CES 2021 Pivots to an All-Digital Experience

CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience, following a decision made by the Consumer Technology Association amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Taking place from January 6-9, 2021, the show will let companies showcase new products and other tech news through live streaming video feeds.

ces logo

"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."

CTA said that it plans to reveal more information about ‌CES 2021‌ as the event gets closer. The association also noted that it plans to return to its typical in-person conference in Las Vegas for CES 2022, where it will "combine the best elements of a physical and digital show."

While Apple typically doesn't attend CES, in 2020 the company did make an appearance to showcase its HomeKit platform. Otherwise, many Apple accessory companies do attend the show and introduce new products each year.

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Top Rated Comments

Fattytail Avatar
63 months ago
What are the tech YouTubers going to do then? Video reactions to product reveals?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
diego.caraballo Avatar
63 months ago

(think hotel bar and dinner meetings)
"Hookers"
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
calzon65 Avatar
63 months ago
Sad state of the times we live in.

Being able to see products in person is the whole point of CES, not to mention the invaluable face-to-face discussions, impromptu meetings and deals cut every year (think hotel bar and dinner meetings).

Obviously with COVID-19 there is little choice but to have a virtual CES, which is better than nothing, but it will be a flop and not nearly the kind of beneficial meeting where everyone is face-to-face.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spazzcat Avatar
63 months ago

Lame. How about everyone who's sick or scared of getting the big bad coronavirus just don't go to CES? Problem solved!
Thank you, internet doctor, for putting all this to rest for us, the doctor has spoken...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fhall1 Avatar
63 months ago
WOW - that's a lot of revenue lost for Las Vegas!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
omihek Avatar
63 months ago
Lame. How about everyone who's sick or scared of getting the big bad coronavirus just don't go to CES? Problem solved!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)