CTA To Impose Airport-Grade Security Screening, Strict Bag Restrictions To Protect CES

Airport-caliber metal-detector screening and a strict restriction on bags are among security measures being imposed at CES, in wake of the Paris and San Bernardino, California, terrorist attacks, the Consumer Technology Association said Thursday. "While we know of no credible threat against CES, we remain vigilant,” said CTA President Gary Shapiro. “We are communicating with the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and local law enforcement officials as we enhance security measures onsite.” CTA wants showgoers “to have a productive, fun and safe experience at CES while being sensitive to lines and inconvenience," he said. A full description of the measures being imposed is on CTA’s CES security page. Highlights include: (1) No luggage may be brought into official CES exhibit and conference areas, and bag check availability at show venues “will be extremely limited,” CTA said. (2) No rolling bags of any size, and a limit of two bags per person, each no bigger than 12 x 17 x 6 inches, it said. (3) Since bags will be searched, CTA recommends the use of clear mesh, plastic or vinyl bags “to expedite this process,” it said. (4) “Everyone will be subject to metal detector screening and body pat downs upon entering show premises,” CTA said. “CTA will conduct searches at specific points to ensure quick and easy access to exhibit halls and reduce the number of times you have to go through security.” (5) More security and law enforcement personnel will be visible inside and outside CES venues. “As precautionary measures only, you will see police officers in armored gear, and explosive detection dogs throughout various CES facilities.” (6) All attendees must have an official CES badge and government-issued photo ID before entering CES show venues, CTA said.