What to Expect at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

Key Takeaways

An insider's look at the Consumer Electronics Show CES:

• Learn about diverse product categories showcased in innovative trade show exhibits
• Get a glimpse of impressive trade show booth designs from industry leaders like BMW and Hyundai
• Understand why you should consider exhibiting at CES with a professional trade show display
• Discover trade show booth ideas that will make your exhibit stand out

As a potential exhibitor, this article will inspire and help you maximize your experience with the right trade show exhibit strategy.

The World's Most Influential Technology Show

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is called the "world's largest and most influential technology show," and there's no doubt it has played an important role in shaping our world. Many of the consumer electronics we use today were first exhibited in these impressive trade show displays.

The event is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and attracts business professionals from around the world to Las Vegas every January. With arguably the most media presence at any trade show, CES makes an impression like no other event through spectacular trade show exhibit booths and cutting-edge trade show booth designs.

The next CES will take place January 6-9, 2026, offering another opportunity for companies to showcase their innovations through world-class trade show displays.

Product and Service Categories at CES

Here are some of the product and service categories that are displayed in innovative trade show booth designs:

• 3D Printing
• 5G Technologies
• AR/VR/XR
• Artificial Intelligence
• Audio Technologies
• Car Audio
• Cloud Computing/Data
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Currency/Cryptocurrency
• Drones
• Energy/Power
• Entertainment and Content
• Fintech
• Fitness and Wearables
• Gaming and Esports
• High-Tech Retailing/E-Commerce
• Home Office Hardware and Accessories
• Mobile Hardware and Accessories
• Quantum Computing
• Robotics
• Smart Home and Appliances
• Sports Technology

One of the most notable tech products to get its start at CES was the VCR in 1970, showcased in a simple trade show booth that became a huge success (it's hard to believe there was nothing like it before that!).

CES allows consumers, business professionals, and tech enthusiasts to see what's new in electronic and digital technology through immersive trade show exhibits. Every year, thousands of new products are shown off in creative trade show booth designs—and many of them go on to become household names, like the CD and DVR players, Siri, and, of course, Nintendo.

5 Examples of Best and Biggest Trade Show Exhibit Booths at CES 2022

Every year, CES attendees can expect highly interactive trade show exhibits and futuristic experiences. 2022 was especially exciting given that the previous year was an online-only event due to the pandemic. After a year of being limited to virtual, brands took advantage of their creative freedom to display their latest innovations with spectacular trade show booth designs.

In January 2022, the show hosted more than 2,300 trade show exhibits across 1.6 million square feet of show-floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While in-person attendance was understandably down from their previous shows, the innovative trade show display ideas still created a groundbreaking event that exceeded expectations.

1. Richtech Robotics - Interactive Trade Show Display

Source: Taken from @richtechrobotics on Instagram

Richtech Robotics showed off its electronic helper, ADAM, in an engaging trade show booth that demonstrated the robot's capabilities. Their trade show display featured ADAM mixing drinks and making coffee, showcasing an Intel AI depth sensor camera that helps coordinate and judge distances.

This trade show booth design allowed attendees to watch the complete autonomous service process for repetitive tasks like making coffee. The interactive trade show exhibit proved that ADAM could even be used to flip burgers, making it perfect for large fast food chains. The hands-on trade show display ideas kept visitors engaged throughout their demonstration.

2. Opteev Technologies - Clean and Impressive Trade Show Booth Design

Photo by Steve Winter

Opteev Technologies' new line of instant self-diagnosis and monitoring products, ViraWarn, was showcased in one of the most topical trade show exhibit booths at CES 2022. Their trade show display could detect any spike virus in the air, including influenza, SARS viruses, and all variants of COVID-19.

The trade show booth had a very clean and impressive design, with SARS virus particles dangling over the ceiling as part of their trade show booth backdrop ideas. This creative trade show display attracted significant attention from attendees and demonstrated the company's innovative approach to health monitoring technology.

3. SK Telecom Co. Ltd. - Award-Winning Trade Show Exhibit

Source: SK

SK Telecom created one of the most talked-about trade show exhibits at CES 2022. Their 50 by 70-foot trade show booth design showcased everything the company excelled at: education, gamification, and immersion. Entitled "Green Forest Pavilion," this experiential trade show display had guests walk through a digital, lush forest-like space.

The innovative trade show booth design included Near-Field Communication-enabled devices and headphones, allowing attendees to engage with different content in four distinct zones. This gamified approach to trade show exhibit design earned attendees points for engaging with different areas, which could be exchanged for SK-branded company swag.

The trade show display garnered 11,000 attendees and was named the best exhibit of the year, proving that creative trade show booth ideas can significantly impact visitor engagement.

4. BMW AG - Multi-Sensory Trade Show Display Experience

Source: BMW

BMW AG created an experience-rich trade show exhibit with the concept "Soul to Soul." Their trade show booth design featured the new BMW iX Flow as the centerpiece, demonstrating its color-changing capabilities from plain colors to black, white, gradients, and patterns.

The elaborate trade show display included multiple zones: the Soul to Soul lounge, BMW Theater Screen experience, and the multi-sensory Joytopia section. This trade show booth design featured art by Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fe and music by Hans Zimmer, with four distinct zones: Calm, Confidence, Joy, and Surreal.

BMW's trade show exhibit demonstrated how effective trade show booth ideas can create immersive brand experiences that go far beyond traditional product demonstrations.

5. Hyundai Mobis - Metaverse Trade Show Booth Experience

Source: Screenshot taken from Hyundai Mobis' Youtube video

Hyundai's impressive trade show exhibit, "Joy Park," allowed attendees to experience the company's metaverse and test-drive electronic vehicles in real-life scenarios. Their innovative trade show booth design included tablets for creating avatars that came to life on huge screens.

This interactive trade show display let avatars navigate through the colorful Joy Park while attendees learned about vehicle features. The creative trade show booth ideas incorporated parallel parking and sharp turn simulations, making it both educational and entertaining.

 

Why You Should Exhibit at CES with a Professional Trade Show Display

CES is the largest technology conference in the world, making it the perfect place for a standout trade show exhibit. Every year, over 100,000 industry professionals attend, including CEOs, engineers, designers, and other key decision-makers who are looking for innovative trade show displays.

CES offers small and medium businesses an opportunity to get exposure through professional trade show booth designs that wouldn't normally compete with multinationals at other events. It's also a great way to learn about competitors and get valuable feedback from your target audience through interactive trade show exhibits.

Trade Show Booth Design Considerations for CES

When planning your CES trade show exhibit, consider these essential elements for maximum impact:

Essential Trade Show Display Components:

• Eye-catching trade show display signs for clear brand messaging
• Sturdy trade show display stands that showcase your technology effectively
• Professional trade show booth backdrop design that reinforces your brand
• Interactive trade show display case options for product demonstrations

CES-Specific Trade Show Booth Ideas:

• Technology integration with screens and digital displays
• Interactive demonstration areas within your trade show booth design
• Comfortable meeting spaces for serious business discussions
• Social media-worthy photo opportunities in your trade show display

Preparing to Exhibit with Pilot Exhibits

The CES show floor is a highly-coveted showcase for the latest and greatest products in the electronics industry. If you plan to exhibit at CES, you will need an eye-catching trade show exhibit that will attract attendees and convert them into customers.

Pilot Exhibits specializes in designing and building trade show displays for every industry and budget. As one of the leading trade show exhibit companies, we've handled every project imaginable–from simple portable trade show booth solutions to elaborate multi-deck trade show displays and industry pavilions. Our dedicated team handles every detail from start to finish so you can focus on your presentation.

Pre-show Trade Show Exhibit Preparation Services

Count on Pilot Exhibits to help you with comprehensive trade show booth design and setup:

• Trade show booth design - Custom solutions that reflect your brand
• Trade show exhibit fabrication - Professional construction and quality materials
• Trade show booth rental options for flexible budgeting
• Project management - Complete oversight of your trade show display project
• Floor plan procurement - Strategic placement planning for your trade show booth
• Trade show logistics coordination
• Venue & labor coordination for seamless trade show booth set up
• Audiovisual, electrical, F&B integration into your trade show display
• Paperwork and contract management for stress-free exhibiting

On-Site Trade Show Display Services

Our comprehensive on-site services ensure your trade show exhibit performs flawlessly:

• Professional shipping of your trade show booth components
• Expert installation and dismantle of your trade show display
• On-site supervision throughout your trade show exhibit setup
• Show services coordination to keep your trade show booth running smoothly

Post-Show Trade Show Services at CES

After your successful CES appearance, we provide:

• Secure shipping of your trade show exhibit components
• Professional storage solutions for your trade show booth between shows

Trade Show Booth Ideas for CES Success

Looking for trade show booth ideas to attract visitors at CES? Consider these proven strategies:

Interactive Technology Demonstrations:

• Live product demos that showcase your innovation
• Hands-on experiences that let visitors test your technology
• Virtual reality or augmented reality integration in your trade show display

Engaging Trade Show Booth Design Elements:

• LED screens and digital displays integrated into your trade show booth backdrop
• Comfortable lounge areas for in-depth conversations
• Social media activation zones within your trade show exhibit

Professional Trade Show Display Components:

• High-quality trade show display signs with clear messaging
• Modular trade show display stands that can be reconfigured
• Professional trade show booth banners that reinforce your brand

We can offer many other exhibitor tips, but the most important is to get your trade show booth design and construction started early. Contact Pilot Exhibits, and let's see how we can maximize your presence on the CES show floor with your vision–and our trade show exhibit expertise.

FAQs About the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

1. What is the Consumer Electronics Show?

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual trade show showcasing the latest innovations in consumer technology through spectacular trade show exhibits. Held in Las Vegas each January, it's one of the world's largest and most influential tech events featuring innovative trade show booth designs.

CES attracts companies, startups, business leaders, and media from around the globe, covering various categories displayed in professional trade show displays. Many businesses use CES to launch new products through eye-catching trade show exhibit booths and demonstrate cutting-edge innovations.

The event, which began in 1967, provides valuable networking opportunities and offers insights into emerging tech trends through interactive trade show displays, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of consumer electronics.

2. Why Exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show?

As the world's largest and most influential technology event, CES provides a global stage to showcase innovations through professional trade show exhibits. You'll gain exposure to over 170,000 attendees, including media representatives, buyers, investors, and industry professionals worldwide through your trade show booth design.

This massive audience presents a unique chance to launch new products with impactful trade show displays, generate buzz through creative trade show booth ideas, and secure valuable media coverage with professional trade show exhibit design.

3. How Much Does it Cost to Exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show?

The cost to exhibit at CES varies significantly based on your trade show booth size, trade show exhibit complexity, and additional services. For small companies, the total investment including basic trade show booth design might start around $20,000, while large corporations can spend significantly more on elaborate trade show exhibit booths and extensive marketing campaigns.

Factors affecting your trade show display budget include:

• Trade show booth rental costs
• Custom trade show booth design and fabrication
• Trade show display components and technology integration
• Trade show booth set up and logistics services

To get precise, current pricing for your specific trade show exhibit needs, contact the CES sales team directly for customized quotes based on your trade show booth requirements and trade show display goals.