Whether you’re an enthusiast or a first-time tech contributor, CES is one of the top events of your year. But, some things should be considered before making your first trip to Las Vegas for the massive tradeshow. Here are my top must-haves for your first CES trip, or any CES trip. No particular order, I might add.
Image by Ant Pruitt
Plan EARLY
CES is massive event taking place at multiple locations. Part of your planning needs to include:
Where to lodge
What/who you want to see
Weather forecast
Again, with CES being a massive event covering massive locations, look at where you want to spend your time sleeping while at the event. Most of CES is held near the central strip at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), but there are other events at casino’s such as the Venetian and Mandalay Bay. For my first couple of times at CES, I would stay at Palace Station because it was economical. Then later, I’ve found that staying at “old ‘Vegas” down on Fremont street was even BETTER from an economic standpoint. The rates were great and the rooms were great. Particularly the Golden Nugget or The D. Sure, sometimes you can find good deals at places like Planet Hollywood or Cosmopolitan which are on the central strip. Just check the web and your travel options. Some will yell at you for staying on Fremont street which is about a 15-minute drive from most CES locations. This is fine. Just watch your schedule. Plus, there are CES-sponsored SHUTTLES going from the LVCC to Fremont street at no cost to you as an attendee.
Regarding your schedule or agenda, CES offers a lot of resources on the website to help you figure out who’s in town as an exhibitor. Figure out where they are, then come up with a plan that works best for you.
At the end of the day when the show floor closes, you’re on your own for entertainment or other work-related tasks you may have. For many, this means roaming the strip. Be mindful of the forecast before hand. It can be nice and mild during the day, but then the night time may turn into a frigid wind tunnel on the boulevard. Be prepared.
Quality Shoes
Did I say CES was a massive tradeshow? With that said, you’ll need quality shoes while you’re at CES. No one ever told me this, but I sort of assumed it my first time around. Personally, I pack multiple pairs of sneakers. If you can pack multiple pairs of shoes, do so. If you don’t have quality sneakers, get some before hand. You’ll spend all day walking around the show on concrete flooring. Some of it is carpeted, but it’s not like home carpeting that has an extra layer of padding. It’s just thrown on top of the concrete to reduce sound reverb and for the look. Your feet, knees and back will thank you if you wear quality shoes for the event. This year I packed a couple pair of Atoms*. This company won me (and my family) over during the last couple of years because the shoes are high quality and by far the most comfortable shoes I wear. They even paid my #hardhead to model some of their shoes.
Money, Money, Money
You’ll need money when in ‘Vegas. You’ll need to eat, you’ll need to pay for your rides to and from the different venues if you don’t go with any of the CES-sponsored shuttles (note that the free shuttles don’t always go where I need to go, but goes to most places most will want to go). You’ll need money for incidents. If you want to gamble, you’ll need money for that. Just be prepared. I’ve been fortunate to not have to spend a lot while at CES, if you’re registered as part of the press/media, you can get free breakfast snacks, free lunches and in some instances free dinners. So if you’re able to register as a member of the press/media, do it. Doesn’t cost you anything and your CES ticket is comped.
Patience
You will NEED PATIENCE. CES is going to be loaded with thousands of people attending for their first time. So they’ll be lost, confused or unsure about things. This can make lines for badges, hotel check-ins and more be a little slower. Also, you could do your very best to plan your schedule on how to see the companies you’re interested, but get held up due to traffic or due to the company having another person in the booth asking way too many useless questions. So, be patient. Don’t be a jerk.
I know CES isn’t for everybody, but I do suggest people interested in “seeing the future” first hand to give it a shot. I enjoy seeing the companies large and small. Even the companies that are so small, they could only afford a booth at the back of the venue in the corner. Some crazy stuff back there, but sometimes, some fascinating stuff.
Be well, y’all. Continue to Create and Dominate, but also, do something nice for yourself and for someone else.
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