Why CEOs Should Pay Attention to CES - Part 1

As SVP of Marketing and Communications for the Consumer Technology Association , I spent 6 years behind the scenes at #CES. So this year I was thrilled to experience the excitement that is #CES2024 as an attendee. Many know CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), as the place for the latest cool consumer gadgets. While there is a lot of very cool stuff, CES is really about the technological innovations that are shaping the future of every sector, from heavy industry and agriculture to healthcare to transportation and mobility.

My top takeaways from this year’s show are:

• Generative AI has gone from a novelty app to being embedded in the world’s leading organizations
• The Metaverse has found its place in industrial applications
• Sustainability and green tech are on every company's agenda
• Health tech is putting the management of our health into our hands with at-home diagnostic tools.

In this, and follow-up articles over the next few weeks, I will share my perspective on the most important innovations from the show.

This year CES was all about AI, particularly generative AI. This technology has gone mainstream in just over 12 months since ChatGPT captured the world's attention. It has gone from a novelty app to a solution embedded in some of the world's leading companies like L'Oréal , 西门子 and 沃尔玛 .

Generative AI

GenAI was everywhere from new products and software solutions to industrial applications and even home appliances. LG电子 showcased their Bespoke AI-powered washer/dryer. Yes, AI will soon be washing our clothes. Tech leaders and innovators agree that the evolution of AI is the biggest technology shift we may see in our lifetime, and it is happening at a pace none of us anticipated.

Both Siemens and Walmart announced partnerships with Microsoft to incorporate 微软 AI Co-pilot into their businesses. When Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a surprise appearance with Walmart CEO, Doug McMillan, the techy audience went wild. Siemens announced an Industrial Co-pilot that writes programming code for factory machinery and helps track software bugs. Walmart has created an AI-driven replenishment algorithm for its home delivery service. Based on your shopping patterns, it will tell you when you will be out of milk - and deliver it right to your fridge.

Generative AI is the tech that every Executive must pay attention to. It brings tremendous potential, and tremendous brand risk, if not handled thoughtfully.

My 3 Most Mind-blowing Innovations

CES is all about the cool stuff. Three things from CES 2024 that brought the “wow” factor for me were:

• Transparent TVs – No CES is complete without the latest cool TVs and this year was no exception. LG’s Signature OLED wireless TV is completely transparent and stole the show for me.
• ?A Digital Twin of the Heart and Brain – Digital Twins were a common theme throughout CES and DassaultSystems showcased digital twins of a heart and a brain for use in healthcare. This could ultimately replace traditional animal testing.
• ?Drone grocery delivery is a thing! Walmart announced a trial of drone delivery in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Snacks delivered by drones could be coming to a Super Bowl party near you.

Why the C Suite Should Attend CES

CES is exciting. It is a spectacle. And it can be exhausting, with large crowds and over 4000 exhibitors. But it showcases the underlying technologies that are disrupting all industries. Leaders looking to evolve their business and remain relevant must understand these disruptors, be it AI, the metaverse, robotics, or green tech. CES is a valuable venue to learn how others are adopting and adapting these innovations.

A visit to CES should be on the agenda for CEOs, CMOs and their leadership teams in 2025.