Perhaps they weren't on vacation? The Disney Resorts host a large number of conferences and conventions. It seems the Dolphin, Swan, Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk halls and rooms are buzzing with technology each January for Lotusphere. It ain't vacation, really.
I have been to many many conferences as both an attendee and a presenter and I have never had to have that much equipment. I suppose it is possible but that room was trashed well beyond just the equipment and plugging one surge protector into another is not safe no matter what the justification.
They should be glad it was years ago. I speak my mind a whole lot more now that I am old and grumpy.