This is a follow up to my In The Beginning post, which details how I got started in web publishing. I’ve been going through my hard drive and came across an old video from my 2003 Comdex party in Las Vegas.

I hosted my first Comdex party in 2002 and in doing so, became the first and only tech site to ever host a private party during a major trade show. The 2002 party was held at the Venetian hotel but I wanted to go fancier for 2003. So we rented the penthouse at the very top floor of the number one hotel in Las Vegas at the time; the Bellagio.

The 3,100 square feet penthouse offered the ideal setting for a Comdex party. The view of the Las Vegas strip at night was simply amazing. Also there was nothing to block our view of the Bellagio water show that happened every hour. I learned a lot from the previous party. The number one thing to do; disconnect the phones so nobody could call China at your expense!

We had about 200 people show up at the party. Everyone commented that it was a better party than 2002. Everyone also commented on the view from the Bellagio hotel. I saw more than a few people pull up a chair next to the windows just to stare out into the Las Vegas strip.

Sadly, 2003 would mark the end of Comdex - it went into bankruptcy after the show and never recovered. I have found memories of the 2003 Comdex. Many fellow tech site owners were there including Stephen Fung and Carl Nelson. Carl took a bunch of videos for me. I’m sure mentioning the word “Hooter Shooter” will bring back many memories for him. Here’s a video from the last Comdex party.