Every January, the global technology community spends a few days in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where cutting-edge products, prototypes, and breakthrough technologies are unveiled. This popular trade show is where partnerships are formed, trends emerge, and the future of consumer technology begins to take shape.
Whether you’re an exhibitor looking to make connections, an attendee eager to see what’s next, or simply curious about the event, understanding what the CES trade show is and how it works can give you a clearer picture of its scale and significance.
What Is the CES Trade Show?
CES is the world’s largest and most influential tech trade show, where innovators and breakthrough technologies are introduced to the marketplace. Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES is an international platform where businesses present new products and innovative technologies spanning multiple industries.
What Does CES Stand For?
CES stands for “Consumer Electronics Show.” While it originally focused on consumer electronics, the event has expanded to include a wide range of industries, such as automotive technology, artificial intelligence, digital health, and sustainability.
Where Is CES Held?
CES is primarily held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the main venue for the event is the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), one of the largest and most well-equipped exhibition centers in the world. The LVCC typically hosts the majority of CES’s exhibits and conferences, making it the heart of the event.
However, because the CES trade show has grown significantly over the years and features a wide variety of technologies across different industries, the event now spans multiple venues throughout Las Vegas to accommodate its massive growth. Those locations may change year after year.
When Is CES?
CES typically takes place in early January each year. For instance, CES 2026 is scheduled for January 6–9, 2026.
How Many People Attend CES?
CES 2025 attracted over 141,000 attendees, with 40% of them coming from outside the United States. Visitors came from more than 150 countries, regions, and territories, which highlights the global appeal of the event.
In addition to the general attendees, CES also hosts thousands of media professionals, analysts, and industry experts who are all eager to see the latest in tech and innovation.
How Much Does It Cost To Go to CES?
Ticket prices for CES change each year and vary depending on the type of access. The amounts below are for the 2026 event:
- Exhibits Plus Pass: Provides access to the exhibit floor, keynotes, and select conference sessions.
- Through December 1, 2025: $149
- December 2, 2025–January 9, 2026: $350
- Deluxe Conference Pass: Grants access to all conference sessions and curated tracks.
- Through December 1, 2025: $1,400
- December 2, 2025–January 9, 2026: $1,700
Prices usually increase as the show approaches, so buying early can save you money. Since CES updates fees annually, it’s best to check the official website for the most current details.
Who Can Attend CES?
CES is primarily a trade-only event, meaning it’s designed for professionals in the technology industry. Eligible attendees include:
- Industry Professionals: Executives, engineers, designers, and other professionals from companies in the tech sector.
- Media Representatives: Journalists and content creators covering technology and innovation.
- Exhibitor Personnel: Individuals representing companies showcasing products at the event.
In some cases, CES also offers limited access to students or educators through special programs.
Is CES Open to the Public?
No, the CES trade show is not open to the public. It’s a trade-only event focused on professionals in the technology industry. However, some media outlets may provide coverage that offers a glimpse into the innovations showcased at the event.
How Can You Get Into CES?
To attend CES, you must register through the official CES website, and part of the registration process involves providing professional credentials. These credentials are used to verify that attendees are relevant to the trade and technology sectors that CES caters to.
The CES organizers want to make sure attendees are there to network, learn, and do business in the tech industry, not just attend as tourists or general enthusiasts. This keeps the event targeted and professional.
Who Gets Invited to CES?
CES is not an invitation-only event. Instead, it’s open to individuals who meet the registration requirements. However, exhibitors and sponsors often have access to exclusive events and networking opportunities. Professionals from various sectors, including technology, media, and business, are encouraged to attend.
Do You Have To Register To Go to CES?
Yes, registration is required to attend CES. This process helps organizers manage attendance and ensures that all participants are relevant to the event’s focus on technology and innovation. Registration also provides attendees with access to event materials, schedules, and other resources.
How Many Companies Exhibit at CES?
CES 2025 saw over 4,500 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technologies. Among these exhibitors, more than 1,400 were startups presenting new and innovative ideas in areas like robotics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. The sheer scale of the event is a testament to the importance of CES as a global stage for technology and innovation.
What Are the Biggest Brands at CES?
At CES, you’ll find some of the biggest names in tech, including:
- Samsung
- LG
- Sony
- Intel
- Panasonic
- AMD
- Nvidia
CES is one of the most important stages for unveiling cutting-edge technology. Major brands often use the CES trade show to highlight their upcoming releases and make a splash in front of industry professionals, media, and potential partners.
What Industries Can You Explore at CES?
CES covers a broad range of technology sectors. The show features personal technology, transportation and mobility, health care, sustainability, and other industries, with artificial intelligence present everywhere.
Exhibitors are working on solutions for food, clean air, clean water, mobility, and health care, with a growing focus on technology for the disability community.
Visitors to CES will typically see advances in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automotive Technology
- Consumer Electronics
- Health and Wellness Tech
- Smart Home Devices
- Sustainable and Green Technologies
- Gaming and Entertainment
- 5G Connectivity
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Robotics
In addition, sustainability and energy-transition technologies, quantum computing, accessibility tools, fintech, agriculture tech, and consumer electronics all have prominent places within CES.
How Much Does It Cost To Exhibit at CES?
The cost of exhibiting at the CES trade show varies widely depending on booth size and the type of exhibitor. Standard exhibit space typically costs between $38 and $43 per square foot, so a basic 10×10-foot booth (100 ft²) works out to about $3,800–$4,300.
Start-ups that qualify for the Eureka Park Marketplace startup arena (a dedicated area at CES specifically designed for start-ups to showcase their innovative products and technologies) can rent a turnkey booth for around $1,000.
Small companies often spend at least $20,000 in total (including booth space, travel, marketing, and staffing), while large corporations may spend tens or hundreds of thousands on elaborate booths and promotions. While the costs can be steep, the exposure CES provides often makes it worth the investment for companies looking to break through.
How Do You Apply To Exhibit at CES?
To apply for a standard exhibit, companies need to contact the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) via the “Apply to Exhibit” form on the CES website and work with a CTA sales representative to select booth space and complete a contract.
Start-ups seeking space in Eureka Park must meet specific criteria:
- The company must be in an early stage (less than five years old or launching its first product).
- The technology shown must be aimed at the consumer market; the product cannot have been commercially sold before a cutoff date.
- The company must own the intellectual property and display a prototype or product under its own brand, not OEM/ODM components.
The CTA team reviews applications, and sometimes the organization’s market-research group looks at them as well.
What Are the Benefits of Exhibiting at CES?
Is attending CES worth it? Exhibiting at the CES trade show offers numerous benefits for companies of all sizes, from networking to global exposure. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Global Exposure: Showcase your innovation to more than 170,000 attendees, including buyers, investors, and media representatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of attendees, exhibitors, and media representatives, providing countless opportunities to build valuable relationships.
- Attract Funding: Many start-ups have raised over $1 billion in funding by participating in Eureka Park since 2012.
- Media Coverage: Gain exposure through extensive media coverage, helping to build brand recognition.
- Product Feedback: Receive valuable insights from both potential customers and industry experts.
- Study Competitors: Observe trends and gain insights from other exhibitors, keeping your business competitive.
- Product Launches: Use CES as a platform to introduce new products to a global audience.
Exhibiting at CES opens up significant opportunities for growth, visibility, and innovation, but it requires careful planning to fully capitalize on the experience.
What Is the CES App?
The CES App is a helpful tool for anyone attending the CES trade show or simply keeping up with the event. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Create Your Own Schedule: You can build a personalized agenda by adding your favorite exhibitors, speakers, and sessions to your list.
- Networking: The app allows you to connect with other attendees and exhibitors. This is great for setting up meetings or making new business connections.
- Find Your Way Around: The app includes interactive maps to help you navigate the event.
- Watch Live Content: If you can’t attend some of the keynotes or sessions, you can watch them live or catch up later with the on-demand streaming feature.
- Emergency Alerts: The app helps you report on-site emergencies.
In short, the CES App helps attendees make the most of the event, stay organized, and connect with others so they don’t miss any key moments.
What Is a CES Sponsorship?
A CES sponsorship gives companies a unique opportunity to promote their brand at one of the world’s largest tech events. Here’s what sponsorship includes:
- Brand Visibility: Sponsorships give you the chance to have your brand seen by thousands of attendees. This can include prominent signage, LED displays, and your logo on event materials. It’s a great way to make sure people notice your company.
- Leadership Opportunities: Sponsors may have the chance to speak at panels or host workshops. This helps position your company as a thought leader in the tech space.
- Media Exposure: If you sponsor CES, you’ll likely get featured in press releases and media coverage, which can boost your visibility across various news outlets.
- Customizable Packages: CES offers different sponsorship packages that can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, visit the official CES website or contact the event organizers directly.
Your Complete CES Trade Show Exhibit Solution
CES is one of the most competitive stages in the world, with thousands of companies vying for attention. So how do you make sure your booth gets noticed in this crowd? It comes down to strategic design, engaging technology, and flawless execution.
LV Exhibit Rentals is a family-owned Las Vegas company with over 20 years of experience helping brands shine at trade shows. Our team offers a one-stop, turnkey solution for your CES trade show exhibit, taking care of every detail so you can focus on connecting with attendees. From initial concept to final teardown, we handle it all.
Ready to elevate your CES presence? Let’s turn your vision into a show-stopping reality. Partner with LV Exhibit Rentals to create an unforgettable CES booth that’s impossible to miss.
