2014 CES proves to be the biggest in show history

13th January 2014

CES

Staff Reporter

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Featuring tech breakthroughs and thousands of new product introductions, the 2014 CES wrapped as the largest in show history with a record two million net square feet of exhibit space housing more than 3,200 exhibitors. More than 150,000 industry professionals were in attendance, including more than 35,000 from outside the United States.

CES represents all aspects of the technology ecosystem and brings together leaders from major global industries, as well as policy makers and government officials. The 2014 International CES featured government officials from across the United States and Canada, including three members of the United States House of Representatives, four state elected officials, five members of the Federal Communications Commission, including Chairman Tom Wheeler, and 13 members of the U.S. Department of Commerce, including Secretary Penny Pritzker. Other representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Aviation Administration were also in attendance. In addition, governments from outside the U.S. sent leaders including the Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy from France and Vice Minister, International Affairs and Communications from Japan. Ambassadors from the Slovak Republic and Poland also attended this year’s CES. Major tech breakthroughs and product launches garnered the world’s attention across 15 product categories and 25 market-specific TechZones, including Engadget’s Best of CES finalists.

“CES is amazing, magical, hands-on, incredible, innovative and inspiring!,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “This year’s show was an energizing display of where the future is headed, bringing to life cool new products from every industry that touches technology. One-third of the world’s population interacted with CES in some way this week as we experienced the future. From curved and flexible Ultra HD TVs and next generation smart phones to drones, robots, sensors, the Internet of Everything, Hi-Res audio, connected cars and 3D printers, it seems like the only thing missing from the 2014 CES was a time-travel machine.”

“CES is the consumer electronics industry’s best event for showcasing new technology and new vendors,” said Mike Mohan, president, home business group and chief merchandising officer, Best Buy. “Surrounding our merchant and operations teams, it gives us the ability to meet, see and discuss business opportunities with anyone.”

“The International CES is clearly the most relevant innovation and technology show in the world,” said Eric Fitzgerald Reed, vice president, entertainment and policy, Verizon Communications. “The ecosystem of entrepreneurs, Ultra HD television manufacturers, telecommunications networking companies, small businesses and U.S. and international public policy leaders, makes this clearly the preeminent emerging technology show. It captures the spirit of innovation and imagination.”

CEA will release final 2014 CES numbers upon its independent audit late this spring.