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
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment