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Strategizing a Re-Emerged CES Part II

Ended soon

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about strategizing for a re-emerged CES. But even this year’s “smaller” show is huge – currently over 1900 exhibitors covering 44 technology categories that will showcase the latest in digital health, food, automotive, NFTs, gaming, smart home and more. As previously written, this year’s show is a hybrid – a live and in-person event with a virtual component. I’d like to share some pre-show tips on what to see and where you can see it.

My primary venue at CES will be the Venetian Expo, where you will find smart home, sports/fitness tech and the CTA Innovation Awards winners on display, as well as “Eureka Park”, where you can visit start-ups from around the world. The new West Hall is where you’ll be able to see nearly 200 companies from the transportation and vehicle tech industry. The Central Hall will, as usual, house the show’s largest exhibitors, such as Samsung, LG, and Sony, along with gaming exhibitors. North Hall will host smart cities and digital health exhibits.

I won’t be able to include the Marketing/Advertising C-Space exhibits at the Aria Hotel in my personal CES game plan, but if marketing and advertising is your thing, this is an exciting, specialized venue to explore. There also will be outdoor exhibitors in the LVCC Central Plaza. Note: the South Hall is being updated and will not be a CES venue this year.

Networking

I’ve been coming to CES for many years, and while technology is the draw, my experience is that networking is the most important reason to attend. I’ve often said, “Never underestimate the power of a random encounter in a trade show aisle.” While that saying is the absolute truth, CTA makes certain that there are plenty of structured networking opportunities at the Show. A few that come readily to mind are:

  • CTA Member’s party, Wednesday at 6 pm LVCC West Hall Rooftop Terrace (open air), followed by:
  • The Women in Consumer Technology Legacy Awards, 8 pm, West Hall ($55 but you’ll leave with the world’s best goody bag): https://bit.ly/3oEvwpO
  • CTA Foundation Pitch Competition sponsored by AARP Innovation Labs, 1 – 3 pm Thursday January 6 Venetian Expo Hall G, Startup Stage
  • Smart Home Division Mark of Excellence Awards Ceremony and Reception @ 6:30 PM Thursday January 6, LVCC, West Hall, W208-209

I couldn’t be more excited that the industry is coming home to CES this year. The team at bluesalve partners will be there in full force and we look forward to seeing you there. If you would like to meet or talk or prior to CES, please reach out. And stay tuned here, as next week I will be sharing my favorites and recommendations as to what to see and where to see it. Till then…

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