Active Voice

Bad News About E3 2006

E3 conference organizers announced that they will fine vendors who hire scantily dressed "booth babes" at this year's show.  Instructions from the show promoters state:

"Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the show."

Ouch.  I remember the days when we'd meet with clients before COMDEX to evaluate head shots of potential booth-support-staff.  You better have a legitimate interest in E3 vendors and technology this year.

I wonder if this trend will head East to Vegas and affect N+I or CES.  What would CES be like if the Sands Expo center didn't share space with the Adult Entertainment Expo?

2006 CES Day 2

I'm at the CES show in Las Vegas and it’s turning out to be quite the scene.  The big difference from last year’s show is that in early 2005 the industry was trying to create momentum. The mood was forced.  Companies were tired of the downturn and wanted a good year with fresh, innovative products. What a difference a year makes.  This year’s show has energy.  There is an optimistic undercurrent and companies and people are excited to be here introducing everything from the latest car stereos and plasma TVs to chip sets and digital connectivity solutions.  But the real mark of whether CES has punch is the after-show party scene and this year vendors are spending big on parties.  Intel had the Black Eyed Peas.  AMD had the Black Crows.  Microsoft had The Killers and tonight, Monster Cable has Stevie Wonder.  So far though, Yahoo! has pulled out the biggest gun.  Tom Cruise joined CEO Terry Semel on stage during his keynote and then went to the Yahoo! tenthouse to meet some fans.  Voce’s been at all the right spots to take some pictures – enjoy.