CES 2016 Breaks Showfloor Record with 2.47 Million Net Square Feet
January 11, 2016
CES 2016 broke its own record from last year with 2.47 million net sq. ft. showfloor, up from 2.2 million last year, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and the Venetian, as well as the Wynn, Aria, Vdara and Cosmopolitan.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association), the world’s largest technology show took place Jan. 6–9.
For the first time, attendance was capped at 176,000 to help with logistics and actual attendance exceeded 170,000.
Commenting on the move to cap, Karen Chupka, senior vice president CES and corporate strategy for CTA, said: “It’s been very successful. Things have been moving pretty smoothly.”
It also was helpful that for the first time ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft were allowed to operate in Las Vegas, making it easier to get around.
In light of the recent global events, CES implemented new security measures, including bag checks, body screenings, no luggage or rolling bags on the floor and increased security personnel.
What could have been a cumbersome process, getting into venues was relatively smooth and fast. “We wanted to have a strong security presence and at the same time, people needed to be able to do their job,” Chupka said. “Everyone was very understanding.”
Once on the floor, the excitement was palpable. From virtual reality to person-carrying drones to robots, it was hard not to marvel at innovation and ingenuity.
Automotive electronics alone covered more than 200,000 net sq. ft., up 25 percent from last year. 3D printing was up 31 percent to 24,000 net sq. ft., while Unmanned Systems jumped 208 percent to 25,500.
"You see so many important trends at CES," said David Hagan, chairman and CEO, Boingo Wireless. "This week we saw that devices are no longer just connecting to the Internet, they are increasingly connected to each other."
Chupka noted that show also is planning growth for business-related areas, such as cyber security and privacy, especially as the Internet of Things continues to become a reality.
Sports and technology area and Sports Business Forum also are expected to grow.
Emerging innovation was at the heart of this year's show with 500 startup companies in the Eureka Park Marketplace, up from 375 in 2015.
"Eureka Park was incredibly inspiring," said Paul Sabbah, president, Stamford International Inc. "The exhibitors see a future that many of us have forgotten was ever there."
Attendee Jean-Pierre Beaulier, analyst with French-based B@TI, noted that even though he was hoping to see a big breakthrough, it was still very much worth it to travel to Las Vegas.
He was particularly impressed with the emerging smart home technologies in Eureka Park. “I really want to see immersive 3D virtual reality technology that lets you choose where you go and what you see,” he said.
The show also received impressive social media momentum, including 1,278,870 mentions of the #CES2016 hashtag and 15.2 billion total potential social media impressions from Jan. 5-9.
Check out the highlights video.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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