India's flagship artificial intelligence summit in Delhi was plunged into chaos on its opening day, with thousands of attendees encountering long queues, severe traffic congestion, and unexpected security sweeps at the Bharat Mandapam complex. The event, designed to showcase technological advancements, instead became a scene of frustration as blocked gates and delayed panels left participants uncertain about access, even with high-profile guests in attendance.
Security Measures Spark Disruption and Theft
An evacuation of the main exhibition hall for security checks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit exacerbated the turmoil. Reports emerged of exhibitors' equipment, including wearable technology, being stolen during the confusion. Organisers issued apologies for the issues, attributing them to an overwhelming public response, and stated they were implementing measures to improve coordination and ease congestion for the remaining days of the summit.
Bill Gates Attendance Confirmed Amid Rumours
Rumours circulated that Bill Gates had been disinvited due to past controversies, but his spokesperson refuted these claims, confirming his attendance and scheduled keynote address. This followed his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, adding to the summit's high-profile nature despite the logistical challenges.
The chaos highlighted the challenges of hosting large-scale tech events, with organisers scrambling to restore order and ensure smoother operations in the coming days. Attendees expressed disappointment over the disruptions, which overshadowed the summit's focus on artificial intelligence innovations and discussions.
