The 2015 International CES® closed last week as the largest and most amazing CES in show history, breaking all records as innovators across the show floor unveiled technology services that will solve world problems and improve lives. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the 2015 International CES closes today after running January 6-9.
The 2015 CES wrapped as the largest show in history with more than 2.2 million net square feet of exhibit space featuring more than 3,600 exhibitors, including a record number of startups. Innovators showcased the latest across categories like automotive electronics, personalized health care solutions, unmanned vehicles, connected devices, 3D printers, gaming and more. CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology and this year more than 170,000 industry professionals, including more than 45,000 from outside the U.S. convened at the only event of its kind to engage in the hands-on experience of interacting with the next generation of technology.
“This CES vastly exceeded our expectations. The show inspired and likely gave almost every attendee a sense that innovation will provide solutions to a range of global issues from the environment and agriculture to transportation, health and safety,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “CES is the center of convergence among content, services and products, combining to create amazing new technologies to improve our lives and entertain us. It’s been incredible to see thought leaders from many diverse communities come together for cross industry collaboration.”
“The technology here demonstrates how solutions to global challenges can be effectuated through innovation,” said John Penney, chief strategy officer, Starz. “This year’s show brought an incredibly strong narrative of interdisciplinary interaction across an array of markets and industries. Tremendous!”
The 2015 CES featured technology breakthroughs and product launches across the technology ecosystem, drawing the world’s attention to innovation from driverless cars and 3D printers to life-saving body monitoring systems and connected homes. This year’s show featured three venues – Tech East, Tech West and C Space at ARIA – established to curate technology innovation, foster community and satisfy all technology appetites.
While attendance reached record highs, product area-specific marketplaces and the new show venues enabled attendees to easily find specific areas of innovation while seeing the relationship among diverse technologies.
“Attendees from an array of industries were able to have the optimal CES experience across our three venues, Tech East, Tech West and C Space, based on their business needs and meeting schedules,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategy. “Our strategy of creating diverse CES experiences for our attendees appears to have succeeded. Our attendees were able to find focused technology areas while travelling easily and seamlessly among venues.”
“We had a terrific show. Our team was able to travel efficiently from venue to venue to make our meetings,” said Gary Yacoubian, president and managing partner, Specialty Technologies/SVS. “CES is truly a must-attend global event. We receive a full return on our investment.”
The International CES, which serves as a proving ground for innovators, big and small, featured 375 startup companies, up from 220 last year. Mara Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Stopped, said, “There is no better place I’d launch a startup.” CEO of Peak Ventures, Larry Richenstein, explained the business power of CES by stating, “there is no better place than CES to discover early stage companies in CE and related areas, and to learn the latest trends in technology.”
CES is curated to reveal the many facets of innovation. “CES is the new World’s Fair,” said Enrique Muyshondt, president, DesktopFab Inc. “You have to be here!” We brought a record number of buyers this year. There is no place in the world where you get so much done is so little time,” said Fry’s Electronics President Randy Fry.
CES represents all aspects of the technology ecosystem and brings together leaders from major global industries, as well as policy makers and government officials. The 2015 International CES featured government officials from across the U.S. and Canada, including five members of the Federal Communications Commission, including Chairman Tom Wheeler, four members of the Federal Trade Commission, including Chairwoman Edith Ramirez and seven members of the U.S. Department of Commerce, including Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and Assistant Secretary of Industry and Analysis, Marcus Jadotte. Other representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration were also in attendance.
CES once again cemented its position as a truly global event with more than 45,000 international attendees. In addition, governments from outside the U.S. sent leaders including the French Minister of Economy and the French Minister of State for Digital Affairs. The U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Slovakian ambassador to the U.S. also attended this year’s CES.
The success of the 2015 International CES builds strong momentum for CES Asia which will run May 25-27 in Shanghai, China. With strong exhibitor demand for CEA’s inaugural event, the show will be curated with select qualifying companies permitted to exhibit. Companies interested in applying to exhibit are encouraged to contact Brian Moon, vice president international sales, CEA, for details. More information can be found on CESAsia.com.
