CES Moving To An All Digital Format For 2021

Although the event is still 6 months away the CES organizers have recently announced that, ”Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it's just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. "Technology helps us all work, learn and connect during the pandemic – and that innovation will also help us reimagine CES 2021 and bring together the tech community in a meaningful way. By shifting to an all-digital platform for 2021, we can deliver a unique experience that helps our exhibitors connect with existing and new audiences."

While it will be digital in 2021 the organizers said that they plan to return to Las Vegas for CES2022 to combine the best elements of a physical show and digital show. The digital 2021 event “will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the world," organizers said in a news release.

“We know the decision to move CES to a virtual show in January was extremely difficult for CTA leadership. While it’s disappointing we won’t be welcoming CES as the first show inside our West Hall expansion, we certainly respect their decision in light of the impact the virus has caused throughout the world. We deeply value our 40-year partnership with CES and look forward to welcoming the show and their loyal attendees back to Las Vegas in 2022,” said Steve Hill who is the Las Vegas Convention Center President and CEO in an issued statement. 

On Twitter Nevada Governor Sisolak said, “I greatly value the partnership the State of Nevada has with CES and I look forward to welcoming them back in January 2022.” “Just as I have taken aggressive steps to help protect the health and safety of Nevadans from this virus, I respect the decision of CES to protect the health and safety of their employees, attendees and exhibitors in this global pandemic.”

According to the release: “An all-digital CES 2021 will allow the entire tech community to safely share ideas and introduce the products that will shape our future. As a media attendee, you’ll be able to participate in all the awe-inspiring moments of CES wherever you are in the world. We are designing a unique experience for the tech industry.” 

As it has been for the past 50 years, the team at CES is working to develop an immersive digital experience plan to maintain the global stage for innovation and platforms to launch products, engage with global brands, and define the future of the tech industry. The digital event will still be including media events, product showcasing, keynotes, conferences, meetings, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have a front row seat to see the latest technology in a personalized experience that will bring the global event to their homes to bring people together to share ideas and introduce new products. 

This event draws over 175,000 people to meet at several venues throughout the city, and it was expected to include the debut of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new West Hall $980.3 million expansion as well as The Boring Company’s $52.5 million underground people-mover transit system developed by Elon Musk.

Due to the outbreak and resulting restrictions, CES is now among the dozens of concerts, convention and trade shows that have either been canceled, postponed, or modified to an online format to hit the already struggling entertainment and tourism based city and state economy that has little else to fall back on.