Now that the EGSA booth is set up, I've retreated to the relative warming comfort of my laptop to catch up on a few tasks. It's been several years since I attended POWER-GEN in Las Vegas, and I am disappointed to find that I forgot how bone-chilling cold set-up can get with 30-foot loading dock doors open to the elements. If poor weather translates into higher attendance, you can count on a busy opening tomorrow  

Set-up is hectic as usual with a number of last-minute cancellations and substitutions across the show floor. One thing seems evident: China has gotten the jump on economic recovery and is here ready to do business. Chinese exhibitors and attendees are obvious everywhere and Vegas (or at least the Hilton, EGSA's Host Hotel) has ensured that native Chinese speakers are ready to assist them in spending a few yuan here and there.

The Chinese presence aside, exhibitors seem cautious and guarded about show prospects. Sure, on paper the recession ended some time back in the 3rd quarter. But, on paper, the unemployment rate is still hovering around 10%. How much business takes place on the show floor will undoubtedly influence perceptions of just how real the recovery is and whether or not it has even reached the electrical power generation industry yet.