Why CES (And Trade Shows) Are So Important

Huge, monster-size conventions do what the internet can't: CC #273

In this issue: Why CES matters more than ever in the 2023 and why trade shows are so damned important when your clients, customers and vendors are working hybrid.

CES 2023 (Image via CES)

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CES—the tech world’s largest trade show—is now underway in Las Vegas from January 7 to January 12. According to the show’s organizers, up to 130,000 guests are expected for a massive event that covers everything from augmented reality factories to infrared light-based hair dryers to the latest video games—basically anything involving “technology” (which, of course, encompasses everything).

I’ve written about how COVID transformed the convention/trade show world before, but haven’t written about why trade shows and conventions became even more important post-COVID. That was a mistake.

Here’s the thing: The deal-making class has discovered that they collectively like working hybrid more than being in the office 5 days a week. This makes meeting people at other organizations IRL harder.

Trade shows are the easiest way for members of the deal-making class to meet many relevant people in their fields in a short period of time.