The consumer technology industry's January trade show, filling the Las Vegas Convention Center and most of the Strip for four days.
An event page tells you when it happens (with how sure we are of the date), why it matters, how the week around it feels, when to arrive and leave, where people stay, how access works, and which events come before and after it on the circuit.
CES is the largest consumer technology trade show in the world and the event that opens the business year for the industry.
The show has three layers: an exhibition floor running from the vast stands of consumer electronics, television and semiconductor manufacturers down to Eureka Park, where startups exhibit by national delegation; a conference programme of keynotes and panels; and a very large unofficial layer of private demonstrations and press briefings in suites across the city, much of it booked by companies that never take a stand.
01Why it matters
CES sets the industry's agenda in the plainest possible way: what is on the floor in January is what will be sold in the autumn, and what is not is a signal in itself.
02The week around it
Las Vegas is built for this and still strains under it. Hotel rates across the Strip multiply, and the taxi and ride-hail queues at Harry Reid International and at the Convention Center become the defining experience of the week.
03When to arrive
Arrive Monday if you need the media days, Tuesday morning at the latest.
04Where to stay
The practical question is proximity to the Convention Center rather than to the Strip's centre. The northern and central Strip resorts — the Wynn and Encore, the Venetian and Palazzo, Resorts World, Westgate — are closest and the first to fill, and the Venetian is itself a show venue.
05Access and hospitality
CES is a trade show and is not open to the general public. Registration requires proof of professional affiliation with the industry and attendees must be at least 18.
06Where the social activity happens
The show's own social life is the hotel bars and restaurants at the north end of the Strip and inside the Venetian and Wynn complexes, which fill from late afternoon.
07Getting there
08Practicalities
09History
The first Consumer Electronics Show was held in New York in June 1967. For decades it ran twice a year, a winter edition in Las Vegas and a summer edition in Chicago, before consolidating on the January show.
10Who is there
Consumer electronics, semiconductor, appliance and automotive manufacturers and their product teams; retail buyers and distributors; telecommunications and platform companies; advertising and media agencies; venture and corporate investors; startup founders exhibiting through national delegations; regulators; and one of the largest technology press contingents anywhere.
What else is happening
Overlap finder →Same country
-
10 JanBeverly Hills · United States · Film Golden Globe AwardsSignificant
-
8 JanPalm Beach · United States · Philanthropy International Red Cross BallNotable
-
6 Jan → Mar 28, 2027Wellington · United States · Equestrian Winter Equestrian FestivalNotable
The circuit continues
Dates on record
| Edition | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ConfirmedAnnounced by the Consumer Technology Association as 6-9 January 2027 in Las Vegas, with media days from 4 January and the Las Vegas Convention Center as the primary venue. | |
| 2026 | CompletedHeld 6-9 January 2026 across the Las Vegas Convention Center and additional Strip venues, preceded by media days. |
Related events
Sources
- CES, Consumer Technology Association official accessed 6 September 2026
- CES (trade show), Wikipedia encyclopedia accessed 6 September 2026