The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the association that puts on the Consumer Electronics Show, was optimistic in April of this year. Hooray?
Covid said: Not so fast.
Thousands of people gather in Las Vegas during the first week of January to salivate over canapés and the latest gadgets, but the idea is not the greatest. It is true that some think that the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show was an early coronaviruses super-spreader event.
Some major exhibits agree. Several big name tech companies have decided not to go to Vegas and attend the Consumer Electronics Show. Panasonic will be shifting to virtual events but will still have limited on-site staff.
A Mercedes-Benz spokesman said that a solid, safe and harmless implementation for all participants is not feasible in the current situation.
The CTA requires attendees to show proof of their vaccine to enter. It will also be giving free tests. The CTA has said that they are not significant considering that there are over 2000 people at the show.
The stance of "everything is fine" is a little hollow when Microsoft is included.
Multiple media organizations have dropped out of the show in the last few days, despite receiving emails from the CTA over the last eight months with subject lines like, "Excitement builds for CES 2022." Excitement builds.
Smaller companies that might be hoping to get their start at the show are going to be disappointed. Not everyone can afford to cut their losses and not be in person. Hopefully, the safer conference will be for everyone.
The major companies have stopped showing up at in-person events. We will be updating this list, so check back for the latest.
December 29, 2021, 12:45 p.m. This post has been updated with information that Panasonic and Mercedes-Benz will not be at the show.
