Stable numbers, slow economy focus at RSA

SAN FRANCISCO — This year’s RSA Conference in San Francisco can boast of better attendance and more exhibitors than last year.

The show’s exhibit floor is fully booked and more than 10,000 attendees are expected on Monday, the show’s first full day, according to Conference chairman Jim Bidzos.

Despite that fact, an uncertain economic climate and difficult IT spending market are the “big news” at this year’s RSA Conference, he said.

“Uncertainty has caused people to be cautious and spend less — even in security. The question is ‘How long will it take people to get used to that and not be bothered by the uncertainty?’ We’re not there yet,” Bidzos said.

RSA Conference registrations are up 30 percent from 2002 and a “handful” more exhibitors are here this year as opposed to last year, he said.

Given the challenging economy and reduced business travel stemming from the war in Iraq, those figures are encouraging, according to Bidzos.

“Even as the economy pulls back and people are more careful about how they’re spending their dollars, this is one thing that gives exhibitors and attendees value. It was a good idea 12 years ago, and it’s still a good idea,” he said.

Nevertheless, the effects of the tough economy can be seen everywhere at RSA, from a smaller number of exhibitors compared with two or three years ago to the ample “lounge space” set aside on the exhibit floor and an increased focused on government IT work — one of the few areas of increased spending on IT and security, explains Bidzos.

In many other ways, though, this year’s show continues in the tradition of previous years.

As in previous years, conference organizers have adopted an exotic theme with ties to the discipline of cryptography. A huge replica of a Mayan temple greets visitors to the exhibit floor, underscoring the show’s theme: Secrets of the Maya.

“It’s a civilization that [was] ancient but advanced enough to have a writing and some coded language,” said Bidzos. “It gives you an idea of how old and widespread cryptography is.”

And, as in past years, speculation is swirling about the musical act that will kick off the conference with a performance on Monday afternoon.

Show organizers confirmed that popular 1970s and 80s arena rock band Kansas will provide the entertainment at this year’s show.

Past years have featured the likes of Pat Benatar, who sang an adaptation of her song “Heartbreaker” entitled “Codebreaker” with lyrics adapted to the show’s cryptography theme.

Between the hypnotic rhythms of Mayan music and the mellow chords of “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on Wayward Son” conference organizers are hoping that this year’s RSA Conference carries attendees away from thoughts about an otherwise challenging business climate.