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Consumer Tech Group Heightens Security Measures Ahead of Conference

The Consumer Technology Association unveils new security measures in advance of CES 2018, its January conference and tradeshow.

Ensuring the safety of more than 170,000 attendees from 150 countries is no easy task. That’s why the Consumer Technology Association is continually scrutinizing and increasing its security measures in advance of CES 2018.

“Every year, security is a top priority for CES,” said Allie Fried, CTA’s director of global event communication. “We work to make safety a priority across all areas of our event. We are constantly measuring global events and are ready to adjust security plans as needed. It is important to note, though, that there are no known credible threats against CES 2018 at this time.”

For the 2018 conference and tradeshow, which will take place January 9 to 12 in Las Vegas—little more than three months after a mass shooting at a country music festival in the city left 58 dead and hundreds injured—CTA has unveiled an array of new security measures aimed at keeping its attendees safe.

“We work with law enforcement officials to help craft comprehensive security plans for various threats,” Fried said. “This year we have new badge security features, required photo identification, and all registrants need a unique, verified email address. You will also see more in the way of visible, armed security and vehicle-deterrence measures onsite.”

To this end, CTA is recommending that attendees use marked pedestrian walkways to enter and exit key venues. In addition, CES will also feature searches and restrictions around bags. For instance, attendees may only carry two small bags, which will be searched onsite, while rolling bags of any size are prohibited.

CTA is also launching an onsite safety app called LiveSafe. “It’s a mobile app where attendees can get safety information, report tips, and be in direct touch with security,” Fried said. If attendees see something suspicious, CTA is asking that they report it through the app or by calling several phone numbers listed on the back of their ID badges.

CTA has listed all of these new security measures on the CES website, so that attendees can familiarize themselves with the changes in advance of the event.

“Safety is our number-one priority, and you can’t put a price on that,” Fried said. “Our operations team runs point with our security plans and vendors. They have always invested time, energy, and resources to make CES as safe as possible.”

(iunderhill/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Emily Bratcher

By Emily Bratcher

Emily Bratcher is a Contributing Editor for Associations Now. MORE

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