CES 2021 hailed as the largest ever digital technology event

The CTA (Consumer Technology Association) has heralded the first all-digital CES as the largest ever digital tech event. Almost 2000 companies unveiled next-gen innovations, while global industry leaders delivered keynotes and more than 100 hours of conference programming was unlocked. Included in the line-up were almost 700 startups, from 37 countries.

Best Buy CEO Corie Barry shared how the company shifted during the pandemic and put the customer in control of buying, whether from home, curbside or in person, while Walmart CEO Doug McMillon discussed ways 5G, AI and robotics will change the business.

“The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry. From the latest innovations for the home and entertainment, and advances in 5G, vehicle technology, AI and digital health, the technologies at CES 2021 will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

The show’s Media Day featured 19 press conferences, with home technology inevitably taking centre stage, and for the first time, the ‘virtual’ CES showfloor featured smart masks, disinfecting robots, smart air filtration systems, and body sensors able to detect COVID-19 symptoms.
“The industry came together digitally at CES 2021. This was a medium for companies to make announcements, launch products and connect with their audiences,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “The all-digital format brought new voices to the tech conversation.”

Content for the all-digital can be accessed on demand through February 15, 2021. Currently, CES 2022 is planning to resume in person in Las Vegas, but also digitally, January 5-8, 2022.