CES 2023: Taking the Fifth

I have been attending CES for more than 30 consecutive years. I only know that because the CTA folks saw fit to include it on show credentials a few years ago. Those who attended CES 2020 look back and realize the entire electronics industry - and maybe the country - dodged a bullet not knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic had already begun.

It was with both anticipation and apprehension that attendees returned to Las Vegas for CES 2022. There were fewer exhibitors and attendees, to be sure, but the total was around 60% of normal. Masks were encouraged and available everywhere as was free COVID-19 testing.

Prior to attending the event last year I had coffee with a friend whose wife literally notified him, by text, during our meeting that she had tested positive. I wasn't thrilled to learn this, but I did not change my plans.

Upon arrival in Las Vegas my friend called to let me know that he, too, had tested positive. By now, it was too late to turn back, I was feeling fine and I had already determined to proceed to attend the event.

I told this story to another friend with whom I shared a coffee the next morning - both of us over sixty and, therefore, in a risk category. This friend texted me after our meeting and asked me to get a test out of an abundance of caution. At this point I felt pretty irresponsible and inconsiderate for not having already done so.

I got the test and was negative. I had breakfast the next day with another executive with whom I again shared this tale and he told me, since he was taking meetings all day long every day, he was getting a test every day. Again, I felt irresponsible and inconsiderate. A daily test was probably the way to go - though I don't think I followed through on that commitment.

With this in mind, I made a point of getting my fifth COVID-19 shot, the latest booster, this week. Notably, CTA recommends getting both the COVID booster and the annual flu shot before attending CES 2023. I will find my way to a flu shot.

For those more considerate and less irresponsible than me CTA's complete health recommendations for attending CES 2023 can be found here: https://www.ces.tech/logistics/in-person/health-protocols.aspx

Getting the COVID booster is something you are doing for everyone else. It is not a selfish act. Many of us have seen the post-Thanksgiving surge of illness. It is worth a small effort to try to avoid a similar post-CES spike. See you in Las Vegas.