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SAN FRANCISCO -- Better attendance and more exhibitors than last year are evident at the annual RSA conference on security here this week, demonstrating the priority of this topic.

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 Jim Bidzos, conference chair.

Tight Budgets

Despite that fact, an uncertain economic climate and difficult technology 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 on security projects. 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. Although the number of exhibitors is up from last year, it's a smaller number compared with two or three years ago. The exhibit floor features ample "lounge space" and more focus on government information technology--one of the few areas of increased spending on technology and security, explains Bidzos.

Splashy Events

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," Bidzos said. "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.

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