Security tight at this week’s show

Jace Radke

Monday, Nov. 12, 2001 | 10:53 a.m.

The annual Comdex computer trade show in Las Vegas usually features the newest, the fastest, the smartest.

But this week, the show's newest feature will slow things considerably. The 125,000 to 150,000 conventioneers will have to pass through 10 metal detectors at the Las Vegas Convention Center before entering the show, which runs through Friday.

Technicians at the convention center spent Sunday morning walking back and forth through the metal detectors set up in front of the convention hall's main entrance, calibrating the newly installed arches to pick up any hint of metallic objects.

A.T. Turner, a native of northeast Texas, sat on a bench outside the bustling main entrance of the convention center Sunday as the metal detectors beeped during the tests.

"I really don't think it's going to be much of a problem," said Turner, who is at the convention representing Cubix Software Inc., of Longview, Texas. "It may take a little while extra to get in, but I'd rather have the extra security. I think it's just a sign of the new times."

While Turner said he doesn't mind a little bit of a wait to get into the convention center, officials with the firm running the trade show said they are concerned about conventioneers' reactions to having to wait in line.

Rick Moore, a spokesman with host firm Key3Media Group, said he hopes that people are patient with the added security measures that have been put in place in response to the Sept. 11 attacks.

"We'll see what happens," Moore said. "I think we're going to have some lines, but the key will be how fast we can keep those lines moving."

General Comdex attendees -- those who are not exhibitors, analysts or journalists -- will not be allowed to bring in extra bags, such as backpacks or briefcases, Moore said.

Purses, laptop computers and cameras will be allowed inside the convention hall, but will all be subject to searches. Visitors to the show are being advised to carry a driver's license, passport or another picture ID.

In addition to the metal detectors, security personnel will patrol the convention center and will be stationed at all entrances. Bomb-detecting dogs and K-9 units are also a part of security.

The extra layers of security seemed to have little effect on exhibitors and workers, who were busy setting up the various displays at the convention center Sunday morning. Workers zipped through metal detectors, stopping to let security get a quick look at what they were hauling inside.

Extra security was also in evidence Sunday night at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, where Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates gave a keynote address to open the convention.

Conventioneers were not allowed to bring any bags into the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the event was being held, and had to walk through metal detectors, security officials said. Pagers, personal digital assistants and cell phones were about the only things that visitors were allowed to bring into the arena.

Fred Rosen, chairman and chief executive of Key3Media Group, said that those who have traveled to Las Vegas for the show are doing what everyone in the country has been trying to do over the last two months.

"The fact is we're living in abnormal times, and the most we can do is go back to living our lives normally," Rosen said at a convention preview Sunday night. "It's great to see the companies here doing business, and all the keynote speakers. Hopefully it will set the tone for next year."