CES 2026 Complete Attendee Guide: Everything You Need to Know

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world's largest and most influential technology event, showcasing the future of innovation across every industry. With 175,000+ attendees, 4,500+ exhibitors, and 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space, navigating CES can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you maximize your CES 2026 experience.

CES 2026 Overview

Event Details

Dates: January 6-9, 2026 (Tuesday-Friday) Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Venues: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) + Multiple hotels Expected Attendance: 175,000+ professionals Exhibitors: 4,500+ companies Countries Represented: 150+

Main Venues

Primary Location: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)

• West Hall: AR/VR, gaming, digital health, automotive
• North Hall: 5G, smart cities, content & entertainment
• Central Hall: Core technology, AI, robotics
• South Hall: Tech East, tech West, health & wellness

Hotel Venues:

• Venetian Expo: AI, robotics, smart home
• Aria: Luxury tech, high-end brands
• Cosmopolitan: Digital health innovations
• Wynn: Exclusive showcases
• Various suites: Private demos, meetings

Exhibit Space:

• Total: 2.9 million square feet
• Equivalent to 50+ football fields
• Expect to walk 15-20 miles per day

Registration & Badges

Badge Types & Pricing

Trade Badge (Industry Professional): FREE

• Must be industry professional
• Company email required (no Gmail/Yahoo)
• Verification required
• Full access to show floor
• Conference sessions (additional cost)

Exhibitor Badge:

• For exhibiting companies
• Multiple badges per booth
• Full access
• Networking events

Media Badge: FREE

• For credentialed media
• Press verification required
• Media room access
• Interview lounges
• Priority session seating

Conference Pass: $1,299

• Includes trade badge
• Access to 200+ conference sessions
• Keynote reserved seating
• Exclusive networking events
• CES Unveiled access

Executive Conference Pass: $1,899

• All conference pass benefits
• C-Suite lounge access
• Exclusive executive events
• Premium seating
• Private meeting spaces

Registration Process

Timeline:

• August 2025: Registration opens
• September-November: Early discounts
• December: Standard pricing
• January: Late registration (if available)

What You'll Need:

• Company email address
• LinkedIn profile (verification)
• Company website
• Professional title
• Business justification

Pro Tip: Register early. CES can sell out or limit registration closer to the event.

Planning Your CES Experience

Pre-Show Planning (Critical!)

3-4 Months Before (October 2025):

• Register for trade badge
• Book hotel (prices increase dramatically)
• Book flights
• Research exhibitor list (published November)
• Reach out to companies for meetings
• Request time off work

6-8 Weeks Before (November-December):

• Exhibitor list finalized
• Build your meeting schedule
• Download CES app
• Study floor maps
• Schedule booth appointments
• Plan daily routes
• Arrange dinner meetings
• Get eSIM for connectivity

1-2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm all meetings
• Print badge/confirmation
• Pack comfortable shoes (essential!)
• Prepare business cards (500+)
• Charge all devices
• Download offline maps
• Review daily plan

Must-Have CES Survival Kit

Technology:

• ✅ Smartphone with portable charger (20,000mAh minimum)
• ✅ USB cables (bring spares)
• ✅ Power strip (hotel outlets limited)
• ✅ Tablet for note-taking
• ✅ Headphones
• ✅ Camera (for product photos)

Professional:

• ✅ 500-1,000 business cards (you'll run out)
• ✅ Badge holder
• ✅ Notebook and pens
• ✅ Laptop if doing meetings
• ✅ Meeting scheduler/calendar

Comfort & Survival:

• ✅ MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES you own
• ✅ Second pair of shoes
• ✅ Blister pads/band-aids
• ✅ Pain relievers (for feet)
• ✅ Backpack with padding
• ✅ Refillable water bottle
• ✅ Energy bars/snacks
• ✅ Light jacket (halls can be cold)
• ✅ Hand sanitizer
• ✅ Vitamins

Navigating the Show Floor

Exhibition Halls Overview

West Hall (LVCC) - Hot Innovation

• Key Categories:

  • Automotive & mobility
  • AR/VR/Metaverse
  • Gaming & esports
  • Digital health
  • Sports tech

• Must-See: Vehicle Tech Zone, most exciting product launches

• Crowd Level: Very high

• Best Time: Early morning (9-10 AM)

North Hall (LVCC) - Connectivity

• Key Categories:

  • 5G and connectivity
  • Smart cities
  • Content & entertainment
  • Streaming technology

• Must-See: 5G showcase

• Crowd Level: Moderate

• Best Time: Anytime

Central Hall (LVCC) - Core Tech

• Key Categories:

  • Major brands (Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic)
  • AI and machine learning
  • Robotics
  • Home audio/video

• Must-See: Major brand booths, biggest announcements

• Crowd Level: Very high

• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

South Hall (LVCC) - Emerging Tech

• Key Categories:

  • Health & wellness
  • Fitness tech
  • Beauty tech
  • Sustainability
  • Startups (Eureka Park)

• Must-See: Eureka Park (1,200+ startups)

• Crowd Level: Moderate

• Best Time: Afternoon

Venetian Expo - Smart Everything

• Key Categories:

  • Smart home
  • AI applications
  • Robotics
  • Smart office

• Must-See: Innovative robot demos

• Crowd Level: Moderate to high

• Best Time: Mid-morning

Daily Schedule Strategy

Optimal Daily Flow:

9:00-10:00 AM

• Arrive early (doors open 9 AM)
• Hit priority booths first
• Least crowded hour
• Best time for demos

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

• Major booth appointments
• Product demos
• Business meetings
• Peak booth staffing

12:00-2:00 PM

• Lunch break (get out of halls)
• Networking lunch
• Review notes
• Recharge devices
• Rest your feet!

2:00-5:00 PM

• Continue booth visits
• Follow-up meetings
• Explore new sections
• Collect information

5:00-6:00 PM

• Last-minute booths
• Pick up swag
• Final meetings
• Crowds thin out

6:00-11:00 PM

• Networking events
• Dinner meetings
• Hotel suite parties
• Industry receptions

Pro Tips:

• Show floor closes at 6 PM
• Plan route by hall to minimize walking
• Schedule meetings near each other
• Take breaks (pace yourself)
• Comfortable shoes = must!

Conference Sessions & Keynotes

Keynote Presentations

Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Time: Multiple slots throughout day Location: LVCC, various theaters

Featured Keynote Speakers (Typically):

• Major tech company CEOs
• Industry visionaries
• Innovation leaders
• Celebrity tech enthusiasts

Past Keynote Speakers:

• Mary Barra (GM)
• Lisa Su (AMD)
• Andy Jassy (Amazon)
• Pat Gelsinger (Intel)
• And more

Keynote Tips:

• Arrive 60-90 minutes early
• Reserved seating for conference pass holders
• Livestreamed if you can't attend
• Major product announcements
• Sets tone for entire show

Conference Sessions

Session Categories:

C Space - Content & Entertainment

• Streaming future
• Digital media
• Content creation
• Platform innovation
• Cost: Included in conference pass

Brand Innovation Summit

• Marketing technology
• Consumer engagement
• Brand experiences
• Cost: Separate registration

Sports Business Innovation

• Sports tech
• Fan experience
• Athlete performance
• Cost: Additional fee

Accessibility & Aging Tech

• Inclusive design
• Assistive technology
• Senior tech solutions
• Cost: Included in conference pass

Is Conference Pass Worth It?

YES if:

• ✅ Want keynote reserved seating
• ✅ Need in-depth industry insights
• ✅ Value networking with executives
• ✅ Attending multiple sessions

NO if:

• ❌ Only interested in products
• ❌ Tight budget
• ❌ Focused on booth meetings
• ❌ Limited time

Free Alternative: Many booths host their own presentations and demos throughout the day.

Finding the Hidden Gems

Eureka Park - Startup Paradise

Location: South Hall What: 1,200+ startups from 50+ countries Why Go: Discover next big things before anyone else

Eureka Park Benefits:

• See cutting-edge innovations
• Meet passionate founders
• Exclusive products
• Less crowded than main halls
• Best deals and partnerships
• Great networking

Navigation Tips:

• Organized by country/region
• French Tech, Israel Tech, etc.
• Allow 2-3 hours minimum
• Bring extra business cards
• Take lots of photos

What to Look For:

• Innovative solutions for your industry
• New product categories
• Disruptive technologies
• Partnership opportunities
• Investment prospects

Innovation Awards Showcase

What: CES Innovation Awards winners Where: Marked with special signage throughout show Why: Pre-vetted best innovations

Award Categories:

• Best of Innovation (top tier)
• Innovation Award Honorees
• 28 product categories

Strategy: Use awards as filter for must-see products.

Private Suites & Hotel Exhibits

Hidden Opportunities:

• High-end brands in hotel suites
• Invitation-only demos
• More intimate discussions
• Premium products
• Less crowded

How to Access:

• Pre-arrange appointments
• VIP networking
• Existing relationships
• Conference pass perks
• Partner referrals

Networking Strategies

Meeting Strategy

Schedule Meetings in Advance:

October-November:

• Research exhibitor list
• Identify priority companies
• Email for meeting requests
• Propose specific times

Meeting Types:

Booth Meetings (15-30 min):

• Quick demos
• Product overviews
• Exchange contacts
• Schedule follow-ups

Suite Meetings (30-60 min):

• Detailed discussions
• Private demos
• Partnership talks
• Decision-maker access

Meal Meetings (60-90 min):

• Deeper relationships
• Business discussions
• Multi-party meetings
• Best for serious prospects

Pro Tips:

• Book breakfast, lunch, dinner slots
• Schedule breaks between meetings
• Allow travel time between venues
• Have backup contacts
• Confirm day before

Spontaneous Networking

Best Opportunities:

Booth Conversations:

• Ask thoughtful questions
• Share your use case
• Exchange cards
• Connect on LinkedIn immediately

Shuttle Buses:

• Between LVCC and hotels
• 10-15 minute conversations
• Captive audience
• Natural icebreaker

Hotel Lobbies:

• Evening networking hub
• Spontaneous conversations
• Badge = conversation starter
• Relaxed atmosphere

Conference Sessions:

• Meet people with similar interests
• Pre/post session discussions
• Exchange thoughts on content

Evening Events:

• Official CES parties
• Brand-hosted events
• Industry gatherings
• Hotel bar scenes

Business Card Management

Bring 500-1,000 Cards (Seriously!)

• Exchange with everyone
• CES burns through cards fast
• Run out by day 2 = embarrassing

Digital Solutions:

• LinkedIn QR code
• Business card scanner app
• Phone contact sharing
• Backup for when cards run out

Card Organization:

• Write notes on backs immediately
• Use scanner app daily
• Categorize by priority
• Follow up within 1 week

Accommodation Strategy

Where to Stay

Tier 1: On-Site (Walking Distance to LVCC)

Westgate Las Vegas (Closest)

• 5-minute walk to LVCC
• Best location
• $200-$350/night during CES
• Book early!

Las Vegas Hilton Convention Center

• Adjacent to LVCC
• Very convenient
• $180-$300/night
• Popular with attendees

Tier 2: Strip Hotels (Shuttle or Rideshare)

Venetian/Palazzo

• Expo space in hotel
• Many hotel suites/demos
• $250-$400/night
• Networking hub

Wynn/Encore

• Luxury option
• Some exhibitors here
• $300-$500/night
• Great amenities

MGM Properties (MGM, Aria, Park MGM, Bellagio)

• Mid-Strip location
• Variety of price points
• $150-$350/night
• Good transportation access

Tier 3: Off-Strip (Budget)

• $100-$150/night
• Need transportation
• Less convenient
• Quieter for sleep

Booking Strategy:

• Book August-September (seriously!)
• Prices 2-3x normal during CES
• Minimum 3-4 night stays
• Check cancellation policies
• Use loyalty points if available

CES Housing Rates (Typical)

Normal Week: $80-150/night CES Week: $200-500/night Premium Properties: $400-800/night

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book immediately when registration opens
• Off-Strip hotels cheaper
• Share rooms
• Airbnb (check location carefully)
• Stay Sunday-Thursday (leave Friday)

Transportation

Getting Around

LVCC to Strip Transportation:

CES Shuttle Buses (FREE)

• Run between LVCC and major hotels
• 7 AM - 9 PM
• Every 10-20 minutes
• Can get crowded
• Best option: Free and convenient

Las Vegas Monorail

• $13 day pass
• Stops near LVCC
• Also serves Strip hotels
• Fast and reliable
• Avoid traffic

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

• Everywhere in Las Vegas
• Surge pricing during CES
• $10-25 per ride
• Convenient for late nights
• Pick-up points can be confusing

Walking

• LVCC is far from Strip (2+ miles)
• Strip walking between hotels: doable
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Vegas distances deceiving

Rental Car

• Not recommended
• Parking expensive ($25-50/day)
• Traffic terrible during CES
• Hard to find spots
• Better options available

Best Strategy:

• Stay walking distance to LVCC
• Use free CES shuttles
• Rideshare for evening events
• Monorail for regular Strip trips

Food & Dining

CES Food Scene

Show Floor Food:

• Food trucks outside LVCC
• $15-$20 per meal
• Limited options
• Long lines during lunch

LVCC Food Court:

• Basic options
• Overpriced
• Very crowded
• Convenient but not great

Better Options:

Quick Lunch:

• Leave show floor
• Nearby restaurants
• Food courts in hotels
• 15-20 minute trips

Business Lunches:

• Make reservations
• Strip restaurants
• 90-minute meetings
• $30-$60 per person

Dinner Strategy:

• Book restaurants NOW (November/December)
• Popular spots fill up
• Client dinners common
• Budget $50-$150 per person

Best CES Dining Areas:

• Venetian/Palazzo restaurants
• Cosmopolitan dining
• Aria restaurants
• Downtown Las Vegas (cheaper, local)

Pro Tips:

• Bring snacks (energy bars, nuts)
• Refillable water bottle essential
• Eat breakfast before arriving
• Skip lunch rush (11:30 AM-1 PM)
• Make dinner reservations early
• Expense meals when possible

Staying Connected at CES

Connectivity Essentials

WiFi at CES:

• Free WiFi in LVCC
• Often slow/unreliable
• 175,000 people on network
• Forget about video calls
• Backup essential

Cellular Coverage:

• Generally good in Vegas
• Can be congested in halls
• Data speeds affected
• International roaming expensive

Why eSIM is Essential for CES

For International Attendees:

• ✅ Arrive with US connectivity
• ✅ No airport SIM hunting
• ✅ Activate before landing
• ✅ Keep home number (dual SIM)
• ✅ 70% cheaper than roaming
• ✅ Reliable US network

For Everyone:

• ✅ Backup when WiFi fails
• ✅ Hotspot for laptop
• ✅ Navigation and rideshare
• ✅ Check emails on the go
• ✅ Share photos instantly
• ✅ Business vs personal line

Recommended Data:

• 10-15GB for the week
• Heavy use: photos, hotspot, navigation
• Constant communication
• Video calls with office
• Social media posting

Must-Have Apps:

• CES official app
• Exhibitor list/map
• Uber/Lyft
• Google/Apple Maps
• LinkedIn
• Calendar with all meetings
• Note-taking app
• QR code scanner

Health & Wellness

The "CES Flu"

What: Common cold/flu spread at CES Why: 175,000 people from 150 countries

Prevention:

• Wash hands constantly
• Hand sanitizer
• Don't touch face
• Get adequate sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Take vitamins

Physical Survival

Walking:

• Expect 15-20 miles per day
• Feet will hurt
• Blisters common
• Solution: Best shoes + backup pair + blister pads

Hydration:

• Vegas is very dry
• Drink water constantly
• Bring refillable bottle
• Avoid excessive alcohol
• Combat dry air

Sleep:

• Need 6-7 hours minimum
• Vegas is loud (bring earplugs)
• Don't party every night
• Pace yourself

Food:

• Eat actual meals
• Don't just snack
• Vegetables exist
• Maintain energy

Rest Breaks:

• Take breaks during day
• Sit when possible
• Leave show floor for lunch
• Don't burn out by day 3

Mental Health

Information Overload:

• Impossibly large show
• Can't see everything
• FOMO is real
• Choose priorities
• Don't stress about missing things

Networking Exhaustion:

• Constant socializing drains introverts
• Take breaks
• Skip some events
• Recharge alone time

Industry-Specific Tips

For Tech Buyers/Retailers

Goals:

• Source new products
• Meet suppliers
• Negotiate deals
• Understand trends

Strategy:

• Pre-schedule supplier meetings
• Visit Eureka Park extensively
• Attend trend sessions
• Compare multiple vendors
• Get pricing and terms

For Investors/VCs

Goals:

• Find investment opportunities
• Meet entrepreneurs
• Assess market trends
• Network with founders

Strategy:

• Focus on Eureka Park
• Attend pitch sessions
• Schedule founder meetings
• Identify disruptive tech
• Exchange contacts

For Media/Content Creators

Goals:

• Cover innovations
• Interview executives
• Create content
• Get product demos

Strategy:

• Media badge essential
• Pre-arrange interviews
• Attend press conferences
• Use media room
• Visit press-only events

For Corporate Innovation Teams

Goals:

• Identify emerging tech
• Find partnership opportunities
• Understand competition
• Bring insights back

Strategy:

• Broad reconnaissance
• Document everything
• Take photos/videos
• Meet startups
• Attend specific category areas

Money-Saving Tips

Registration:

• Trade badge is FREE
• Conference pass not essential
• Register early for discounts

Accommodation:

• Book early (30-50% savings)
• Off-Strip ($100/night vs $300)
• Share rooms
• Use loyalty points
• Consider Airbnb

Food:

• Breakfast in room
• Bring snacks
• Avoid casino restaurants
• Happy hour specials
• Grocery store runs

Transportation:

• Use free CES shuttles
• Walk when possible
• Monorail day pass ($13)
• Share rideshares
• Skip rental car

Budget Examples:

Minimal:

• Badge: $0
• Hotel: $150/night × 4 = $600
• Flights: $300-$600
• Food: $40/day × 4 = $160
• Transport: $50
• Total: ~$1,100-$1,400

Comfortable:

• Badge: $0
• Conference pass: $1,299
• Hotel: $250/night × 4 = $1,000
• Flights: $400-$800
• Food: $75/day × 4 = $300
• Transport: $100
• Entertainment: $200
• Total: ~$3,300-$3,700

After CES

Post-Show Follow-Up

First 24 Hours:

• Organize business cards
• Scan all cards
• Initial LinkedIn connections
• Download all photos
• Backup data

First Week:

• Send follow-up emails to all contacts
• Prioritize hot leads
• Schedule follow-up calls
• Share findings with team
• Expense receipts

First Month:

• Continue follow-ups
• Negotiate deals
• Build relationships
• Implement learnings
• Plan for next year

Content Sharing:

• Write summary report
• Share photos with team
• Present key findings
• Evangelize innovations
• Share on social media

CES 2026 Predictions

Expected Trends

Hot Topics:

• AI Integration: AI in everything
• Automotive: Electric + autonomous vehicles
• Sustainability: Green tech focus
• Health Tech: At-home diagnostics
• Robotics: Practical consumer robots
• Spatial Computing: AR/VR/MR advances
• Connectivity: 6G demonstrations

Major Brand Presence:

• Samsung, Sony, LG (always huge)
• Automotive brands (growing presence)
• Chinese tech companies
• Korean innovation
• European sustainability focus

Conclusion

CES 2026 will be an overwhelming, exhausting, and absolutely incredible experience. Success comes from:

✅ Plan Early - Registration, hotel, flights (August-September) ✅ Research - Study exhibitors, build meeting schedule ✅ Comfortable Shoes - Cannot overstate this ✅ Pace Yourself - It's a marathon ✅ Network Actively - Exchange cards with everyone ✅ Stay Connected - eSIM for reliable communication ✅ Follow Up - The real work starts after CES ✅ Have Fun - Enjoy the innovation!

Essential CES Checklist:

• Register for trade badge (FREE)
• Book hotel immediately
• Book flights
• Get USA eSIM for connectivity
• Research exhibitor list
• Schedule meetings (November-December)
• Download CES app
• Pack comfortable shoes + backup
• Bring portable charger
• 500-1,000 business cards
• Study floor maps
• Make dinner reservations
• Set up airport transfers

See you in Las Vegas January 6-9, 2026!

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Been to CES before? Share your pro tips in the comments!