CES Dos and Dont's
For many people, the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is the largest tradeshow they attend each year. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a tradeshow rookie, this annual extravaganza can be a daunting experience. Here are our tips for a successful trip to CES.
DO keep giveaways light
Whether you are in charge of designing booth giveaways or making press kits, be sure to keep them small and light. Swag is common at CES. By the end of the day, attendees have collected so much stuff that it can be overwhelming. Make it easier on them by providing something small they'll want to walk away with.
DON'T book meetings back-to-back
Give yourself a break in between commitments. We recommend at least an hour, this allows you time to get a snack or travel to your next destination. No one likes to be left waiting, so leave yourself plenty of time.
DO take advantage of networking opportunities
Take this opportunity to book meetings with vendors and prospects. CES is a huge show so try to plan who you want to meet with ahead of time. If you can't set up meetings prior to the show, review the show guide so that you will know who will be stationed where on the floor. If planned correctly, you can visit several people in a matter of hours.
DON'T underestimate a Vegas block
In Las Vegas everything is flashy and bigger than it seems. This also affects the size of the local blocks. It takes longer to get anywhere in Vegas than it does most places. So if the concierge says your destination is three blocks away, plan on at least a 20 minute walk. Keep this in mind when navigating the show floor as well. CES takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is comprised of several large buildings spread over one of these epic "blocks." That doesn't include the many hotels that also house CES exhibits. Be prepared to take some time getting around.
DO wear comfy shoes
Be sure to pack several pairs of comfortable shoes, one pair is not enough! Regardless of your role or reason for attending CES, you will be on your feet most of the time. The show is notorious for being rough on feet, so to avoid blisters, be sure to bring at least two pairs of shoes so you can switch them from day to day. For all the ladies that plan to attend, as much as we all love a cute pair of heels -- avoid at all costs! They will mangle your feet and you'll regret that decision later.
DO consider transportation other than taxi cabs
While at CES, consider alternative methods of transportation. In some cases these options will not only save you money, they'll also save you time. Check to see if your hotel has a shuttle that goes straight to the convention center; these are usually quite helpful in the mornings. Another good option is the Las Vegas Monorail, which stops at many of the hotels as well as the convention center. At the end of each day, attendees and exhibitors can find buses outside of the convention center, waiting to take everyone to the hotels. Try to get there early or you may have to wait for another bus to come.
DON'T forget your badge
It's never good to make the long, crowded trek to the convention center, just to realize you've forgotten your badge back at the hotel. You might think, 'oh someone will let me squeak by,' but we've seen it before. You will not be admitted without your badge.
Finally, remember that CES is a time to learn about the industry, make connections and have fun. With a little planning, you can eliminate some of the chaos from the experience and make it one of the highlights of the year. We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Las Vegas monorail offers an alternative to taxi cab transportation.
Photo credit: mobil'homme