CES Celebrates 50 Years of Tech

Nov 03, 2016

The world’s leading innovation event commemorates 50 years as the launch pad for breakthrough technology

CES 2016 was a record-breaking year. A total attendance of 177,393 gathered from across the globe to experience technology innovation spanning 2.47 million net square feet of exhibit space.

CES® 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the world’s leading innovation event, cementing CES’ place in history as the global gathering place for innovation and technology. Since its start in 1967, CES has showcased an estimated 700,000 products. These include world-changing innovations such as the VCR (1970), the DVD (1996), digital radio (2000) and Blu-ray recording standards (released in 2002), as well as more recent technologies — consumer 3D printers, tablets and 4K Ultra HD Television. CES has also driven the market growth in pioneering technologies such as autonomous cars and drones. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, the 50th anniversary of CES will celebrate the evolution of the industry January 5-8, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV.

“Only a few events and tradeshows have 50 years of success, and we are humbled to be in this elite group,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “Over the past 50 years CES has evolved as the industry has changed, reflecting and helping drive the ever expanding consumer tech landscape. We have succeeded throughout the years due, in large part, to our loyal customers, partners and the deep relationships we have made along the way. This anniversary is the perfect milestone to thank and celebrate our incredible industry partners and the individuals and companies who have been with us for five decades.”

The first CES was held in June 1967 in New York City attracted roughly 17,500 attendees and featured 117 exhibitors demonstrating products such as transistor radios, stereos and small-screen black-and-white TVs, including the first solid-state TV. Top companies exhibiting at the first CES included: 3M, Memorex (now MEM-CE), Motorola with Lenovo, Panasonic – Matsushita, Philips, RCA (now a Technicolor brand), SANYO Fisher (now part of Panasonic), Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Westinghouse and Zenith (now part of LG). Several prominent tech leaders have presented keynotes at CES, including Microsoft, Intel, Google, Apple, and Samsung. 

CES 2017 will have more than 3,800 exhibitors covering 2.4 million net square feet of space and more than 165,000 attendees. A truly global show, CES expects more than 50,000 international professionals representing 150 countries. 

Today, CES continues as the proving ground for innovators and has expanded to feature industries not traditionally connected to consumer tech. The show now touches every major industry as leaders from the entire innovation ecosystem come together to discover and experience the latest trends and network with peers. CES is where titans of tech mix with next generation disruptors and where esteemed and highly sought after global leaders take the keynote stage to tout disruptive technology and envision new trends and markets.

CES will celebrate its 50th anniversary before, during and after CES 2017 by:

• Sharing flashback photos and news from the past 50 years.
• Providing attendees badge ribbons to denote the number of CES shows attended (in five year increments).
• Providing exhibitors and attendees with 40+ years at the show with 50th anniversary lapel pins.
• Selling 50th anniversary commemorative t-shirts available in the CTA Center.
• Holding special ceremonies on opening day.
• Providing signage illustrating the timeline of Innovation Award products (in the Innovation Showcase).
• Giving a special tribute to CES Founder Jack Wayman.
• Featuring a digital timeline on CES.tech detailing the history of CES.
• Buzzing social channels with celebration and commemoration.

For more information on CES 2017, visit www.ces.tech.