Comdex Reports

Parties

We certainly don't want to give the impression that COMDEX is about parties and nothing else. But everyone knows about the technology rollouts, the exchange of ideas by the industry movers and shakers, and the sheer magnitude of hardware and software on display, so we will mention something most people don't know. Every member of the industry works hard all year long and intentionally or not, furthers the interest of some computer-industry vendor. It is only right that these vendors show their appreciation at the largest gathering of computer people on the face of the earth. COMDEX has some fun elements on a purely relaxational level. Here are the few that we managed to get into:

Thanks to Microsoft, Exabyte, Sonic Foundry, Seagate, and Zerowait. While we didn't make it to the parties given by the last two, the other three more than satisfied our urge to celebrate.

Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Rollout Party. While nothing about the product was in evidence, the party setting, performers, eats, drinks, and service were superb! The cheese table included a tasty brie, the sliced meats and desserts flowed like wine, as did the wine. Big Bad Voodo Daddy was enormous fun, if a bit loud. The free T-shirt on the way out was a nice touch. The Bellagio hotel/casino was spectacular, worth a trip to Las Vegas by itself.

Sonic Foundry's party was extremely enjoyable, once it finally got going. Situated in an unspectacular little bar across the street from the Convention Center, the party was still a success due to the quality of the entertainment (Joe Walsh), the numerous prizes, and the availability of free drinks and eats. Sonic Foundry sells software called Acid that allows PC users to create their own music. I bought it and I wasn't impressed, especially when the promised free T-Shirt never materialized.

The Exabyte Kentucky Derby Party was the most enjoyable I have ever attended at COMDEX. It was held on the top floor of one of the hotels on the strip, providing spectacular views of the city. The food was first rate, with numerous hot main courses with plenty of table service including Mint Juleps in keeping with the theme. The "races" were a little hokey, but the prizes were nice and went to practically everyone in attendance. The music, provided by a small combo was first rate. Several flaming deserts were available and just about everything in the way of Liquor. We probably won't see a party like this again, simply because we only were able to attend this one due to a mistake at Exabyte. Somebody forgot to send out the invites to their best customers, so they were reduced to giving them out to the general public in order to get a full house. It was good enough to make me want to be one of their best customers.

Seagate and Zerowait undoubtedly had great parties, but we missed them because they scheduled them at the same as other parties we had already committed to attending.