The World’s Largest Innovation Playground*

The International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2015 will be held on January 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada otherwise known as Sin City.

For about a score and a few years now, I have been attending this event either as CEO of an IT company or as a credentialed member of the Press. I have witnessed and listened to the Keynote Speeches of Microsoft executives like Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and other CEOs of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world during their heydays.

As a member of the Press, I had the opportunity to interview, converse, discuss, and exchange ideas with CEOs who launched innovative products and new technologies over the years. I hope to do so again this year as I mix it up with other digital players in what has been described as “The World’s Largest Innovation Playground.”

I registered and got confirmation of my Press credentials early. I am done with my flight and hotel reservations. Now I have to plan my schedule in Las Vegas: conferences to attend, sessions to join, booths to visit, CEOs to meet and interview, parties to enjoy, shows to see, friends to meet, and of course, set aside some money to contribute to the Las Vegas economy.

As a columnist for the ASIAN JOURNAL USA that is headquartered in San Diego, California and as a blogger for Google BlogSpot, I always ran a series of articles entitled, “Miracles, Magic, and Mind-Boggling Technologies in the Sin City”.

Recently, I added the word “Mysterious” to make it 4 Ms. In developing the stories, I usually ask the inventors or innovators this question, “Is your product amazing enough to be described as miraculous, magical, mysterious and/or mind-boggling?”

Indeed, many are describable as such. In fact, usually included in my articles are published product reviews which the manufacturers or distributors of the new technologies eagerly anticipate. Of course, sample products are given precisely to test the features and capabilities of the gadgets.

Like in previous years, at least 20,000 of these new technologies will be launched, displayed and/or demonstrated in Las Vegas. Obviously, time and human limitations will prevent me from personally witnessing all the launchings or trying all of them out.

It takes some efficient and effective planning, organizing, and controlling to maximize attendance in a choice event like the International CES. Prioritization would be a key factor. In a place like Las Vegas, in most cases, the priorities of attendees get distracted by temptations to some “unexpected, unavoidable, and unplanned” but justified as being joyful, entertaining, educational and even profitable activities. After all, they say, “What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.”

Fully aware of the circumstances, the CEA which has been efficiently and competently managing the events surrounding the world’s largest innovation playground, developing some methods to assist attendees.

First, there is the CES app, which is a mobile planning tool available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

Second, there is the MyCES Planner, which combines planning and logistics into one easy-to-use tool. I have used this program to find exhibitors, sort by location and add personal appointments to make the most of my visit.

Third, CEA staff and management also made sure that you plan the logistics of your experience on-site well. They show you how to obtain food, stow your bags, and even list the phone numbers to call for emergency. They even provide services for the Blind and Deaf. Scooters, wheelchairs and segways are permitted at the Las Vegas Convention Center in lobbies and on the floor for ADA use only.

Fourth, Coat, bag, and suitcases check, even strollers are also available.

Fifth, Security is a primary consideration. The job of protecting more than 150,000 attendees is a gigantic task.

Sixth, Transportation going to and coming from the conventions and conferences is no problem. Shuttle buses are provided for the CEA management.

Most importantly, members of the Press are provided with pressrooms that include all the needed facilities plus food and drinks.

I am arriving in Las Vegas two days earlier. Like in previous years, I am attending events exclusively for the Press. I particularly like hearing the State of the CE Industry both here and in the world as of January 2015. I also like to be an early witness to the unveiling of some of the newest and featured innovative products in 2015.

*For the information of our readers, “The International CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the technology trade association representing the $208 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are   addressed.”