This is one time that the organizers of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) hope that whatever happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. The largest electronics tradeshow started on January 8 and will run until January 11. In the world of trade shows, this is a big one (even for the LV Convention Center).
The CES Wasn’t Always Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas is a town designed for meetings and conventions. If you’ve ever been there then I’m sure you’ve noticed the number of hotels (and the size of these hotels) that are literally within a short walk.
The CES has its roots in New York City. The first show was held there in 1967. There were over 100 exhibitors and 17,500 people attended that show in 1967. Talk to any tradeshow manager today and they’ll tell you that those original numbers are nothing to sneeze at. Even by today”s standards 17,500 attendees would be a great audience for any tradeshow.
Las Vegas CES by the Numbers
Today, the show has over 3,100 vendors. Attendance is expected to be over 150,000. Now you get the idea why this show is held in Las Vegas each year. There aren’t a lot tier 1 cities that can accommodate this size of trade show. Las Vegas is also fortunate to have an above-average number of hotels near the convention center.
Just trying to accommodate the over 150,000 people would be a challenge for most convention centers and tier 1 cities. Las Vegas hotels will likely achieve over 100,000 room nights. What city wouldn’t welcome those numbers in January. The attendees will also purchase approximately a half million meals. And over a million beverages (of both the alcohol and non-alcoholic variety) will help quench the thirst of the attendees. In other words, a huge boom to the local economy.
The Las Vegas Convention Center Map
As you can see on the map below, the Las Vegas Convention Center is conveniently located. Many of the hotels located near the convention center will enjoy an increase in normal volume throughout the tradeshow. Something that is becoming the norm again in Las Vegas.
Whether you are looking for transparent 3-D TVs, the newest technology for tablets, phones that can bend or self driving cars the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas is the show for you. But, if you are planning on attending, make sure you wear comfortable shoes as this show is one of the biggest for the Las Vegas convention Center. Oh and you also have to be in the industry as the show is not open to the general public. If you would like to receive/follow updates on Twitter, follow the hashtag #ces2013 .
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