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CES 2026 Reports a 4% Increase in Attendance

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has released independently audited findings from CES 2026, revealing a 4% rise in participation, reaching a total of 148,392 attendees. This notable increase cements CES's status as a hub for the global tech industry, where innovators and business leaders converge to showcase pioneering ideas and technologies.

Executive Chair and CEO of CTA, Gary Shapiro, expressed pride in the growth, especially considering the challenges faced by the trade show sector in recent years. He stated the results highlight not only the resilience of in-person events but also CES's crucial role in connecting various stakeholders—from industry pioneers to policymaking figures—all to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Unlike any other conference, CES serves as a vital platform for companies to conduct business, unveil products, forge partnerships, cultivate thought leadership, and enhance brand visibility among an international audience. Some key participation statistics include:

• - 55,841 international attendees (37.6%) from 141 different countries, leveraging CES as a premier stage for international market entry and deal-making.
• - 4,100 exhibitors presented across over 2.6 million net square feet, with 1,200 of them being startups featured in Eureka Park, collectively illustrating both current and forthcoming technological advancements.
• - 307 Fortune 500 companies were present, showcasing their commitment to innovation in technology.
• - 7,037 media representatives, including content creators and industry analysts, actively covering the newest innovations showcased at the event.
• - 2,162 investors participated in Eureka Park, scouting for the next groundbreaking technology or startup.
• - Additionally, 189 officials from global governments attended, focusing on the intersection of technology and public policy, while over 400 conference sessions were held with more than 1,400 speakers, fostering rich discussions throughout the event.

The audit details reveal that 52% of attendees were senior-level executives, signifying an elevated interest in technologies shaping the future of various sectors, particularly:

• - AI (39,929 attendees): A 22% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing interest in AI applications across the show floor and at CES Foundry.
• - Robotics (19,605 attendees): A 26% increase year-on-year, showcasing a surge in engagement with automation, humanoid technology, and intelligent system solutions.
• - Marketing and Advertising (13,433 attendees): A 10% annual increase, with a significant focus on the trends and innovations within C Space.

Kinsey Fabrizio, President of CTA, emphasized the importance of credible and independently audited metrics for Chief Marketing Officers and business leaders when deciding where to allocate their time and investments. He noted that CES has once more emerged as the largest audited annual business event, reinforcing its essential role in fostering connections, collaborations, and business opportunities among leading innovators.

The independent audit process, conducted by a third party, adheres to stringent auditing standards established by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. CTA advocates for exhibitors to request third-party audits for transparency, ensuring accuracy and trust among all stakeholders involved in CES.

The full CES 2026 audit report is accessible for further insights. Mark your calendars: CES will return to Las Vegas on January 6-9, 2027!

About CES

CES is globally recognized as the premier technology event, serving as a testing ground for groundbreaking innovations and a platform for global leaders to collaborate and establish new connections. Managed by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES encompasses every facet of the tech industry and will take place again from January 6-9, 2027. For more information, visit CES.tech and stay updated on developments by following CES on social media.

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

As the largest technology trade association in North America, CTA represents the tech sector, comprising a diverse spectrum of leading innovators, from nimble startups to large global entities, which are essential in supporting over 17 million jobs across the United States. CTA also owns and produces CES, the world's most consequential tech event. For further details, visit CTA.tech or follow @CTAtech on social media.