September 12, 2007

If you’ve been to the International CES, you know this: Innovation’s waiting for you at every corner. It’s not the place to hear what you already know and see what you’ve already seen. It’s the place for first looks. It’s where to pitch your new ideas and investigate future technologies.

Want to know where to start to find the big news and hottest trends at the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow? Try the keynote addresses. Ready to throw your high-tech products or opinions in the ring? Turn to the Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Awards – now accepting entries for products and judges. But first, make sure to register for the 2008 International CES, January 7-10, Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s free and only takes a moment.

Can you guess the 2008 International CES keynoting companies by some of their brand names and products that continue to revolutionize the world?

How did you do?

Given the nature of the industry and the exhibitors throughout the show floor, the International CES brings along with it a certain level of excitement and anticipation that’s undeniable. Putting all business and networking aside for just a moment, consider this: Who doesn’t want to see the largest HDTV and the tiniest cell phone up-close and personal? Who doesn’t want to meet some of today’s hottest stars, or hear performances from the latest chart-topping musicians? It’s relatively safe to say we’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t want the opportunity to do all of that in just four short days.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that consumers would love to get an inside look at the the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. Unfortunately for them, CES is not open to the general public; the privilege of attending CES is reserved only for professionals within the consumer electronics industry. They will have to experience CES from their own homes through our website, blogs, live broadcasts or stories from friends. 

For those of you within the industry, you are fortunate enough to get that first-hand look at the next generation of personal electronics that are not yet on the market. You’ll be able to connect with the visionaries that enable this industry to continually propel forward. Most importantly, you’ll be able to seal the deals and form the relationships that just may launch your business in 2008 — and you can do it all in just four days.

In short: Consumers are out, professionals are in.

• You must be in the consumer electronics industry to be eligible to attend the show.
• All attendees must be at least 16 years of age.
• Two forms of identification are required on-site (one photo ID and one proof of business affiliation/business card).

Check out the FAQs for more about attendee qualifications and other details of the 2008 International CES. 

Here’s all you need to know about making your hotel and travel arrangements for the International CES:  MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY! It’s that simple and can’t be stressed enough.

CES draws more than 140,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibitors to the great city of Las Vegas. That’s quite a bit of competition to get a room at your favorite hotel or the best available fare for your flight. CES may still seem far away, but the fact is with less than 19 weeks to go, a number of hotel favorites are already sold out. Do yourself a huge favor and secure your travel and lodging arrangements today.

Below are a couple frequently asked questions that may be of interest as you make your arrangements:
Should I wait to book my hotel and airline reservations in case prices come down?
Airfare: Book your airline now; fares may only continue to go up. And a Saturday night stay is not required for the best fares in Las Vegas.

Hotel accommodations: International CES has blocked rooms at favorable rates for a limited time at a variety of hotels throughout Las Vegas. We at CES are as interested in keeping hotel costs down as you are.  Please note that it is important to book hotels early through our CES hotel program to get the best rates.

We continue to keep hotel information current so attendees can choose hotel rooms from the most relevant selection possible. Check the hotel section frequently; additional rooms and hotels are added throughout the year.

What if my preferred hotel is sold out?
You have two options if your preferred hotel is sold out. You can consult the online CES hotel program, where rates tend to be lower, and look for alternate properties near where you want/need to stay. For example, although the CES block for The Venetian is currently sold out for the 2008 International CES, many other hotels nearby participate in the CES hotel program, including Treasure Island, Mirage, Harrah’s and Imperial Palace.

You can also contact your preferred hotel(s) directly to book a room, although if their CES block is sold out, you will likely end up paying higher prices.

The Clark County Department of Aviation is embarking on a $12 million construction project aimed at alleviating baggage claim headaches at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport. Workers this month began work to increase the capacity of eight of the16 Terminal 1 baggage carousels, improve the flow of foot traffic and install new signs to make it easier for passengers to find their bags. McCarran is also using radio frequency transmitters to track luggage. McCarran is one of two airports in the world that uses the tags, with Hong Kong's airport the other. (Las Vegas Review-Journal.com/Business, 7/21)

Interested in more late-breaking news like this? Subscribe to the CES RSS feed.

The International CES features 2,700 exhibitors spanning 30 product categories from markets including audio, digital content creation and distribution, digital imaging, embedded technology, gaming (digital entertainment), high-performance audio & home theater, home theater/video, home networking, in-vehicle technology and wireless.

Find the exhibitors you want to see.

CONNECTIONS™ Europe

Digital Hollywood Fall

• Reinventing Advertising
• Mobile Entertainment
• User Generated Media & Social Networks
• Cable 2.0
• The Hollywood 2.0 Screenings
• DRM and Content Rights and the Digital Home

Get the full agenda.

EHX Fall
When: November 7-9, 2007
Where: Long Beach, Calif.
Earn valuable CE credits at Electronic House Expo (EHX) Fall. EHX now offers CEDIA and NBFAA certification and training for as low as $49! Visit www.ehxweb.com/register and save with advance registration prices! Be sure to use priority code CEA3.


6th Annual Future of Television Forum
When: November 8-9, 2007
Where: The Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York City, N.Y.
Presented by: CEA, Digital Media Wire and NYU Stern
Stay ahead of the curve! From Moonves to Cuban, this is the "must attend" event for decision makers from cable and broadcast networks, cable and satellite operators, high-tech and advertising for six years standing. Register now! http://www.televisionconference.com/

We want to know. If you have questions, we have answers. Send any CES-related an e-mail to AskCES@CE.org. Help us make the 2008 International CES right for you and your business.

Here are a few other ways to get the information you need:

• Want a general history of CES? Try the CES Fact Sheet.
• Need to know about registration and other logistics? Check out the FAQs.
• Interested in late-breaking news? Read the press releases.
• Do you have your own portal? Let our RSS feed bring the info to you.

And as always, check http://www.CESweb.org/ each week for breaking news about the upcoming show, January 7-10, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada.