CES 2016, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is happening at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 6 to 9 and it will feature some of the newest technologies that companies will be churning out in the coming months, and we have just the thing to prepare you for it.
Those who have attended the previous CESs, may want to know that there have been some tighter restrictions put in place for the 2016 event. However, if you're new to CES, it's your lucky day, because we've come up with a quick guide to keep you from getting overwhelmed once you step inside the biggest annual consumer technology show.
What Is CES?
As already mentioned, CES is the biggest annual consumer technology trade show and, naturally, top tech industries and start-ups are in attendance to show the world what they can offer. Those interested may invest in these technologies, whether as a backer or a consumer.
"CES is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for almost 50 years... it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry's most relevant issues are addressed," the CES website describes.
What Can You Find In CES?
Conceptual technology, technologies under development, technologies you might not be able to afford (yet) but would drool over, cars you may see on the roads in the future, automotive technologies that would go with those cars, Virtual Reality technologies and anything and everything that could turn your normal residence into a "smart home."
Apart from seeing technology exhibits, you'll get to witness corporate leaders unveiling their company's new products and discussing tech issues. You'll also find start-up companies trying to get people interested enough in its products so they would have a chance to survive the tough tech market.
But of course, you will also find that yourself standing and lining up for hours with more than 170,000 other people.
Important Things To Remember If You're Attending CES 2016
For the experienced CES attendees, it's important to note that the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of the CES 2016 and all the previous CES trade shows, is tightening security in light of the recent tragedies around the world.
CTA wants attendees to know that luggage and any type of bag with wheels may not be brought inside the CES grounds. You are only allowed to bring up to two (2) bags and all bags must be, at most, 12 inches x 17 inches x 6 inches and CTA suggests that bags should not have a lot of pockets because all bags will be searched and pockets prolong search times. In addition, bag check availability will be extremely limited and "everyone will be subject to metal detector screening and body pat downs," CTA said in its press release.
Those who will attend the CES for the first time, will need patience, extra food and comfortable shoes. As stated above, there will be a lot of people in attendance so you'd probably be standing in line at least a third of your time there and losing patience will not do you any good.
Check out the exhibitor directory and the exhibit maps so you know where you'd want to go and manage your time properly.
If you're not sure where to go, though, CTA created a quiz to determine what kind of CES attendee you are and has suggestions on where to go based on your result.
You'll probably be tired after CES 2016 but try to enjoy the experience too. If you can't go, don't fret. CTA will be giving glimpses of the event in their social media accounts.
On #Snapchat? Make sure you follow us for live updates from #CES2016 all week long at 'CESOfficial' pic.twitter.com/DpGQk0iKX3
- CES (@CES) January 4, 2016
