On August 10, 2005, the first ever virtual opening of NASDAQ occurred at Cisco Systems in San Jose and Shawnna and I were there. We arrived at 5:00am to register, pick up our commemorative red polo shirts and eat the breakfast that was provided. After making it through all of that, we headed to the balcony on the 2nd floor (just below John Chambers) to hang out until the ceremony. We were able to be on the 2nd floor balcony during the ceremony because we knew the person who set up the event and she put us on the list (yes, there was actually a list and a "bouncer" checking it).
At about 6:00am, most people who were going to show up, were there. In all, there were over 2,000 Cisco employees who showed up for this ceremony. It was amazing to see that many people there at 6am when there usually isn't that many people there at 8am. As it got closer to 6:30am, they started filming to build up to the opening bell. The crowd was very excited and were waving at the camera and cheering; especially when John Chambers addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for coming.
Finally, it was time for the opening bell. We counted down the seconds, Chambers rang the bell and it was all over. People left immediately and got in line for the give-aways. The first 500 people to register received iPod Shuffles (512 MB) and the next 1000 people to register received Bluetooth wireless headsets. Shawnna and I both received the iPods (score!) and then we went back to work.
When I was back at my desk, I watched the webcast of the opening bell and saw that the first thing they show is a zoom in from the crowd to Shawnna and I. As they pan across, I can be seen flashing the devil signs (mom would be proud =). You can watch the webcast and get a lot more information at the NewsAtCisco website.
At about 6:00am, most people who were going to show up, were there. In all, there were over 2,000 Cisco employees who showed up for this ceremony. It was amazing to see that many people there at 6am when there usually isn't that many people there at 8am. As it got closer to 6:30am, they started filming to build up to the opening bell. The crowd was very excited and were waving at the camera and cheering; especially when John Chambers addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for coming.
Finally, it was time for the opening bell. We counted down the seconds, Chambers rang the bell and it was all over. People left immediately and got in line for the give-aways. The first 500 people to register received iPod Shuffles (512 MB) and the next 1000 people to register received Bluetooth wireless headsets. Shawnna and I both received the iPods (score!) and then we went back to work.
When I was back at my desk, I watched the webcast of the opening bell and saw that the first thing they show is a zoom in from the crowd to Shawnna and I. As they pan across, I can be seen flashing the devil signs (mom would be proud =). You can watch the webcast and get a lot more information at the NewsAtCisco website.
Waiting for the ceremony to occur. We were on the balcony in the center of this picture.
I took this picture to show our view of the crowd.
John Chambers rings the bell to open trading on NASDAQ
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