ARLINGTON, Virginia — CES, the giant tech event that was held in Las Vegas for more than 40 years before being disrupted by the pandemic, is returning to Vegas from January 5-8, 2022. The show, which was all-digital in 2021, will be a digital/in-person hybrid next year, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which organizes CES.
Related. CES 2021 Makes History as Largest Digital Tech Event
Attendees from around the world will be able to see the latest from major brands and startups at the 2022 show, both in person and online. More than 1,000 companies have already committed to showcasing their latest and greatest products at CES in Las Vegas this January. They include tech giants such as Amazon, AMD, AT&T, Daimler AG, Dell, Google, Hyundai, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics and Sony. They will be joined by newcomers including Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge and Sierra Space, all of which plan to make their Las Vegas debuts in 2022. Attendees will also be able to see startups from around the world at CES Eureka Park.
The show, which is the launch pad for new technology announcements, will hold its Media Days from January 3 to 4, 2022.
Related. 3 tips for creating high-value hybrid events
“The pandemic has amplified a truth: As humans, we need face-to-face, live, five-sense experiences to innovate, learn, connect and discover new products and services,” said Gary Shapiro, CTA President and CEO. “CES’ return to Las Vegas will be a celebration of humanity, resilience, serendipity and innovation. The silver lining in this dark pandemic cloud is that the sun is shining and savvy business leaders will see new opportunities to effectively meet not only with existing, potential and new customers, but also with their own dispersed employees.”
“More than excited” to be back
While the show may not draw the 182,000 people to Vegas as it did in 2019, there will likely be new health and safety protocols.
“We won’t be as big and we’ll have new practices in place,” Shapiro said, adding that he was “beyond excited to bring CES back to Las Vegas.” CTA will comply with all applicable federal, state and local health and safety laws; adapt plans accordingly; and provide regular updates to its audience as the pandemic and resulting restrictions on group gatherings continue to evolve over time.
For those tuning in digitally, CES will bring back its popular Anchor Desk, which debuted at CES 2021. The streaming service will once again connect CES’s digital audience with exhibitors, product announcements, breakout sessions, and keynotes happening at the in-person event. The flow of information will continue after the event to provide attendees and exhibitors with a continuous platform to connect and learn.
Related. Nevada prepares to operate at full capacity
And the city? “We are thrilled with the Consumer Technology Association’s announcement that CES will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 5-8, 2022,” said John Schreiber, vice president of corporate sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “CES is not only the largest annual convention in Las Vegas, but also one of the most exciting gatherings in the world, and we are thrilled to welcome them back. As the destination begins to welcome back larger groups and events, we look forward to delivering the unique experiences business travelers have come to expect in Vegas, while keeping the health and well-being of our visitors, workers and community in mind.”
A growing range
The CES announcement is just the latest good news for Las Vegas’ trade show industry, which in 2019 attracted an estimated 6.6 million people to the city and generated $11.4 billion in total economic impact.
Las Vegas hosted TPE2021 (Tobacco Plus Expo), the first show to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) since the pandemic began last year. World of Concrete (WOC) also made a splash when it announced its return to the LVCC June 8-10. The city and the recently opened 550,000-square-foot CAESARS FORUM will have the opportunity to showcase its capabilities when Meeting Professionals International hosts its World Education Congress (WEC) there June 15-17.
Related. Concrete world gets the green light
Contact Gary Shapiro at (703) 907-7600 or gshapiro@cta.tech