CTA Proclaims Return of CES to Vegas

The Consumer Technology Association announced yesterday the return of the Consumer Electronics Show – CES – to its home at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2022 edition, January 5-8. Media Days will take place January 3-4, says the CTA.

The announcement reflects the overwhelming desire of potential exhibitors, 1,000 of whom have committed to showcasing their most innovative technologies, according to the CTA, with more continuing to sign up. This demand reflects the attention-getting deficit syndrome (apologies to former President Bill Clinton) sweeping the industry.  Companies large and small have been stymied in their efforts to get the word out regarding new technology breakthroughs and innovations - the purpose for which CES has long existed.

IN its announcement. CTA highlighted the anticipated participation of companies including Amazon, AMD, AT&T, Daimler AG, Dell, Google, Hyundai, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, and Sony. CTA says companies including Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, and Sierra Space are planning to make a Las Vegas debut in 2022. Eureka Park will return with startups representing large delegations from France, Italy, the Netherlands, and South Korea, CTA says.

Having attended more than 30 CES shows over the years myself – CTA says the event has been going on for more than 40 years – I welcome the news and the opportunity to once again connect and interact in person with industry colleagues.  I am also reminded that CES 2020 narrowly missed becoming a notorious superspreader event occurring, as it did, in early January 2020 when we now know the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to emerge.

CTA says it will be reviewing guidelines for coronavirus safety measures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to state and local guidelines. CTA will be following applicable federal, state and local laws, adapting CES plans accordingly and sharing updates with its audiences, the organization says.

One can expect a wide array of products and services on display for combatting the current and future pandemics.  It will likely set the stage and the standard for a return to live events across all industries.

For the automotive industry, in particular, CES 2022 promises to be a massive turning point. It was clear to attendees in January 2020 – with construction underway on the new West Hall – that big things were coming for CES 2021.

Sadly, CES 2021 was a virtual event. But the unveiling of the new West Hall with the largest digital display in the world installed by Samsung and with Elon Musk’s underground Hyperloop Central Station on site – the CES 2022 event promises to be a three ring technology circus like no other.

With autonomous vehicles plying the streets above ground and electrified Tesla’s cruising through tunnels underground and electric vertical take off and landing (EVTOL) craft airborne and on display, CES 2022 in Las Vegas will be the an unparalleled display of transportation technologies and innovation and a test of Vegas' transportation infrastructure.