What should I know about the Consumer Electronics Show? (1 Viewer)

[Citizen87645]

So I've been curious about the CES for awhile and since I didn't go anywhere this summer I thought it might be an interesting "geeky" vacation in January. So obviously I'd be going as a member of the public and am wondering if it's worthwhile, what I shouldn't miss, what I should avoid, etc.

 

[Scott Simonian]

I'd like to know the date for when it starts. I need to order some plane tickets.

Is it going to be in Las Vega$ again?

 

[Citizen87645]

January 5-8, Las Vegas.

http://www.cesweb.org/default_flash.asp

 

[Scott Dautel]

Jan-2005, we went ... my 1st CES. Actually, months before, my wife planned everything ... ordered badges online and booked flights and rooms. It was a surprise birthday gift for me since I've wanted to go for 20 years.

International CES is always in Vegas and always early Jan. It's one of the biggest trade shows in the USA. Typically they get about 160,000 registrations. Events are centered in the HUGE Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), adjacent to the Las Vegas Hilton. Pavillions and booths also fill up the Hilton, Sands and several surrounding parking lots become tent cities.

The new LV monorail system now runs the strip from MGM Grand to LVCC... with 4 stops in between. The end of the line dumps you into show central, so there is no need to worry about transportion once you're in LV.

Hotel rates double during CES. We pd $250/nt at MGM. They also fill up fast; many are likely sold out now. You should book ASAP, even if you make changes. if concerned about $$$ try the Sands, or TI, both are close, fun, but less expensive. If you want top of the line, go for The Wynn, Bellagio or Venetian ... but be prepared for big $$$$. Hard Rock and MAndalay Bay have coolness factor, but are a bit far and you will use lots of taxi's. Regardless, every hotel runs busses to CES, but I recall some long waits, so we used the monorail mostly. (10 rides for $25)

You can register for free on the CES website. They ask lots of questions, but you can be creative if necessary. If your struggling for a title, say you are a reporter covering it for a local publication. You do need to use your real name though because they do Check ID when you get your badge on day 1. Getting your badge and holder is the hardest part ... after that, you are free to walk the show as much or little as you please. I cant even describe how much there is to see and do.

Last year 1080P DLP RPTV was the big thing. This will repeat in 2006, along with the HD-DVD and Bluray battle. A few notable cool points ... last year, Texas Instruments was handing out free tix for a state of the art, commercial DLP digital presentation of "National Treasure" (2 shows per night in several local LV theaters. I had tix, but never got to the show. Ther are always show trinkets to grab and many show specials" (CE stuff you can purchase at very cheap prices).

One complait ... weather is not so nice in Jan. It actually snowed in 2005, 1st time in 10 years in LV. We also had flooding rains. Still, I wish I was going again. But I do have a fall trip planned.

Every HTF'fer needs to visit CES. Go and have a great time.

Oh ... one other thing. The Adult Video Expo (AVE) runs concurrent with CES. AVE is totally at the Venetian. You gotta go on Sat night to watch the "red carpet" arrivals for the big awards ceremony (i.e the porn Oscars) ... quite the freak show, but in a fascinating way ... dont forget your digital camera.