LAS VEGAS — Jan. 6-9, 2026, CES™ brought more than 148,000 attendees and more than 4,100 exhibitors to numerous venues in the “City of Lights” across more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, marking its largest edition since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show also reported around 55,000 international attendees.
We connected with Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, to learn about this landmark event, which grew in size and attendance.
“We are really proud of these numbers, knowing the challenges in the trade show industry, economy, U.S. travel visas and even how our allies view the U.S.,” Shapiro said. “CES proudly upholds its reputation as one of the most transparent trade shows in the world by independently auditing its numbers and posting the audit on our website. The CES 2026 Audit will be published in the spring.
“Beyond the numbers, CES remains where global business gets done. One exhibitor told me she personally had 37 meetings in just two-and-a-half days. Face-to-face engagement drives partnerships, accelerates deals and sparks innovation in ways virtual interactions simply can’t replicate.”
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Making History
According to Shapiro, CES 2026 was all about bold ideas and practical innovation.
CTA introduced CTA Foundry at the Fountainebleau, which was a two-day experience that spotlighted AI and quantum breakthroughs, featuring live demos, two stages of immersive content and networking opportunities.
There was also a new Accessibility Stage at The Venetian which was powered by Verizon Accessibility and covered inclusive design, wearables and more, and the show expanded its Creator Space to be open to all attendees.
CTA launched AI Trainings with Modev at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), helping businesses master real-world AI applications.
Also, CES 2026 was the first event to take place at the venue after the completion of its $600-million renovation.
“We spoke at the press conference opening the facility in the new Central Hall Atrium, framed by a striking glass curtain wall and dynamic digital screens,” Shapiro said. “We stressed how wonderfully the open spaces, light and thoughtful design enhanced the trade show experience. Trade show participants will benefit from a climate-controlled concourse connecting North and South Halls, a redesigned South Hall with new amenities and architectural cohesion across the campus thanks to the extended West Hall ribbon roof. The refreshed entrances and modernized amenities improved flow and elevated the attendee experience. These updates to the LVCC strengthen the city’s leadership in the global convention industry.”
CES introduced major upgrades to the CES App this year. It featured a new AI chatbot, transportation upgrades, translations for select sessions and Attendee Connect, a tool used to share contact information via a secure QR code.
“CES continues to be the global stage where the future is not just imagined — it’s built,” Shapiro said. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to creating not just a showcase of innovation, but a dynamic environment where technology leaders can learn, connect and shape the future together. Attendees responded most strongly to the unmistakable energy and momentum of CES 2026. The show floor was buzzing with innovation, deal-making and collaboration, reflecting the real-world impact of the technologies on display.”
Looking Ahead
“We listen closely to what attendees value including deal‑making, discovery and community, and we raise the bar every year with new experiences designed to make time on site even more productive,” Shapiro added. “We’ll build on that momentum for CES 2027 with more immersive demos, curated networking, fresh programming and the continuous improvement of our app. CES 2027 will celebrate 60 years of innovation, scheduled for Jan. 6–9, 2027, in Las Vegas.”
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Photo Credit: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™
