As of this writing, the likes of Samsung, LG, Sony, and Qualcomm haven’t decided against physically attending next year’s CES. But they could also be monitoring the situation and contemplating a decision. We wouldn’t be surprised if a few more companies cancel their in-person participation at CES 2022 in the coming days. The 2022 edition of the annual consumer electronics show will take place between January 5 and 8 in Las Vegas. The event was fully digital this year due to COVID-19.
CES organizers are still confident of putting together an in-person event
Despite many big names pulling out CES organizers CTA (Consumer Technology Association) are confident that CES 2022 will be an in-person event. They believe their health protocols and other precautionary measures will ensure the safety of attendees. CTA says there have been more new sign-ups than departures. As of last week, only seven percent of the total confirmed attendees had pulled out from having an on-site presence at the event. Over 2,200 companies still planned to attend the event in person. However, there have been many withdrawals since. So the situation has changed. More importantly, it’s not just about the number. With most big names pulling out, the charm of CES is dying. And with less than a week to go, CTA has a difficult decision to make. “As we look to CES 2022, we confront a tough choice. If we cancel the show, we will hurt thousands of smaller companies, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have made investments in building their exhibits and are counting on CES for their business, inspiration, and future. If we do not cancel, we face the drumbeat of the press and other critics who tell the story only through their lens of drama and big-name companies,” CTA head Gary Shapiro recently said. It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next few days.
