ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Technology Association’s® (CTA) CES® is one of the largest tech events in the world, showcasing the latest innovations every year.
Its mission doesn’t extend only to its show floor, though — the CES Tech Talk podcast, which was launched in 2017, updates listeners about the latest technology trends and more throughout the year.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) spoke with Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA’s President, about how the podcast benefits CES® and its audience.
ANDREW: What inspired the creation of CES Tech Talk?
KINSEY: We want to engage our members, exhibitors and the broader CES ecosystem to foster meaningful discussions around the technology shaping our world. CES Tech Talk creates a platform that amplifies the voices of industry leaders, sharing cutting-edge insights at CES and throughout the year.
While you can see the products on the show floor or stop by conference programming at CES, we wanted to provide a space for authentic and in-depth conversations all year long to engage and inspire our community. CES Tech Talk keeps CES relevant and top of mind for important audiences.
ANDREW: Were there any challenges in launching the podcast, and how were these avoided or worked through?
KINSEY: Launching the podcast came with a few challenges, but we were prepared to tackle them head-on.
Ensuring high audio quality was a top priority, as we know poor sound can turn listeners away. To solve this, we invested in top-tier equipment and partnered with a skilled audio engineer.
We also conduct sound checks before each recording to avoid any technical hiccups. Many of our high-profile guests have extremely busy schedules, so we plan interviews well in advance and are flexible with timing.
While audience growth was slow at first, we overcame that by leveraging our existing channels — like email newsletters, social media and event promotions — to generate buzz and attract listeners. With a strong strategy in place, we were able to work through these hurdles.
ANDREW: How did you market the podcast to event participants?
KINSEY: Marketing the podcast to our event participants is all about integrating CES Tech Talk with channels that have high engagement like newsletters, the website, social media and more. The podcast is front and center in our CES Attendee Newsletter, reaching our audience where they already connect with us.
On CES.tech, we highlight it prominently on the homepage and a dedicated podcast page landing page, and cross promote on topic-specific landing pages to ensure easy access across our digital ecosystem. Our social media strategy is very important — through consistent and dynamic posts, stories and teaser clips, we spark curiosity and entice listeners to tune in for the full episode and encourage our community to share the content. We also partner with our guests to share with their networks, expanding our reach even further.
ANDREW: Have there been any unexpected benefits from launching the podcast?
KINSEY: Launching CES Tech Talk reinforces our thought leadership in the industry, creates an invaluable platform for our members and exhibitors to connect with a highly engaged audience and helps those in the industry remain informed and invested in CES. Beyond strengthening customer relationships, the recognition of winning a Signal Silver Award has highlighted the cultural impact our podcast is making, underscoring our commitment to authenticity and purpose.
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ANDREW: How does CES Tech Talk benefit CES?
KINSEY: CES Tech Talk plays a pivotal role in enhancing CES by offering exclusive perspectives on the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of technology. Some episodes are taped at CES, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking products and insights from exhibitors and industry leaders at the show.
It also broadens CES’s reach beyond the event, keeping the conversation alive year-round for a global audience. By covering both practical tech and visionary discussions, CES Tech Talk ensures the show speaks to everyone — from pragmatic technologists and business leaders to those visionaries contemplating the broader impact of technology.
CES Tech Talk podcast host James Kotecki showcases the energy of the show through audio and makes every guest feel comfortable. He connects with listeners, asking questions that help the audience understand complex topics.
To ensure the podcast enhances the event, we feature industry leaders and showcase cutting-edge technologies that attendees will experience firsthand at CES. By linking emerging trends to the products showcased, we provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the innovations shaping the show.
ANDREW: How can CES attendees and/or exhibitors benefit from listening to the podcast?
KINSEY: CES Tech Talk is an essential resource for staying ahead of disruptive trends that are transforming industries. Our episodes offer a deep dive into innovative technologies, often introducing concepts listeners may not have encountered before, expanding their understanding of the ever-evolving tech landscape.
With expert insights on critical industry issues, we help listeners grasp the broader impact of these developments on the world. Whether it’s AI, gaming, sustainability, or advanced mobility, the podcast ensures you’re informed on the latest and greatest. Plus, it’s a unique opportunity to get inspired by visionaries and see how different areas of technology intersect, sparking ideas that could shape your own industry.
ANDREW: How can creating a podcast help business events thrive?
KINSEY: Creating a podcast can significantly elevate business events by expanding reach beyond traditional marketing channels. It opens up new audiences who might not engage with other forms of content.
A podcast also extends the lifespan of the event, keeping the conversation alive long after the show ends and fostering deeper engagement. It creates valuable, evergreen content that listeners can enjoy at any time, ensuring your message continues to resonate.
By sharing industry insights and thought leadership, a podcast helps position your company as a trusted leader, building credibility and trust. Moreover, it allows you to cultivate a loyal community of listeners who engage with your brand regularly, while also strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, particularly those featured as guests.
Ultimately, a podcast creates lasting connections and amplifies the impact of your business event.
ANDREW: What advice would you give to a show organizer who wants to make a podcast?
KINSEY: My advice to any show organizer looking to explore creating a podcast is simple: do it! Be authentic to your brand and stay consistent with your messaging.
Don’t worry about having a perfect podcast from the start — begin with the basics, learn from each episode and improve over time. Podcasting is a creative and iterative process; as you become more comfortable, your content will naturally evolve and resonate more deeply with your audience.
Pay careful attention to your content — what may seem like a simple interview format requires thoughtful decisions about structure, tone, style and length. And if you have a hosted format, choose your host wisely. A great host can elevate the content and leave a lasting positive impression on your guests, strengthening their connection with your organization.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
KINSEY: Subscribe to CES Tech Talk! Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
