABOUT computers, and attendees will undoubtedly need to 
> use them for everything from taking notes to fetching e-mail to placing 
> orders, many potential attendees who hear about the ban are likely to 
> cancel their trips and stay home. (Even before the security announcement, 
> attendance was already projected to be down at least 25% from last year -- 
> so much so that the convention will not use the Sands Convention Center 
> site as it has in previous years.)
>
> Alas, most of those arriving in Vegas for the show probably will not know 
> of the restrictions, which were only recently posted to the COMDEX Web 
> site. Therefore, thousands who arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center 
> -- with the reasonable expectation that they will be able to carry 
> computers at a computer show -- will be turned away. What's more, the 
> organizers have stated that they have made no provisions for attendees to 
> check laptops at the Convention Center. Thus, frustrated convention-goers 
> will have to wait on long cab or bus lines to return to their hotels, 
> which may or may not be willing to store laptops behind the front desk. 
> (Given the high likelihood that a laptop computer will be stolen if it is 
> left at a Las Vegas hotel, it is unwise to leave it in one's room.) 
> Attendees whose laptops contain valuable or proprietary information, or 
> are important to their ability to conduct business, may simply depart 
> without entering the show. It is likewise unclear how speakers who expect 
> to deliver their presentations from laptops will be able to do so.
>
> Even those who are not carrying contraband may experience long delays. All 
> are expected to carry identification at all times. Attendees are further 
> warned to expect airport-like delays when entering the convention and to 
> allow extra time to pass security checkpoints. "If you have meetings, 
> appointments, or conference sessions to attend," the site warns, "please 
> arrive as early as possible. It may take longer than usual to enter the 
> property this year due to increased security measures."
>
> For the complete announcement, see
>
> http://www.key3media.com/comdex/fall2001/security.html
>
> --Brett Glass


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