Expo Site Security Fiasco
According to sources closely associated with national pavilions, Expo site security was ramped up this weekend, resulting in queues up to three hours long to get into the Expo site, “even for staff located at the Expo site WITH accreditation,” one European pavilion representative told us. We can only imagine what the lines are going to be like when Expo opens May 1.
This has precipitated an extreme situation down in Expo-land with lots of grumbling from the national pavilions. Not only has it made getting pavilions up and ready even more of a challenge, but it has led to general discontent.
The situation was serious enough for some very important Shanghai government officials to convene an unscheduled meeting with some top national pavilion reps yesterday. The results of the meeting were ambiguous and pavilion staff are bracing for a tough week ahead as teams are now moving operations down to their pavilions in droves ahead of the May 1 opening.
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That's interesting to know, because my source--who works for a large European pavilion--told me Sunay night that Sunday day was a complete disaster. How long did it take you to go through security?
We arrived at the Pudong site at around 11:30, when through one security check, bags scanned, walked through scanner, badges checked and cleared to go. Less than 5 minutes Then when through one of the main people gates, again bags scanned, walked through scanner, wand scanned, badges checked and cleared to go. Again, less than 5 minutes. The security staff at the people gate were keen on practicing their English and were very helpful.
We left the Expo grounds at 2:30/3:00 - the people gate near the USA Pavilion wasn't very busy and of course leaving is a breeze.
Surprised to hear about the security issues, but maybe that was later in the day.
Add your two cents and join (in) the discussionI was there on Sunday (April 11) and all security issues had been resolved. Staff are well trained and spoke good English - even handled a 4 year old and stroller with no problems.