CES 2020 is an exciting time for technology startups and entrepreneurs looking to learn about the latest trends in product development, product promotion, and consumer technology across various industries. Each January, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) hosts a prodigious trade show at the World Trade Center in Las Vegas. Called the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the event is promoted as “the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.” It features more than 4,500 exhibiting companies–including manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems–and offers an extensive conference program comprised of more than 250 conference sessions that historically draws more than 170,000 attendees from 160 countries. This year’s event in dated is officially from January 7, 2020 to January 10, 2020 in Las Vegas.
As an experienced tech and entertainment attorney dedicated to the trade, I have been attending CES every year since 2007 and can personally attest to the thrill of the event, as well as its potential benefits for technology startups and entrepreneurs interested in software, hardware and tech innovation across virtually all industries. Below is a list of highly-anticipated events that may be of interest to technology entrepreneurs or startup teams.
Best CES 2020 Events for Technology Startups
AR/VR/XR: Top Technology and Entertainment Companies
Monday, January 6, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
LOCATION: ARIA – Level 3, Juniper 4
The AR/VR/XR industries might be understood as V/X on all Platforms: Social Media – Smartphone – Computing, TV/Movies and Live Experiences. From visual communications, advertising, news, retail data and vertical specialties to cinematic experiences, this is the world that surrounds us.
Future of Brand Partnerships and Influencer Marketing
Monday, January 6, 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Location: ARIA – Level 3, Juniper 1
Description: In a world of social and 24/7 media, the relationship between consumer and brand has been forever altered. Star Power has been usurped by Influencer Marketing and brands are implementing all-media strategies integrating social and influencer content and advertising concepts.
Future of Health Care
Tuesday, January 7, 10:30 – 11:15 AM
Location: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Description: As entrepreneurs, we believe that the world’s deepest problems represent society’s greatest opportunities. Learn from leaders committed to transforming healthcare.
Pitch Competition: Robotics Hardware
Tuesday, January 7, 11:30 – 12:15 PM
Location: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Description: It’s on. Watch as some of the most promising companies in robotics compete for prizes as they pitch their startups to an expert judging panel.
Small Business Utopia: Fintech to the Rescue
Tuesday, January 7, 11:35 – 12:10 PM
Location: Venetian – Level 4, Lando 4302
One-third of the 30+ million small businesses in the US are underserved by traditional banks and thus lack access to capital. Can financial tech lead the way to a utopian state for small business owners and a growing gig economy?
Fundraising: Activate Your Network, Close the Deal
Tuesday, January 7, 1:00 – 1:45 PM
Location: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Because of the mentorship and connections startups receive in an accelerator program, many early-stage VCs look to top-tier accelerators to build their Series A pipeline. Whether or not you are considering applying to an accelerator program, learn from experts how to extend and leverage your professional network.
Pitch Competition: Sports & Entertainment
Tuesday, January 7, 2:00 – 2:45 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Watch as some of the most promising companies building the future of sports compete for prizes as they pitch their startups.
Smart Mobility & The Future of Cities
Tuesday, January 7, 3:00 – 3:45 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Cities are undergoing a digital transformation as new technologies are complemented by a broad range of mobility services revolutionizing how we live, travel, and connect.
International Matchmaking Reception
Tuesday, January 7, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
LOCATION: LVCC – South Hall Connector, S222
All international attendees, exhibitors and media are invited to the International Matchmaking Reception. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and enjoy light refreshments after an exciting day on the CES show floor. This event is open to all international registrants and their invited guests.
Future of Higher-Learning
Wednesday, January 8, 10:30 – 11:15 AM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Many universities are beginning to work with startups to become more entrepreneurial. Hear how leaders from the space are engaging and activating their student population.
Pitch Competition: Student Startup Showdown
Wednesday, January 8, 11:15 – 11:45 AM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Watch top student-led startups pitch their startups to industry leaders.
Finding and Wowing the Fresh and Cool Demographic
Wednesday, January 8, 11:55 – 12:30 PM
LOCATION: ARIA – Level 3, Juniper 4
Younger audiences are the modern media unicorn – so coveted, yet so tough to spot, that we wonder if they even exist. Who are the leaders in engagement of this valuable demographic?
Small Business, Big Innovation: Entrepreneurs & New Technology
Wednesday, January 8, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
Small businesses are at the forefront of innovation. Hear from successful tech entrepreneurs on how big ideas have resulted in big business in a panel hosted by Michael Mendenhall, TriNet SVP, CMO & CCO.
Up Close and Personal Brand Engagement
Wednesday, January 8, 2:15 – 2:50 PM
LOCATION: ARIA – Level 3, Juniper 4
With so much media noise, what’s a marketer to do to get heard? To hit a high note, marketers are seeing that custom, personal messages are proving most compelling. What advancing programmatic, addressable strategies are especially standing out?
Global Dealmakers: Marketing & Digital Innovation
Wednesday, January 8, 2:30 – 3:15 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
This Dealmakers Session will bring together Founders and Funders within the Digital Media Innovation ecosystem – those who are driving digital transformation across the world of media, marketing, and advertising. Attendees will come away with the latest insights and trends that are shaping the world of digital technology.
How to Sell Innovation
Wednesday, January 8, 2:45 – 3:15 PM
LOCATION: LVCC – North Hall, N253
At CES, we can’t help but wonder how the CE world is incorporating high tech into the retail process. Learn from these forward-thinkers.
Global Dealmakers: Technology Investment & Innovation
Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 – 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
This Dealmakers Session will bring together Founders and Funders – those who are driving transformation across the world of technology and business, and those propelling the next generation of companies. Join us as we cover major themes including Digital Transformation, Smart Cities, Mobility, Industrial Tech, and Social Impact/Tech for Good. Attendees will come away with the latest trends and insights that are shaping the world of technology.
Tacos, Tequila & Tech Standards
Wednesday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Venetian – Level 3, Lido 3105
Join us for the only networking reception at CES exclusively for leaders in the development of consumer technology industry standards and the adoption of technology and interoperable products. This event is free for CES attendees, but separate registration is required. Please register at https://virtualinc.com/ces2020/.
More CES 2020 Events for Tech Startups
Ignite the Night Pitch Competition, presented by NASA iTech
Wednesday, January 8, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 403
Ten tech startups have the opportunity to fast pitch their innovations to an audience and panel of judges. This high-energy event connects brands and organizations to the movers and shakers of the space industry.
Last Gadget Standing
Thursday, January 9, 10:30 – 12:00 PM
LOCATION: LVCC – North Hall, N257
One of the most anticipated events at CES. Finalists compete live on stage to determine the “most likely to succeed” product. Hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Tech-Life Columnist Jennifer Jolly, a New York Times Wired Well columnist and host of the digital lifestyle series TechNow for USA Today.
Young Innovators to Watch Awards
Thursday, January 9, 12:00 – 12:30 PM
LOCATION: LVCC – North Hall, N257
Meet the next big innovators in tech, all under the age of 20, in a ceremony honoring students’ outstanding inventions.
CTA Foundation Pitch Competition: Stay in the Game
Thursday, January 9, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
The CTA Foundation is hosting its second pitch competition sponsored by AARP Innovation Labs. We are looking for innovative technologies that help people stay in the game as they age. Whether in sports, fitness, or other activities throughout the day, consumer technologies enable people of all ages stay active and performing their best. We invite CES Exhibitors to pitch their innovations to our industry experts from AARP Innovation Labs, P&G Ventures, and the CTA Foundation, and the audience will select this year’s winner.
New Voices $100K Pitch Competition
Thursday, January 9, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Sands – Hall G, 50272
New Voices is an initiative committed to supporting female entrepreneurs of color across the globe. We do this by providing access, capital and expertise, and work with women at all stages of business, across diverse sectors.
Shark Tank Open Call
Friday, January 10, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
LOCATION: Venetian – Level 5, Palazzo Ballroom
Shark Tank, the critically acclaimed, business-themed show is searching for the best eEntrepreneurs with the best businesses and products that America has to offer. If you’ve got a great product or business, then Shark Tank is for you. An open call with the show’s casting team will take place at CES. Numbered wristbands will be distributed from 9-11 AM. Only those with a wristband will be seen.
CTA Future Innovators Pitch Competition
Friday, January 10, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
LOCATION: LVCC – Grand Lobby, GL-5
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), in partnership with education technology company EVERFI, sponsors a digital learning program that teaches high school students the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and how to start and run a business. Students who complete the course may choose to pursue a business concept in earnest and enter it into the annual Future Innovators Pitch Competition. The final three groups will pitch their concept at CES 2020. Judges include Noa Davidson, Emerging Tech, Innovation & Startup Partnerships, AWS; and Kim Folsom, Co-Founder, Founders First Capital Partners; and Itai Ben-Gal, Chief Innovation Officer, Bluewater Technologies Group.
See the full schedule of CES events starting Sunday, January 5, 2020 at https://www.ces.tech/Schedule.aspx.
Wishing everyone a successful show. If you are in Vegas during the week of CES 2020 and wish to discuss legal and business affairs related to technology startups, reach me on twitter @latechlaw to link up. Follow all the action using the #ces2020.
