BALTIMORE, May 8 - The first wave of attendees hit the exhibit floor as the technical exhibit at CLEO/QELS opened. Opening day traffic was steady with all booths drawing early crowds. The floor is expected to be even more crowded tomorrow when the show features an "exhibit only" time in the morning. Today, as it has been since the conference began Sunday, attendees were busy hearing papers and attending other special functions, meetings, courses and seminars.

Early attendees head toward the entrance of the Baltimore Convention Center for the start of CLEO/QELS 2001.

An early rush of attendees fill the technical exhibit halls at CLEO/QELS 2001.