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CES 2026 Reports Significant Attendance Growth

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has released independently verified data reflecting a notable increase in attendance at CES 2026, which took place in Las Vegas. The audit reports that around 148,392 participants attended the event, marking a 4% growth compared to previous years. This rise in numbers underscores CES's stature as a premier platform where the global tech community converges to conduct business and exhibit innovations designed to enhance everyday life.

Gary Shapiro, CTA's president and CEO, expressed pride in achieving this increase during a challenging year for trade shows. He emphasized that these results demonstrate the resilience of in-person events and highlight CES's pivotal role in uniting innovators, lawmakers, and business leaders to navigate the evolving landscape of technology.

Unlike any other convention, CES provides companies the unique opportunity to engage in business dealings, unveil new products, forge alliances, establish thought leadership, and enhance brand visibility—all in one location before a global audience.

Attendance Breakdown and Key Insights

The attendance statistics reveal fascinating insights:

• - 55,841 (37.6%) of attendees were international participants hailing from 141 different countries, utilizing CES as a critical gateway to the global market and deal-making opportunities.
• - Over 4,100 exhibitors showcased their contributions across more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, including around 1,200 startups featured in the Eureka Park segment, presenting current and futuristic technologies.
• - Notably, 307 Fortune 500 companies were represented, with 7,037 media members, content creators, and analysts reporting on the innovations exhibited.
• - 2,162 investors attended, keen on identifying the next groundbreaking advancements in the startup arena.
• - Approximately 189 government officials focused on technology's interplay with public policy were in attendance.
• - The event also hosted over 400 conference sessions, featuring more than 1,400 speakers who propelled discussions on various industry topics.

The audit delves into the demographics of attendees and their motivations. Notably, senior executives constituted 52% of the audience, highlighting an elevated interest in technologies steering the future of business and society. This year saw significant representation from key sectors such as:

• - Artificial Intelligence (AI): Roughly 39,929 attendees, a 22% increase year-on-year, explored AI applications throughout the convention and at CES Foundry.
• - Robotics: About 19,605 attendees, reflecting a 26% increase from the previous year, engaged with automation technologies, humanoids, and intelligent systems.
• - Marketing and Advertising: With 13,433 participants (a 10% uptick), this segment generated considerable buzz at C Space, underscoring its impact on contemporary marketing strategies.

According to Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA's president, reliable and independently verified metrics are crucial for decision-makers contemplating where to allocate resources and attention. He remarked that CES has reaffirmed its position as the largest audited business event, demonstrating that leading innovative companies choose CES as the venue to connect, collaborate, and conduct their business affairs.

The audit's results were conducted by an independent third party and exceeded the auditing standards set by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Such audits are vital for instilling confidence, ensuring the accuracy of data, and promoting transparency among all stakeholders. The CTA encourages exhibitors to seek third-party audits for all the events they participate in.

The complete CES 2026 audit is accessible for review. The next CES will take place in Las Vegas from January 6 to January 9, 2027, promising to continue its legacy as the world's largest technology showcase, spotlighting revolutionary technologies and global innovators.

About CES®

CES is renowned as the world's leading technology event where the biggest brands do business, forge partnerships, and showcase their innovations. Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES encompasses all aspects of the tech sector. CES 2027 is slated for January 6-9, 2027, in Las Vegas. To learn more, visit CES.tech and follow CES on social media.

About consumer Technology Association (CTA)

As the largest tech trade association in North America, the CTA represents the industry's key innovators, including startups and global brands, contributing to over 17 million jobs in the United States. CTA owns and produces CES, the foremost tech event worldwide. Visit CTA.tech for more information and follow @CTAtech on social media.