4 chapters across the catalog
John Dvorak New York Times "Booth Babe" Anecdote
John C. Dvorak recounts a story of writing for the New York Times about the Comdex trade show. He describes the editorial hurdles he faced when using the term "booth babes" and the phrase "hit on," noting the strict linguistic standards of the publication at the time.
CES 2018 Diversity and Harassment Controversy
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) faces criticism for a lack of female keynote speakers and the absence of a formal code of conduct regarding sexual harassment. Despite the "Me Too" movement, the tech industry gathering continues to use "booth babes" for promotion. Organizers claim they are attempting to diversify the lineup following pressure from Twitter executives.
Gender Dynamics and Hollywood Hotel Room Anecdotes
The hosts discuss controversial comments from Pamela Anderson and Angela Lansbury regarding women's responsibility in avoiding dangerous situations. This leads to a broader conversation about the tension between men and women in professional settings and an anecdote about a PC Magazine salesman's disastrous date with a "booth babe" who turned out to be a communist.
Trade Show Marketing, Booth Babes, Badge Scanning Privacy
Adam Curry expresses his discomfort with the aggressive badge-scanning practices employed by "booth babes" at the NAB convention. He describes the use of handheld scanners to collect attendee data via QR codes without explicit verbal consent. The hosts discuss strategies for avoiding unwanted data collection, such as turning badges over or physically blocking the scanner.
