CES 2023: Tech Industry Gathers in Las Vegas for Annual Showcase, with COVID Safety Measures in Place

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual event that brings together technology companies, investors, and media to showcase the latest and greatest in consumer technology. CES 2023, which will take place in Las Vegas from January 3-8, is expected to draw around 100,000 attendees and feature nearly 3,000 exhibitors across 2.1 million square feet of space.

CES 2023 Safety Protocols

While CES has traditionally been a physical event, the pandemic forced the show to be digital in 2021. Reports tell us that attendance was significantly lower than in previous years, with only 45,000 attendees. In response to the pandemic, CES 2023 will have various health protocols, requiring attendees to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Despite the ongoing pandemic and its impact on the tech industry, CES 2023 is still considered a bellwether for the tech economy. It provides a platform for companies to create buzz around their upcoming products and for attendees to stay updated on the latest technology. The specter of tech layoffs hangs over the show as the industry looks to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, VentureBeat reports that CES has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of attendees. These measures include encouraging attendees to get up-to-date on flu shots and COVID vaccines and regularly testing for the virus. CES will also provide access to rapid antigen tests and free testing at designated medical stations for those who feel ill onsite.

In addition, CES has improved ventilation systems, increased outside airflow in its exhibit venues, and implemented measures to reduce surface touchpoints and increase social distancing. Attendees are also encouraged to wear masks and use hand sanitizer, and they are asked to avoid shaking hands.

To ensure the safety of attendees, CES has implemented several measures related to bags and equipment. Attendees are allowed to bring only two small sacks into show venues, and these bags must be smaller than

Rolling bags of any size, including luggage, laptop, computer bags, and rolling luggage carts, are prohibited. Media with an official media badge can bring more equipment, but it is subject to search and approval. If attendees have heavier bags, they can check them at designated locations.

What's Expected

A report from VentureBeat tells us that Apple is notable in its absence from the show. Still, other tech giants such as Sony will be in attendance and expected to showcase their latest products, including the highly anticipated PlayStation VR 2.

The CES expo will feature several keynote speeches and talks by industry leaders, including Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices; Oliver Zipse, chairman of BMW; and John May, CEO of John Deere.

These talks will take place at venues such as the Venetian Palazzo Ballroom and the Aria's C Space section. CES aims to provide a diverse range of speakers that reflect the growing technology adoption by all major companies.

Overall, CES 2023 is expected to have an economic impact of $291 million in Las Vegas. Investors have contributed over $10 billion to startups at the Eureka Park exhibit.