CES first opened its doors in 1967 with about 200 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees. A lot has changed since then. The 2025 show welcomed more than 141,000 visitors and over 4,500 companies across roughly 2.5 million square feet of exhibition space. With that momentum, CES 2026 is shaping up to be just as ambitious.
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For decades, CES has stayed true to its mission of bringing together the brightest minds in technology to shape the future and tackle global challenges. It’s the place where new partnerships begin, big ideas turn into real products, and the industry’s most influential innovators reveal what they have been working on. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible experience in January 2026 with AranGrant!
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What is CES?
CES (originally the Consumer Electronics Show) is North America’s largest technology event. Produced annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), it showcases groundbreaking innovations from leading tech makers and visionaries. The CTA is the US industry trade association that represents thousands of consumer-technology companies, and it provides market research, trend forecasting and policy-advocacy support primarily for the US market.
Why Attend CES?
CES isn’t just about showcasing the latest tech, it’s a crucial hub for high-stakes dealmaking between vendors, distributors, and retailers. These behind-the-scenes negotiations, held every January, set the buying cycle for the year and influence what products will dominate the market come fall. Companies secure billions in pre-orders, helping them plan production for the holiday season.
Beyond product reveals, CES allows vendors to test interest in developing technologies and adjust their strategies based on feedback. The event has also expanded to highlight startups and sector-specific innovations in health tech, sports tech, smart homes, and IoT. Major brands like Sony and Samsung showcase products launching soon, and attendees can experience new technology firsthand.
For business professionals, CES 2026 is a must-attend for networking, exploring future trends, and getting a firsthand look at what’s next in tech.
CES 2025 in a Nutshell
CES 2025 stunned attendees with a wave of bold innovations and set the tone for what’s ahead. Artificial intelligence and machine learning stole the spotlight: think smarter robots, generative-AI assistants, and home systems that learn your habits. Startups and big brands alike showed up strong, across sectors like health tech, smart homes, mobility and IoT.
Automakers revealed fresh electric and autonomous concepts that looked straight out of sci-fi. On the home-entertainment front, ultra-HD displays, immersive audio setups, and massive seamless screens drew crowds. After a show like this, CES 2026 can’t wait to shine.
What to Expect From CES 2026
CES 2026 will continue to focus on the technologies shaping everyday life, with a program centered around AI, digital health, vehicle tech and advanced mobility, energy future, wearables and beauty and fashion tech. The big theme this year is practical impact. AI will move from early experimentation to real-world deployment, showing how it improves efficiency, personalisation and business operations at scale.
In digital health, companies will highlight tools for wellness, prevention and real-time diagnostics, along with growing interest in virtual twin technology. Mobility and vehicle tech will bring new electric concepts, smarter in-car systems and more connected travel ecosystems.
Several key exhibitors are already confirmed. Samsung is preparing its largest CES presence to date, taking over the Wynn and Encore venues for its 2026 showcase. Realbotix will return with an expanded lineup of AI-powered humanoid robots, offering live demos of new conversational and emotion-aware models. The CES Innovation Awards program also recorded a surge in submissions for 2026, with notable growth in AI, robotics, and drone entries.
When is CES 2026?
CES 2026 will be held from Tuesday, January 6 to Friday, January 9, 2026. Media Days at CES 2026 will take place on Sunday, January 4 and Monday, January 5. These early sessions are reserved for global press and give journalists first access to major announcements, executive briefings, and product previews before the show floor opens.
Most headline-making news drops during this window. That’s why attendees who follow Media Day coverage can get a clear picture of the themes and technologies that will shape the rest of the week.
Where is CES 2026?
The event will span 12 official venues in Las Vegas, Nevada, grouped into three main campuses: LVCC Campus, Venetian Campus, and C Space Campus. These include not only the Las Vegas Convention Center but also connected resort venues like ARIA, Vdara, and Park MGM. For CES 2026 you can download detailed campus maps and explore interactive floor plans to make navigation easier.
How to Get Into CES?
CES is a trade show exclusively open to tech industry professionals. CTA describes CES as a “trade-only event for individuals 18 and older affiliated with the consumer technology industry.”
How difficult it is to gain access depends on your role in the tech world. Eligibility is straightforward if you’re employed by an industry company, an exhibitor, or part of the media. Those not directly employed in consumer electronics may still qualify if they can demonstrate a connection to the industry, such as being quoted in tech news or recognized as an industry professional within the past year.
All attendees must fall into one of three categories: industry attendee, media, or exhibitor, and must provide proof such as a business card, employment verification, or a list of published articles. Exhibitor eligibility is managed through CTA sales representatives. Full details on eligibility and required documentation are available on the CES registration page.
If you qualify, registration for CES 2026 offers two ticket options:
Exhibits Plus Pass
- $149 through December 1
- $350 from December 2 to January 9
This pass includes access to the CES 2026 exhibit floor, keynotes, Great Minds sessions, and select conference programming on a first-come basis.
Deluxe Conference Pass
- $1,400 through December 1
- $1,700 from December 2 to January 9
This pass includes full access to all 350+ sessions and curated tracks across four days, along with partner programming.
How is CES Las Vegas Organized?
The Exhibit Floors are organized into themed sections like automotive tech, smart home, and sustainability, each showcasing the latest advancements and transformative exhibits. This makes it easy for attendees to navigate and focus on their areas of interest. Eureka Park, a dedicated startup zone, offers a look into the future of tech and the opportunity to meet the creators behind groundbreaking innovations.
CES Tracks are thematic groupings that organize CES events by specific areas of interest, such as AI, Digital Health, Sustainability, and Automotive Tech. These tracks help attendees easily navigate the extensive CES schedule and focus on topics most relevant to their goals.
Here’s a breakdown of the main CES events:
- Keynotes: These sessions set the event’s tone, showcasing key trends, groundbreaking innovations, and the future direction of the industry. Speakers often include CEOs, innovators, and policymakers shaping the tech landscape. They provide valuable insights into how emerging technologies will influence consumers and industries. In 2026, notable Keynote speakers include Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar; Yuanqing Yang CEO and Chairman of Lenovo; Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company; Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices.
- Panels: These are specific sessions where a group of experts discusses a particular topic. Panel discussions typically involve multiple speakers who share insights, debate ideas, and answer questions from the audience. Panels are excellent for gaining multiple perspectives on specific tech sectors.
- Great Minds Sessions: These inspiring talks feature renowned thought leaders and visionaries who offer deep insights into the societal impact of technology and its role in shaping our future. They deliver thought-provoking perspectives from influential figures across diverse fields.
- Focused Networking Sessions: CES features industry-specific networking sessions designed to connect like-minded professionals and encourage meaningful collaborations in sectors like health tech, automotive, and AI. Exclusive gatherings for top executives, startups, and international business delegations also provide valuable opportunities to form strategic partnerships.
- Workshops and Demos: Workshops offer hands-on learning experiences, teaching practical skills related to new technologies and are often led by industry experts or product developers. Product demos give companies the chance to showcase their latest innovations, allowing attendees to test and experience cutting-edge tech firsthand. That’s a great way to explore emerging gadgets and tools.
- Mixers, Meet-Ups, and Social Events: These casual gatherings provide a relaxed setting for expanding your professional network, making them ideal for meeting potential partners, clients, or industry influencers. CES also hosts themed parties and social events, often organized by leading companies or industry groups, offering a great way to unwind while still connecting with fellow attendees.
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Tips for a Fruitful CES Event Attendance
- Identify Your Interests: Before attending CES, review the list of available tracks and select the ones that align with your professional or personal interests. For example, if you work in healthcare, the Digital Health Track might be most relevant.
- Plan Your Schedule: Use the CES website or app to view all sessions within your chosen tracks. Prioritize must-see keynotes, panels, and workshops, and create a daily schedule to make the most of your time.
- Mix and Match: You don’t have to stick to a single track. Feel free to explore multiple tracks if your interests are diverse. This flexibility allows you to gain insights from different areas of the tech industry.
- Network Strategically: Attend networking sessions and mixers associated with your chosen tracks to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.
- Plan Your Itinerary in Advance to maximize your time, as CES is massive and can be overwhelming without a strategy. Use the CES app to build your personalized schedule, connect with attendees, and receive important real-time notifications. Complement it with apps like TripIt, Sygic Travel Maps Trip Planner, Wanderlog, and Google Maps. These tools will help you consolidate travel and accommodation details, map routes between sessions and exhibitor booths, and set reminders for key meetings and events.
Attending CES 2026 offers a unique chance to stay at the forefront of the tech world. Connect with industry leaders and experience cutting-edge advancements before they hit the market. Be sure to book your affordable business class flight to this must-attend event with AranGrant, your trusted premium flight partner.
