Stateside with Stephanie
the opportunity for so many markets to tap into and touch a great and efficient global hub. People gathering in person has a huge value and transcends politics.( SS: In fact, Delta has added up to 120 peak-day domestic and international connections to Las Vegas, solely for CES – including non-stops from Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, and Shanghai.)
automation, manufacturing solutions.- An expanded Health Hub featuring software and app-based solutions, its own stage, with exhibitors around it. It includes longevity tech, wearables, elder-care, digital therapeutics, and remote monitoring systems.- The Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility area in the LVCC West Hall is another developing area. Mobility is robust! We have boats [ yachts ], construction equipment, trash trucks, cars, and helicopters. Technology impacts and influences all these industries too. Fun fact: the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility area is the largest of its kind in the United States.
SS: Tell us about CES Unveiled – what it is and how you determine which countries / cities to go to? KF: We are doing more Unveiled events than ever before. They are a series of regional gatherings around the world which bring together innovators, industry leaders, government officials, media, and local companies who will be exhibiting at CES 2027. It’ s a way to promote the region and the exciting things they will showcase at CES. We share our tech trends and content, too.
In 2026, they take place in Amsterdam, Hong Kong( at the Hong Kong Electronic Fair), Seoul( at the Korean Electronics Show), France( partner event), and Milan( with ITA, focused on tech and increased aerospace).
Additional press events are scheduled for Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D. C., along with media preview days on 4-5 January in Las Vegas just ahead of show opening. These are more intimate and a chance for exhibitors, media, and our organisation to connect.
SS: Do you have a protocol specialist on staff? KF: CTA has a very experienced international team. They understand culture and protocols and prep whatever team is going abroad. Additionally, since our offices are in the DC area, we sponsor quarterly get-togethers with Ambassadors.
SS: With 40-45 % of CES’ s visitors being international, are you receiving any blowback or talk of cancellations because of the current unfavourable climate in the US to foreign visitors? KF: There’ s great interest in people getting together, and CES presents
SS: Let’ s talk about France. It has the largest international pavilion in Eureka Park, the Startup area of CES. KF: France had 123 companies exhibiting in 2026. They’ ve been one of our largest pavilions in Eureka Park for years.( Eureka Park is CES’ s start-up area with 1,200 + companies exhibiting at the Venetian Expo).
In the 2026 edition, there were over 40 international pavilions, many of them located in Eureka Park.
SS: CES typically invites a lot of high-ranking politicians( domestic and international) to the expo. Many attend the show, some keynoting. They include US Secretaries, agency heads, senators and Congress members. For other show organisers, would you share any tips on inviting government officials? KF: Demonstrate the value of your event. Talk up the impact and value of who you’ re convening together [ audience and stakeholders ] and why. Specifically, invite local politicians and other, relevant government officials. Discuss the economic impact of your event on the city and the industry. For example, in last January’ s edition, CES has an impact of $ 360m on Las Vegas.
Trade shows are great spaces to do business and provide lots of opportunities to entertain and network. EW
n Look out for Stephanie’ s annual review of CES 2027 in the New Year. www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 5 2026 21