Beijing IDF bursts at the seams

THE FIRST TIME that the Intel's main global IDF event was moved from San Francisco (or its prohibitively dull neighbour, San Jose) all the way to the new centre of power, Beijing, was, according to the reactions from the floor - both Intel and some attendees - the most crowded IDF ever. Both in terms of absolute visitor numbers (which we should know tomorrow) and sheer feel of crowdedness.

The venue, at far north of Beijing in BICC (Beijing International Convention Centre) and surrounding hotels, wasn't built for this kind of load, especially the main hall during the keynote speeches. The lethal combination of foreign legion (Intellites, press etc) and humongous number of local attendees meant that finding a seat a minute prior to the keynote start was, well, impossible.

Personally, I like the idea of IDF main event being held in Far East in the spring, when the cherries blossom, and in SFO for the fall event, when Old Frisco has pretty decent weather. On top of it, from early 2008, Beijing will be packed full with all the visitors preparing for the Olympic Games. So, hopefully, the next global Spring IDF will be held in a place with more decent convention choices, plus more fun in the city - did anyone hear me say Shanghai?

Alternatively, Taipei (highest hardware concentration) or Singapore (easiest visa-free arrivals, great convention facilities, big chunk of Intel APAC HQ) will also do - Intel, are you listening? µ