CES Security Doesn't Slow Down Attendees as Flaws Observed

Any preshow concerns that the new security rules and bag restrictions at CES (see 1512180053) would create delays and bottlenecks on opening day appeared to be unfounded, we observed in Las Vegas. Many attendees heeded show management’s advice and didn't bring bulkier items, with security guards enforcing the ban on rolling bags. But when two showgoers protested, the guards allowed them to pass when they agreed to carry the bags in by hand. And we were able to enter the automotive exhibits area without a badge check or bag inspection through an open and unguarded door. The Las Vegas Convention Center "has 5,500 doors," Karen Chupka, CTA senior vice president-CES and corporate business strategy, emailed us Wednesday. "While we are doing [our] best to protect every one of them, it is possible that one was left unattended in the last hour before the show opened as we frantically tried to remove the last bit of trash before opening the show. We have multiple layers of security in place to help maximize the safety and security of our guests.”