Remember last year when I was bragging that I survived my first CES? Well, it lured me in again with its promises of seeing the latest and greatest tech, with all the bright lights and dazzle that only CES can bring. Even I will brave a Vegas trip for that.

I’m heading out tomorrow for CES media day, and then on to Showstoppers Launch.IT, which I have never been to, but if it’s anything like Showstoppers, it will be a blast. After that, I’m on to Pepcom, which I loved last year and have been dreaming about getting back to ever since.

Tuesday during the day, I have meetings lined up most of the day and am hoping to catch a few sessions, and then I will be trying out FoodTech live, which sounds perfect for some of the coverage I hope to do in 2019. After that, I’m heading out to Showstoppers to finish out the evening. Wednesday will be a quick day of breakfast and meetings, and who knows what else.

What is CES

For those of you who didn’t see my post last year about CES or aren’t involved in all things tech, you are probably wondering what on Earth CES is, and why I would brave going to one of my least favorite places. Well, CES is the largest consumer electronics show in the world, and it is put on each year by CTA.

As I said, CES takes place in Las Vegas in multiple different convention centers and halls, spreading out to the parking lots and into multiple hotel conference rooms. Last year, more than 3,900 exhibitors showcased in 2.75 million net square feet of exhibit space across Las Vegas – the largest show floor in CES’ 51 year history. I will let you know what 2019 has in store as I share via social media from the show, and in my event recap after I return.

But, just so we’re clear – we’re not talking a typical trade show.  I go to plenty of those with their cubicle booths and tables set up with pictures to look at and some free hard candies. CES is on a truly massive scale, just like everything in Vegas. Some of the “booths” look like they took years to construct, and literally nothing just has a booth and some flyers. Tech companies go all out for CES, and the result is both amazing and awesome… and also crazy intimidating.

Here’s a look at the set up of CES that CTA put out so you can get an idea of the scale of the show:

#CES2019 is right around the corner! Check out all the buzz about the show pic.twitter.com/gDSOlYVRcY

— CES (@CES) January 7, 2019

Let me know if you have any CES questions I can answer for you or anything you would like me to check out while I’m there!

Check out my CES recap from 2018