CES is ready to light up Las Vegas. For those of you living under a rock, the Consumer Electronics Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year, taking place between the 9th and 12th of January, that deals with everything electronic. So for those B2B marketers planning to attend the show, here is a list of things you might want to check out this year.
Putting aside the fact that the ‘C’ in CES stands for consumer, why should event marketers and professionals be excited for the event? Glad you asked. The answer to that question lies in the consequence of the permeation of technological advancement in business. In simpler words, every major electronic and technological development has somehow extended its footprint into the various functions within the business. Bluetooth technology, for example, would be Exhibit A. What started off as a technology that has aided in NFC (or Near Field Communication for the uninitiated), has evolved into the iBeacon which has redefined the way attendees experience trade shows.
Anyway, I digress. Let’s get into it.
Reimagining on-demand services
I have two words for you – increased efficiency. On-demand services have taken the world by storm. In the present world, apps bring the marketplace to your doorstep. With Amazon’s Alexa coming into play, Amazon has set unreal standards and expectations about how on-demand platforms can be available more freely. CES this year will, for sure, feature integrations with on-demand services like Alexa and change the way in which arbitrary functions like ordering products or adjusting the lighting are performed.
Reorienting Healthcare and wellness
The Healthcare industry, like every other industry, will be drastically influenced by technological advancements. This year’s Digital Health Summit, taking place at the Venetian will address the impact of technology in healthcare and modern medicine. The Summit will address everything from technology that will address processes like recording patient history, controlling drug dosage, monitoring vital sights to advancements in treating conditions like ADHD and Alzheimer’s. CES 2018 is sure to display the transformation that the industry is undergoing with advancements in precision medicine, mobile, AI, and deep machine learning.
All things AR
If there’s one thing we have learned over the past couple of years, it is that AR and VR are redefining the way customers experience a brand. But as far as trends go, a recent study by Techcrunch shows that VR is experiencing a downward tilt, which, some say is going to be difficult to pull up from. AR, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on this slump and make up some valuable ground and climb its way into every domestic household. With this climb, it wouldn’t be too hard to imagine appliances like washing machines and stereos coming to life.
More drones
You saw this coming, didn’t you? Anyone who attended CES last year would know how amazing it was to see drones taking to the skies. And this year, there sure is more where that came from. The difference this year though would be the way they are implemented into businesses. Assessing damage will become an easier task for insurance companies, for example, where drones could take aerial pictures of the property without having an annoying agent defile your holy space.
We also hear there’s something much bigger coming up. Remember the UPS delivery drone? Now imagine having a drone fly you to a place within a 100 kilometers (at present) that can be operated with one hand. That’s exactly what Workhorse Group is unveiling at this year’s edition. The personal passenger drone will be as easy to operate as any compact drone. Exciting stuff.
Smart cities
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) had announced in May 2017, that smart cities and connected smart technology will be an area of focus at CES. The Smart Cities Marketplace and Conference will introduce technologies that will make homes and cities more sustainable, efficient, and enabled to better processes and decision making through the utilization of data.
The Smart Cities Marketplace will include artificial intelligence systems, data analytics, and automobile technology, among many others, and will also bring to light the application of 5G technology in utilities, infrastructure, health, and safety. This year’s edition is sure to feature the perfect stage to showcase these innovations to city planners and decision-makers who can then explore, understand and implement these technologies.
With so much going on, CES is sure to be an event that kicks off the year in a spectacular fashion. We’re very excited to hear what you have to say about the event and look forward to seeing you there!
