7.28.20 – CEPro
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, CES had decided to cancel all in-person aspects of the 2021 show and instead switch to an all-digital experience.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced its decision that CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience. The Las Vegas-based show, planned for January 6-9, 2021, has been a global stage for innovation and the tech community for more than 50 years. CES 2021 will continue to be a platform to launch products, engage with global brands and define the future of the tech industry, says the association.
According to a press release, with the growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, CES believes it is not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person. CES 2020 drew 182,000+ attendees.
An all-digital CES 2021 will allow the entire tech community to safely share ideas and introduce the products, says CTA. Virtual attendees will be able to participate in all the “awe-inspiring moments of CES wherever they are in the world,” according to the press release.
“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,” says 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.”
Among the planned experience for CES 2021 will be:
- Keynotes and conferences. Online attendees will have a front-row seat for groundbreaking announcements and insights from the world’s tech leaders.
- Product showcase. The CES show floor will be digital , allowing online viewers to explore products and services, based on their interests and business, through dynamic product showcases or live demos.
- Meetings and networking. Viewers will be able to engage with the brands, thought leaders and business connections they care about with live interactions, meetups or roundtable discussions.
“Technology has helped us all work, learn and connect during the coronavirus pandemic, and it has presented real solutions to help solve complex global challenges. We recognize that, particularly in these uncertain times, it is a community of passionate individuals, such as our CTA members, that brings the best solutions to life. At CTA, our members work together to spark new ideas and advance the consumer technology industry. We are sure that at CES 2021 and beyond, it is this spark that will inspire the next generation of innovation,” says the association.