Las Vegas’ 2022 season kicked off with the Consumer Electronics Show, the most influential tech event in the world. The annual tech expo returned in the New Year after going virtual last year due to the pandemic. Once again, this year’s festivities drew top tech companies from across the world.
“Over the past several weeks, I’ve talked to dozens of founders and entrepreneurs, from companies big and small, they’ve affirmed our long-standing conviction that CES is a critical platform for business and innovation that’s changing our present and shaping our future.”
Full Steam Ahead
Despite an uptick in Coronavirus cases and the rise of the Omicron variant, CES organizers stated in a pre-show press release that just a few dozen companies pulled out due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, more than 2,300 exhibitors were on hand. That number jumped from 1,900 in early December. Those in attendance were required to show proof of vaccination and were provided with self-tests from Abbott Labs and CES organizers implemented social distancing guidelines and required indoor masking.
Shapiro says, “Of course, we know that this CES is going to be different. We’ll have gaps on the show floor, new protocols and procedures for attendees, with all the upheaval of the past several weeks, it may be a bit messy, but, you know, innovation is messy.”
This year’s show also featured a record number of politicians hosting various keynote addresses, panel discussions, and roundtables. Regardless of expertise, interests, or political views, there was truly something for everyone.
Take a look at some of the top keynote addresses from leaders in the automotive, healthcare, technology and transportation industries.
Playlist
By the Numbers
In the days leading up to the tech showcase, CES was facing uncertainty. Many speculated whether the show’s in-person events would be canceled over pandemic fears. The rumor mill even prompted CES organizers to issue a last-minute press release assuring the more than 2,300 exhibitors that the show will go on. While they did cut short the exhibition to just 3 days, as opposed to the originally planned 4 days, little could stop the worldwide affair. When it was all said and done, more than 45,000 attendees hit the Vegas Strip, filling 11 indoor and outdoor venues, which covered nearly 2,000,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show was a global event, with 30% of attendees traveling from outside the United States, representing more than 100 countries.
For those unable to attend, CES organizers opened a digital venue for virtual experiences. That space can be accessed through January 31.
Also among those in attendance were 1,800 members of the media from both far and wide. The interest spread beyond typical industry publications such as Exhibitor Magazine and Trade Show News Network to the likes of the New York Times and CNN.
Whether in person or virtual, attendees were also active across all social media channels. Hundreds of thousands of #CES2022 posts filled Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram feeds resulting in billions of worldwide impressions.
Until Next Year
With CES going off without a hitch, there’s now renewed optimism across the exhibition industry for a return to normal in the New Year. Meanwhile, the Consumer Technology Association is already preparing to roll out the red carpet for next year. CES 2023 is slated to take over Las Vegas on January 5-8, 2023.
Well folks, as they say in the industry, that’s a wrap 🎬
— CES (@CES) January 8, 2022
Thanks for joining us at #CES2022 and we can’t wait to see you next year!
Signing off, but not for long✌️pic.twitter.com/nQzreAMeBx
Are you already looking forward to (and preparing for) next year? Be sure to download our creative brief template or any of our other helpful resources. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can also take a look at some of our past work, including an in-depth analysis of our CES partnership with Omron.
