[Darthkatzs]

Hey,
Well, here's my story. I'm going to CEBIT this saturday as press, and I have some meetings with people to talk about my company's future with them. Now I was wondering what I should wear for this.
I myself was thinking of a suit, but I wanted to be sure and not look like an idiot. So say what you think.
Greetz,
Darth

[mphenterprises]

Hi Darthkatza and welcome to the PCWorld Communities. :D




Well, I can now say we have seen it all within this Community. :D I have never been to any type of convention; however, my impression would be that if you are going as anything other than a spectator, you should wear a suit. That being said, take a look at image: (Click the image to enlarge)

!http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/image-files/hanover-cebit_large.jpg|thumbnail=true!



From the image, you can see numerous individuals walking around the CeBIT convention floor. If you look closely, you will see that the vast majority of people are wearing business attire (i.e. a suit). I believe that may help answer your question.

[Darthkatzs]

Thanks for the helpfull answer. I saw the pictures before myself. But then a coworker of mine stated that somebody at Microsoft said to him that nobody wears a suit there. Seemed weird with al the pictures going around stating the opposite.

[mphenterprises]

Microsoft is an eclectic company. I believe their employees are allowed to come to work in pretty much whatever they want to wear. However, I will almost bet that any major function, such as this, require a bit more professionalism.

If you are not 100% sold on the suit, go in slacks and a dress shirt (business casual). Although, I would not be surprised if you get there and feel under-dressed.

[bcappel]

I've been to many conventions, but not Cebit. In my experience dress is normally casual. If you examine that photo very closely, looking at each individual in detail, you'll see that many of them are simply wearing dark clothing, not suits. It was probably a cold day when this photo was taken, as it appears that most in the photo are actually wearing coats, not suit jackets. But as I said, I have not been to Cebit, so I can't say for certain what acceptable attire there is.

[mphenterprises]

Hi Bill. Thanks for that. You are absolutely right. They are wearing jackets. Do you think culture plays any part in the choice of clothes? CeBIT is in Germany, I believe. Would that matter?

[Darthkatzs]

Thanks for that. I think I'll stay with the suit, but without a tie as it is a rather profesional visit and we're there to make a good first impression on some important people whom we could really benefit from.

[bcappel]

I'm not sure that culture has too much effect since people from around the world attend. However probably the most important factor is that he is attending in a professional capacity, which we probably do not see reflected in that photo...the photo likely captures mainly "normal" attendees. If he's going there to conduct business, then proper business attire is probably called for (which I guess is what you said in your first reply!).

[bcappel]

Yes, I think that's the right call. You can always remove the jacket if you feel overdressed.