If this will be your first year at CES, you’re likely beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed at all that happens during the four-day event. Even if you’ve attended large tradeshows and conferences before, there is nothing quite like CES. So, to make thing …
Below, you’ll find our top seven tips from attending CES year after year.
Best Tips for Attending CES
1. Take care of yourself, before and during the event.
As exciting as CES is, it’s also exhausting. Make sure you’re taking good care of your body leading up to and during the event. Get enough sleep, don’t skip meals and, perhaps most importantly, stay hydrated. After all, CES takes place in the desert. It’s not a bad idea to invest in a large water bottle that you can carry around with you. If you use supplements, you may want to take something such as Emergen-C or Airborne leading up to and during the event, just to give your immune system a boost while you’re around so many people (and their germs).
2. Be smart with how you dress.
In Las Vegas in January, highs are usually in the 50s and 60s and lows can be in the 30s, so you’ll want to dress in layers so you aren’t too warm or too cold. In terms of what to wear, it depends on why you’re at CES. For example, if you’re a speaker, you’ll want to dress a bit nicer; think a dress or a tailored blazer. If you’re an attendee, you can be a little more comfortable; nice, dark jeans are acceptable as long as you elevate them with a nice shirt or blazer. Essentially, keep your attire at business casual or nicer and you’ll be in great shape.
Above all else though, wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet for four long days, and if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, you’ll have a hard time. CES involves a lot of walking, so come prepared.
3. Make a plan for charging your devices.
With nearly 200,000 people at the event, outlets are at a premium at CES. Don’t rely on outlets to keep your phone, tablet or laptop charged. Instead, bring your own power banks, and make sure they are fully charged each morning. Don’t forget to pack the charging cables, too!
4. Bring way more business cards than you think you’ll need.
You’re going to meet a lot of people at CES – a lot of people. Make sure you have enough business cards to hand out to everyone you meet. It’s far better to have too many than not enough.
Tip: Don’t bring dark or glossy business cards, because they are harder to write on!
5. Pack light.
While you will need to bring a phone, tablet or laptop, plus charging cords, power banks and business cards, try to pack light otherwise. After all, you’ll be carrying your bag around all day. If you aren’t sure what else you’ll need each day, consider packing chapstick (again, you’ll be in the desert), hand sanitizer, mints to freshen your breath before important meetings, deodorant in case you work up a sweat walking between venues, and enough snacks to keep yourself energized.
6. Plan your days wisely.
Go into each day with a strategy for getting from place to place. CES is huge, so you’ll likely want to organize your day geographically so you aren’t stuck walking back and forth multiple times. Keep in mind that it can take a long time to get from point A to point B, especially when you are fighting crowds, so allow yourself more time than you think you need.
7. Know the rules.
CES takes safety and security seriously. This year, badges will include a photo for attendees and members of the media. You’ll have to present a government-issued photo ID in order to pick up your badge. Note that you can pick up your badge at the airport or select hotels before arriving to the event to expedite the process!
Make sure to plan for CES’ bag rules as well. You can carry up to two bags smaller than 12”x17”x6”. Clear bags will expedite entry, and rolling bags are prohibited. You may check bags at LVCC Central Plaza next to the main registration tent, the Sands Level 1 Lobby or the Venetian Ballroom Foyer.
Lastly, we’d love to meet you at CES this year! To schedule a meeting with our team at CES, click here.
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