CES 2026 Guide: AI Tech Trends & What to Build Next (Complete Guide)
CES 2026 Guide: AI Tech Trends & What to Build Next (Complete Guide)
CES 2026 Guide: AI Tech Trends & What to Build Next (Complete Guide)
CES 2026 is the world’s biggest technology event, and people come here for one reason: to understand what’s being launched, what it means, and what to do about it.
This guide gives you the exact dates, location, tickets, exhibitor insights, and trends shaping this year’s show in Las Vegas.
You’ll see what companies are announcing, which technologies are real, and which ones are just demos. You’ll learn what startups should watch, what business leaders should evaluate, and what investors should take seriously.
We’ll break down the key themes, from AI and robotics to digital health and climate tech, in plain language.
We’ll also explain how these trends move from the show floor into real products and real business impact.
CES 2026 Quick Answers (Dates, Tickets, Location & More)
1. What is CES?
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world’s largest technology trade show, held every January in Las Vegas. It’s where companies launch new products, announce innovations, and form partnerships across the tech industry.
2. When is CES 2026?
CES 2026 runs from January 6 to January 9, 2026. Media Days take place earlier, on January 4 and 5, before the show officially opens.
3. Where is CES 2026?
CES 2026 takes place in Las Vegas across multiple venues, including the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Venetian Expo.
4. Is CES open to the public?
No, CES is not open to the general public. It’s a trade-only event for industry professionals, startups, media, investors, and business leaders.
5. How much do CES tickets cost?
Early Exhibits Plus passes start around $149 and increase to about $350 closer to the event. Deluxe Conference passes range from roughly $1,400 early to about $1,700 later.
6. Where do I register for CES 2026?
You must register through the official CTA registration portal on the CES website. You’ll need to create an account and verify your industry affiliation before your badge is approved.
What Is CES? (Consumer Electronics Show Explained)
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world’s largest technology trade show, held every January in Las Vegas.
It’s where global companies launch new technology, announce products, and showcase innovations across AI, robotics, digital health, mobility, and enterprise systems.
It’s exclusively for industry professionals, including:
Technology companies, startups, and founders
Enterprise leaders, innovation teams, and product managers
Investors, analysts, media, and ecosystem partners
It is not open to the general public and requires proof of professional affiliation to attend.
CES is where the tech industry sets direction for the year ahead. This is where new platforms are introduced, partnerships are formed, and early signals about what will scale and what won’t become visible.
For startups, it’s a chance to gain exposure and secure funding or pilots. For businesses, it’s a way to evaluate emerging technologies before competitors do. In short, CES is not about seeing new gadgets; it’s about deciding which technologies deserve real investment and action.
CES 2026 Dates, Location, Venues & Format
CES 2026 takes place in early January and sets the tone for the technology industry at the start of the year. Most major CES announcements happen around the opening days, including during Media Days. (1)
Show dates: Tuesday, January 6 to Friday, January 9, 2026
Show floor hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Tuesday–Thursday), closing at 4 PM on Friday
Media Days: Sunday and Monday, January 4–5 (press-only previews, briefings, and early launches)
CES 2026 is hosted across multiple venues in Las Vegas, forming one connected technology campus. Each venue focuses on different industries and types of technology.
Venue 1: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)
The LVCC is the main and largest venue of the CES show. It hosts the biggest hardware, mobility, and infrastructure exhibits.
Four main halls: North, Central, South, and West
Outdoor exhibit areas for vehicles and large installations
West Hall focuses on mobility, transportation, and automotive technology
Fontainebleau nearby hosts CES Foundry for AI and deep-tech startups
Venue 2: Venetian Expo (Venetian Campus)
The Venetian Campus is where startups, digital health, and enterprise technology are concentrated. It’s also where many keynotes and industry panels take place.
Home of Eureka Park, CES’s dedicated startup zone
Focus on smart home, digital health, and enterprise software
Hosts healthcare, sustainability, and innovation sessions
Location for selected keynotes and fireside chats
Venue 3: C Space Campus
C Space is designed for content, media, marketing, and brand leaders. It connects technology with storytelling, advertising, and customer experience.
Located around ARIA, Vdara, and the Commodore Ballroom
Focus on advertising tech, media platforms, and entertainment innovation
Includes sessions on brand strategy, audience engagement, and content technology
Is CES 2026 open to the public?
No. CES is strictly for attendees with business credentials in technology or related industries.
In CTA’s own terms, “CES® is a trade-only event for individuals 18+ affiliated with the consumer technology industry… CES is not open to the general public” (2)
You will be asked to prove your industry affiliation (see Registration below) in order to attend. This policy distinguishes CES from a public expo or conference.
CES 2026 Tickets, Prices, and Registration
Choosing the right pass and registering early removes friction before the event even begins. It ensures you spend your time at CES learning, meeting people, and exploring — not waiting in lines or fixing avoidable issues.
CES offers two main ticket types depending on how deep you want to go into the conference. Most attendees choose between simple show-floor access or full conference access.
1. Exhibits Plus Pass
Access to all exhibit halls across CES
Entry to most keynotes and the Great Minds interview series
Access to selected conference sessions and public talks
2. Deluxe Conference Pass
Includes everything in the Exhibits Plus Pass
Full access to four or more conference tracks
Best option if you plan to attend multiple in-depth sessions (AI, digital health, cybersecurity, etc.)
CES 2026 Ticket Prices
CES ticket prices depend on when you register and which pass you choose. Registering early can save you several hundred dollars.
1. Exhibits Plus Pass:
~$149 early registration
~$350 after early pricing ends
2. Deluxe Conference Pass:
~$1,400 early registration
~$1,700 later pricing
In short: expect to spend about $150–$350 for basic access and $1,400–$1,700 for full conference access.
What’s Included With CES 2026 Passes?
Each pass level is designed for a different type of attendee. Choose based on how much structured content you want versus open floor exploration.
Exhibits Plus covers:
All show-floor exhibits
Keynotes and main-stage sessions
Great Minds interview series
Deluxe adds:
Premium conference sessions
Deep-dive tracks on AI, digital health, cybersecurity, and more
Priority access to limited-seat sessions
Where to Buy CES 2026 Tickets?
CES tickets should only be purchased through the official CES registration platform. Third-party sellers often list fake or invalid badges.
Register only via the official CTA registration portal
Do not buy tickets from resale platforms or individuals
CES does not recognize third-party badges
How to Register for CES 2026 (Step-by-Step)
CES is a trade-only event, so registration includes a simple approval process. Plan a few minutes to complete this before your badge is approved.
Step 2: Upload proof of industry affiliation (such as a business card, company email, or trade publication membership).
Step 3: Upload a valid government-issued photo ID.
Step 4: Choose your pass (Exhibits Plus or Deluxe) and complete payment.
Step 5: Wait for confirmation, CTA will review and approve your registration by email.
Step 6: Pick up your printed badge onsite in Las Vegas before entering any CES venue.
You cannot enter CES without an approved badge, so it’s best to register early and complete verification ahead of time.
CES 2026 Exhibitor List and Show Floor
The CES exhibitor list is the official directory of every company exhibiting at the show. It’s the main tool for finding booths, products, and relevant companies before you arrive.
It’s available through the CES website and the CES mobile app, and it lets you search or filter exhibitors by company name, industry, and technology focus, such as AI, health tech, mobility, or sustainability.
Some of the top featured exhibitors at CES 2026 this year are:
NVIDIA
AMD
Boston Dynamics
Aizip
Alps Alpine North America
Altrina Corporation
dSpace
FloLIVE
Hidonix
Hitachi
MicroLumix Bioscience Technologies
Neura Robotics GmbH
TransAI
Neura Robotics GmbH
Sonatus
How to Use the Exhibitor Directory
The exhibitor directory turns the CES show floor from something overwhelming into something manageable. Instead of walking aimlessly, you can build a targeted plan around what matters to you.
You can search for specific companies if you already know who you want to meet, or browse by category to discover new vendors and startups in your space.
The CES App also allows you to save exhibitors and build a personal schedule so you know exactly where to go and when.
How to Find the Right Exhibitors at CES 2026
Not every booth is relevant to every visitor. The best way to use the exhibitor list is to group companies based on your role and your objectives.
If you’re a founder or investor, you’ll likely spend more time in Eureka Park and early-stage zones. If you’re part of an enterprise team, you’ll probably focus on the main halls where larger platforms and infrastructure providers are located.
You can filter by:
Industry (healthcare, manufacturing, finance, energy, etc.)
Technology (AI, robotics, IoT, cybersecurity, digital health)
Company type (startup vs established enterprise)
This helps you prioritize meetings and avoid wasting time on booths that don’t fit your needs.
What Each Exhibitor Listing Includes
Each exhibitor profile gives you a snapshot of what the company does and where to find them. This makes it easier to qualify booths before you walk across the show floor.
Listings usually include the company name and logo, booth location (hall and booth number), product or technology category, and sometimes a short description or website link.
That’s usually enough to decide whether it’s worth adding that booth to your schedule.
How the CES Show Floor Is Organized
The CES show floor is organized by technology theme and audience type across different campuses and halls.
For example, West Hall focuses on mobility and transportation, North Hall leans toward enterprise and infrastructure technology, and the Venetian campus, including Eureka Park, is home to startups, digital health, and smart home technology.
Knowing this structure in advance helps you move through the show more efficiently and spend time where it actually matters to you.
Top 3 Exhibitors to Watch at CES 2026 (Early Signals)
Here are three best CES exhibitors to watch at CES 2026, based on the latest show coverage, all highly relevant for startups, business owners, and tech leaders:
NVIDIA is one of the headline exhibitors at CES 2026, showcasing its latest Vera Rubin AI chip architecture and advanced AI platforms for robotics, simulation, and autonomous vehicles.
AMD is a major CES exhibitor this year, highlighting new AI processors such as the MI455 and MI440X for enterprise and data-center AI workloads, along with its Ryzen AI chips for edge and local inference applications. (3)
Boston Dynamics, in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, is attracting attention with its live demonstration of the humanoid robot Atlas and synchronized robot performances. These exhibits show robotics moving closer to real-world applications. (4)
Bonus exhibitor mentions trending at CES 2026:
Lenovo — pushing hard on AI PCs and cross-device personal AI (Qira), plus new AI infrastructure built with NVIDIA for faster enterprise AI deployments.
Samsung Electronics — doubling down on AI-driven smart home + screens + connected experiences across its ecosystem.
LG Electronics — spotlighting “Affectionate Intelligence” across home devices, display tech, and home robotics concepts.
Bosch — one of the major Media Days brands, typically strong in mobility, sensors, and connected systems.
Hyundai — showing up heavily in the mobility narrative (and tied to the robotics story through Boston Dynamics).
Sony Honda Mobility Inc. — a key Media Days player to watch for the “future of mobility” angle.
Hisense — another Media Days brand, often strong on TVs + home tech showcases.
The LEGO Group — featured in CES Media Days coverage (good for “coolest new tech” / playful innovation angle).
CES 2026 Keynotes and Must-See Sessions
Keynotes are the main stage talks where industry leaders announce new products, platforms, and strategic direction. They set the tone for the show and often shape how the media and market talk about the year ahead.
In 2026, CES announcements are expected from major technology and business leaders across AI, manufacturing, enterprise, and digital transformation.
What to watch for:
Product launches and platform announcements
Shifts in AI, hardware, mobility, and enterprise technology
Strategic direction from large tech and industrial companies
How to Prioritize Sessions
CES offers hundreds of sessions, so you need to choose carefully. The goal is not to attend everything, but to attend what’s most relevant to your role.
Founders and startups: investor panels, startup showcases, and pitch sessions
Enterprise teams: vendor presentations, industry tracks, and case studies
Product and tech leaders: AI, infrastructure, mobility, and platform sessions
Use the CES website and CES App to filter by theme and save sessions in advance.
CES 2026 Conference Themes and Focus Areas
CES 2026 covers nearly every major technology category. These are the main themes shaping the show this year:
Artificial Intelligence: applied AI, automation, and agentic systems
Robotics and Autonomy: drones, robots, and self-operating machines
Cybersecurity: privacy, IoT security, and enterprise protection
Sustainability: clean energy, climate tech, and green innovation
Smart Manufacturing: digital twins, IIoT, and automated factories
The Big CES 2026 Trends That Will Matter
CES 2026 will be full of announcements, but only a few trends will shape real products and business decisions. These are the shifts that matter beyond the show floor.
1. AI Is Moving from Tools to Autonomous Systems
AI is no longer just answering questions; it’s starting to take action. At CES 2026, you’ll see AI controlling robots, workflows, and smart devices in real time.
2. Edge AI Is Becoming Commercially Viable
AI is moving onto devices instead of staying in the cloud. This makes products faster, more private, and easier to scale across laptops, phones, vehicles, and cameras.
3. Physical and Digital Worlds Are Converging
Software is starting to understand and react to physical space. XR, digital twins, and connected sensors are turning factories, hospitals, and retail into real-time digital systems.
4. Why Most CES Demos Never Become Products
Many demos never leave the show floor because there’s no integration plan or ownership. Without teams, timelines, and budgets, even good ideas stall.
5. How Successful Teams Turn Trends into Real Systems
Strong teams treat CES as a starting point, not a finish line. They move from proof of concept to pilot, then integrate into real workflows and scale from there.
CES 2026 Guide for Startups
CES can be a major growth moment for startups if you approach it with a plan. It’s one of the few places where founders, investors, partners, and customers are all in the same room.
Eureka Park is the heart of startup activity at CES. Located at the Venetian, it’s where early-stage companies showcase products and look for funding, partnerships, and pilots.
To get value from CES as a startup:
Schedule investor and partner meetings before the event
Bring a simple pitch deck and a working demo
Be clear about the problem you solve and who it’s for
Follow up quickly after the show
Avoid focusing only on features. What matters is business value, traction, and clarity.
CES 2026 Guide for Enterprises and Innovation Teams
For enterprise teams, CES is a sourcing and strategy event. It’s where companies evaluate new vendors, platforms, and emerging technology.
Use the exhibitor list to find vendors in your industry
Compare off-the-shelf solutions with what you’re building internally
Identify partners for pilots and proofs of concept
CES is beneficial for making buy vs build decisions and spotting where the market is moving faster than internal teams.
By the end of the show, you should have a short list of technologies and partners worth testing.
CES 2026 Guide for Investors and Analysts
CES is where investors look for early signals, not final answers. The goal is to spot momentum, quality, and long-term potential.
Look for companies with real customers, not just prototypes
Pay attention to defensibility: data, patents, partnerships, or strong teams
Be cautious of bold claims without evidence
Utilize CES to identify which markets are heating up, who is gaining attention, and where capital and talent are converging.
Travel, Visas, and On-Site Logistics for CES 2026
If you’re coming to CES from outside the United States, start your visa planning as soon as you register. Most international attendees will need a U.S. visa, and processing times can be slow.
Register for CES first so you can request the official invitation letter.
Apply for your visa as soon as your registration is approved.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
If you’re from a Visa Waiver country, you can apply for ESTA instead of a visa.
Getting Around Las Vegas
CES venues are spread across Las Vegas, but getting between them is straightforward. Most hotels and campuses are connected by public transport, shuttles, or short rides.
Use the Las Vegas Monorail to reach the Convention Center from the Strip. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are easy to find throughout the city.
CES may run official shuttles between major venues like the LVCC and the Venetian. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking a lot each day.
On-Site Tips for CES 2026
CES is large and fast-paced, so small habits can make a big difference. A bit of planning will save you time, energy, and missed opportunities.
Use the CES App to organize your sessions, meetings, and booth visits.
Arrive early for keynotes and popular talks since seating can be limited.
Stay hydrated, take short breaks, and pace yourself.
Walk the show floor and attend networking events, not just scheduled meetings.
Keep your badge visible at all times and follow venue security rules.
How to Turn CES 2026 Trends into Real Products
CES is known for flashy demos, but many never reach the market. Why? Common barriers include:
Integration gaps
Data readiness
Governance and risk
No owner after the show
For example, industry reports find that over 80% of AI projects never reach production – most require 6–18 months to deploy, if at all. (5)
How Successful Teams Go From Demo → Real System
To succeed, companies must bridge CES demos into products through staged execution:
Proof of Concept: Start with a small-scale demo in a controlled setting to validate the idea’s viability.
Pilot: Run a larger pilot with real users or live data to test integration and ROI.
Integration: Embed the solution into existing systems and workflows. This often requires technical work and change management.
Scale: Roll the solution out broadly, with monitoring and refinement.
Companies that follow this path (and invest in standards and governance) can take CES’s shiny demos and turn them into actual systems. Otherwise, even the coolest new tech or AI concept at CES will remain just a conversation piece.
CES 2025 vs CES 2026: What’s Changed?
CES 2026 builds on the momentum of last year’s show, but this time, it’s less about promises and more about proof.
While CES 2025 introduced the buzz around agentic AI and humanoid robotics, CES 2026 is showing those same systems working in production environments. This shift marks a move from “what’s next” to “what’s working.”
#
Category
CES 2025
CES 2026
1
Theme Focus
Generative AI, sustainability, and robotics hype
Operational AI, edge computing, and real-world automation
2
Tone of Announcements
Concept-driven prototypes
Deployment-ready systems and pilots
3
AI Highlights
Early agentic AI concepts and LLM showcases
Fully functional AI agents, edge inference, and integrated robotics
4
Top Exhibitors
NVIDIA, Samsung, Sony, Hyundai
NVIDIA, AMD, Boston Dynamics, LG
5
Startups at Eureka Park
Heavy focus on generative AI tools
More automation, hardware-AI hybrids, and IoT systems
“Your next million isn’t in the demo, it’s in what you build after it. Our job is to help teams turn ideas into systems that actually scale.”
This is the part most teams underestimate, the last mile between idea and impact. Bridging that gap requires more than models and code. It requires understanding business workflows, system constraints, data quality, and how people actually work.
That’s where experienced AI and engineering teams matter.
Phaedra Solutions focuses on helping teams translate trends into systems that work in real environments, systems that integrate cleanly, are adopted by users, and continue delivering value long after the demo is over.
Not just building technology, but making it usable, reliable, and sustainable.
If CES inspires you, execution is what turns that inspiration into results. And that’s what separates companies that watch the future from companies that build it.
Final Verdict
CES 2026 isn’t just about gawking at new technology gadgets (although some of them are definitely gawk-worthy!). It’s about figuring out what actually matters for your business.
The real value of CES doesn’t happen on the show floor, it happens after the show, when you follow up on the right conversations, test the right ideas, and turn the right trends into real systems.
Trends and demos only matter if they become something people use, trust, and pay for. So come for the tech, enjoy the spectacle, but stay for the strategy.
Everything you see at CES is a preview of what’s possible. What matters is what you choose to build next.
Ameena is a content writer with a background in International Relations, blending academic insight with SEO-driven writing experience. She has written extensively in the academic space and contributed blog content for various platforms.
Her interests lie in human rights, conflict resolution, and emerging technologies in global policy. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fiction, exploring AI as a hobby, and learning how digital systems shape society.
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