What Is CES (Consumer Electronics Show)? Dates & What To Expect

What Is CES (Consumer Electronics Show)? Dates & What To Expect

As we gear up for CES 2026, the world’s most influential technology event becomes a global stage where consumer electronics professionals can explore breakthrough technologies across sectors, from artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to vehicle tech and digital health.

For us at Green Wave Electronics, CES in Vegas is more than just a showcase of new tech. The innovations unveiled this year will directly influence the evolving needs of the electronics lifecycle management services we provide to green-minded organizations across the country.

Visit Green Wave Electronics @ CES 2026: North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Booth 8700A

CES 2026 - Get The Facts:

  • When: January 6-9, 2026.

  • Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (Las Vegas Convention Center, Venetian Expo, and Mandalay Bay)

  • Access: Trade-only event for consumer tech professionals (proof of industry affiliation required)

  • Costs: Exhibits Plus Pass: $149 (early bird) & $350 (standard) / Deluxe Conference Pass: $1,400 (early bird) & $1,700 (standard)

  • Participation: 4,500+ exhibitors / 142,000+ attendees

  • Highlights:

    • AI (Artificial Intelligence) dominates focus across all products

    • Vehicle tech & advanced mobility innovations showcased

    • Digital health & accessibility tech in the spotlight

    • Next-gen chips & processors from leading tech brands

    • Screen/display technology (TVs, automotive displays) advancements on the rise

    • Cybersecurity focus rises across all connected devices

    • New CES Innovation Awards for EdTech, Enterprise Tech, Supply & Logistics

    • New AI workshops offer real-world adoption training for SMBs

What Is CES?

CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is the world’s largest and most influential technology event held annually in Las Vegas, NV. Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, it draws +4K exhibitors and +100K industry attendees. CES provides the stage for breakthrough technologies; it connects tech leaders, decision-makers, and media to make deals and drive digital innovation. 

When Is CES 2026?

The official 2026 CES dates are January 6-9, 2026. Media events (CES Unveiled & Press Days) kick off slightly earlier on January 4 and 5, 2026, for media previews and early announcements. 

Where Is CES 2026 Going To Be?

In 2026, the CES show takes place in Las Vegas, NV, USA, across three venues: the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Venetian Expo, and Mandalay Bay, totaling ~2.4M ft² (232K m²) of exhibition space.

What To Expect From CES 2026?

The Consumer Electronics Show 2026 showcases innovation across a broad range of focused topics, including AI, digital health, vehicle tech, spatial computing, smart home technologies, and sustainability.

These areas reflect efforts to solve fundamental human problems, such as access to food, clean air, clean water, and mobility.

A major focus in 2026 will be the CES Foundry exploring the intersection of AI and quantum technologies.

A significant expansion for the CES 2026 tradeshow is the new two-day CES Foundry program at the Fontainebleau, which will explore how AI and quantum technologies are shaping the next era of innovation.

Hosted January 7-8, 2026, CES Foundry brings together innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and media for two days of stage programming, hands-on demos, and high-impact networking.

Across its Breakthrough and Discovery stages, the program will dig into themes like AI ethics, enterprise transformation, quantum security, decentralized finance, and tokenization, while live demos from companies such as D-Wave, SuperQ, Quantum Computing Inc., and others showcase real-world applications. 

The AI hype is real at CES 2026, moving from potential to practical application across all sectors

The Consumer Electronics Show 2026 solidifies Artificial Intelligence as the foundational trend, transitioning from potential to practicality. Major PC manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo will be showcasing their new series of laptops with more powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs).

As for consumers, AI will be heavily centered on personalization, running locally to reduce latency, protect data privacy, and improve energy efficiency.

AI will also power next-gen car tech with voice assistants and software-defined vehicle platforms. Robotics demonstrations will prioritize reliability over novelty, featuring more capable systems for tasks like improved mapping and obstacle avoidance.

Talking about health tech at the CES Show now means getting into your own data and habits

Following the current wave of technology that empowers individuals with actionable insights into their own health, the CES trade show greets attendees with an array of new wearable tracking devices - from sleek smart rings that monitor vitals 24/7 to advanced fitness trackers integrated with AI. 

The show places a strong emphasis on mental wellness, featuring neurotech solutions, sophisticated biofeedback tools, and stress-reduction apps. Plus, it presents next-gen tech that enhances independence for the elderly and those with disabilities.

A green wave is sweeping CES 2026, with AI-led sustainability and circular materials built into (nearly) everything

Sustainability is a core theme at CES 2026, with the show spotlighting energy efficiency, circular-economy practices, recycled materials, and the integration of renewable energy in consumer electronics.

Driven by demand and stricter regulations, companies showcase everything from cooler-running AI hardware and smarter EV battery management to AI and blockchain tools that boost supply chain transparency and help consumers make greener choices.

Ready to see the future of sustainable consumer electronics? Visit the Green Wave Electronics team at CES 2026 - North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Booth 8700A

FAQs - CES (Consumer Electronics Show)

What Is CES Las Vegas?

CES® is the biggest annual tech event in the global consumer technology industry, hosted in Vegas. It attracts thousands of exhibitors, visitors, speakers, and executives from over 150 countries. This is where next-generation tech innovations are first introduced to the world - from AI, consumer electronics, and digital health, to cybersecurity, enterprise solutions, and more.

When Is The Consumer Electronics Show?

The Consumer Electronics Show occurs annually in January. The CES dates for 2026 are scheduled for January 6–9, 2026, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Where Is The Consumer Electronics Show?

The Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, NV, USA, in massive venues along the Las Vegas Strip. Key locations include the Las Vegas Convention Center, with supplementary events and dedicated spaces like the CES Foundry.

Can Anyone Go To CES In Las Vegas?

No, CES events are generally restricted to industry professionals and the media. Attendees must register and be affiliated with the consumer technology industry (proof requested upon registration). To reinforce a trade-only environment, all CES attendees must wear a personalized, non-transferable photo ID badge. All venue access is restricted to 18+ at all times.

How Much Does A Ticket To CES Cost?

CES tickets for 2026 cost $350 for an Exhibits Plus pass and $1,700 for a Deluxe Conference Pass. Early bird prices until December 1, 2025, are discounted to $149 and $1,400, respectively.

Eligible international attendees (part of an official, CES-registered business group) who join the Delegation Program enjoy a complimentary CES 2026 Industry Registration (Exhibits Plus Pass) and can upgrade to a Deluxe Conference Pass, or buy individual tracks, with a 25% discount.

Individual international attendees often receive free Exhibits Plus passes if registered during the first month registration is open (usually September). This includes visa support documentation from CTA.