Bragging rights aside, it's difficult to make a case for CeBIT being seen as carrying any of the glamour associated with American show host cities such as Las Vegas or New York. The old part of Hannover has its attractions but for many, CeBIT remains a test of endurance. The weather tends to be appalling, heavy rain, sleet or snow gusting and swirling as visitors attempt to yomp across the fair's open spaces. Accommodation is in short supply with many visitors having to share apartments with host families. CeBIT-time hotel rooms in Hannover are typically booked years ahead forcing visitors into towns up to two hours away.
Transport is another major hassle as trams are packed and taxi queues disorderly.
That said, CeBIT remains Europe's premier show. A truly global event, the exhibition is a showcase for every continent with a particularly thriving Asian contingent. Also, unlike some big name shows, it can be truly said to span computing and communications, as industrial automation equipment, super-servers, networking infrastructure, communications hubs and ticketing systems compete for attention with personal computing equipment.