Tech Show Behemoth CES Is Going Online-Only in 2021
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, CES has decided to cancel all in-person aspects of the 2021 show and instead switch to an all-digital experience.
"Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it's just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person," says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA.
LAS VEGAS — The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced Tuesday that CES 2021 will be a digital-only event due to ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
The Las Vegas-based show, planned for Jan. 6-9, 2021, has been a global stage for innovation and the tech community for more than 50 years. The new format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies and the latest product launches, and engage with global brands and startups from around the world, the announcement states.
“Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it’s just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Technology helps us all work, learn and connect during the pandemic — and that innovation will also help us reimagine CES 2021 and bring together the tech community in a meaningful way. By shifting to an all-digital platform for 2021, we can deliver a unique experience that helps our exhibitors connect with existing and new audiences.”
An all-digital CES 2021 will allow the entire tech community to safely share ideas and introduce the products, says CTA. Virtual attendees will be able to participate in all the “awe-inspiring moments of CES wherever they are in the world,” according to the press release.
Among the planned experience for CES 2021 will be:
- Keynotes and conferences. Online attendees will have a front-row seat for groundbreaking announcements and insights from the world’s tech leaders.
- Product showcase. The CES show floor will be digital, allowing online viewers to explore products and services, based on their interests and business, through dynamic product showcases or live demos.
- Meetings and networking. Viewers will be able to engage with the brands, thought leaders and business connections they care about with live interactions, meetups or roundtable discussions.
The CTA said it plans to return to an in-person show in 2022.
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