CES 2025: The Consumer Everything Show Sets The Stage For The Year Ahead

CES, the annual technology extravaganza hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), kicks off the new year with over 150,000 industry attendees and 4,000 exhibitors converging in Las Vegas. It’s not just the first big tech event of the year—it’s the one that sets the tone for the next twelve months of innovation.

As Kinsey Fabrizio, President of the CTA, put it in an interview last week, “Every company is a tech company now, and CES reflects that reality. We’ve gone from being the Consumer Electronics Show to the ‘Consumer Everything Show.’” In fact, the CTA has fully embraced this evolution, officially dropping the phrase “Consumer Electronics Show” from its branding years ago.

This transformation has been decades in the making. CES has grown far beyond its roots as a showcase for gadgets and electronics. Today, it spans categories as diverse as automotive, health tech, extended reality (XR), and wearables. “From tractors by John Deere to AI-driven health diagnostics and prototypes of autonomous vehicles, CES is where the future comes to life,” said Fabrizio.

Behind the Curtain: How CES Comes Together

The CTA’s 155-person staff works year-round to make the world’s biggest trade show happen. “On the ground in Las Vegas is core team that oversees physical operation of the entire event, managing 2.5 million net square feet of exhibit space. They handle everything from security to transportation logistics, even timing the traffic lights around the city.”

The city of Las Vegas, a long-time partner of CES, plays a critical role in the event’s success. This year, attendees will enjoy the newly renovated North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, an upgrade designed to elevate the overall experience. “The city of Las Vegas has been a phenomenal partner,” said Fabrizio. “The Convention Center is undergoing a massive transformation, and it’s exciting to see how that space evolves to meet the needs of the show.”

What to Expect at CES 2025

CES 2025 promises to be an exciting blend of established tech trends and emerging innovations. Among the highlights are keynotes from two industry heavyweights: Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Samsung.

Huang’s keynote is expected to spotlight Nvidia’s role in powering the AI revolution. “We’re thrilled to have Jensen kick off CES,” said Fabrizio. “His insights into AI and its applications across industries are going to set the tone for the show.” Nvidia’s influence spans far beyond gaming GPUs—it’s shaping the future of generative AI, autonomous vehicles, and data centers.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s keynote may offer a glimpse into its much-anticipated AR headset, a move that could accelerate the adoption of extended reality technologies. As CES continues to be a launchpad for breakthroughs, this presentation is one to watch.

Themed Zones to Navigate

For attendees navigating the sprawling CES footprint, knowing where to go is crucial. Here’s a quick guide to some of the key zones and themes at CES 2025:

• Mobility: Automotive tech has become a centerpiece of CES. From EVs to autonomous systems, major players like BMW and Hyundai will showcase their latest innovations. Fabrizio highlighted this shift: “CES went from featuring aftermarket car tech to full-scale OEM exhibits. Today, it’s a destination for transformative mobility stories.”
• Health Tech: With AI-enabled diagnostics and remote monitoring systems, health tech is expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors at CES. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, emphasized its importance: “Technology is solving critical problems in healthcare, from addressing shortages of professionals to enabling aging populations to live independently.”
• Wearables: This year’s wearables will focus on consumer-friendly devices like health trackers, smart glasses, and voice-enabled tools. “Voice will become the operating system,” said Fabrizio. “This year, expect a lot of innovation around frames and wearables.”
• XR: Augmented and virtual reality remains a hot topic, with new devices and platforms competing for attention. Samsung’s rumored AR headset could be a major talking point.

Practical Tips for CES 2025

With so much to see and do, it’s essential to plan your time wisely. CES veteran attendees recommend dedicating a full day to major venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo. “I need a full day now just to see everything at the Sands,” said Fabrizio, referencing the abundance of startups and AI-focused exhibits in that space.

After decades of CES, I can offer these tips, which you’ll find everywhere, because they’re true for everyone, from bigwigs to little wigs.

• Dress in layers. Vegas in winter is hot inside, cold outside.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to walk miles.
• Stay hydrated. You’re in the desert.
• Be mindful of travel. It’s going to take longer to get from place to place than you think.
• Hand sanitizer is a must. Masks should be considered. I am not careful enough, and always come home with a cold. Don’t be like me.
• I have given up on most parties. They’re all standing affairs, and you can’t hear anyone.

The Future Seen From Vegas

CES 2025 captures the moment when technology permeates every aspect of our lives. “It’s not just about the products—it’s about solutions for real-world problems.” Said CES CEO Gary Shapiro on Friday’s This Week in XR Podcast. “Whether it’s clean air, better healthcare, or smarter transportation, CES showcases how innovation is making the world better,”

As the tech world descends on Las Vegas, one thing is clear: CES isn’t just a preview of the year ahead. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come—and a roadmap for where we’re going next.