AI and Robots Will Be Highlights of CES 2025


Robot

Skift Take

Technology is constantly evolving and CES, an influential tech event held in Las Vegas every January, will be doing the same.

CES gathers industry leaders, startups, and visionaries from across the globe. Set for January 7-10 in Las Vegas, there will be more than 4,300 exhibitors focused on AI, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, smart homes, and sustainability.

CES 2024 included 138,000 attendees and 4,300 exhibitors from 161 countries. John T. Kelley, VP and show director of CES, joined Skift Meetings at its Best Business Events of 2024 virtual summit to explain what goes into planning such an event and what CES 2025 will feature. 

Get the inside story on six of the best business events of 2024. Register now to watch this virtual summit on demand.

A keynote by Delta CEO Ed Bastian in The Sphere is a much anticipated 2025 feature. Other speakers include CEOs from Accenture, Nvidia, Panasonic Holdings, SiriusXM, and Volvo Group.

A broad look at AI is on tap for CES 2025 with a focus on how it is improving productivity, enhancing customer experiences, and driving medical breakthroughs.

Next-generation humanoid robots are set to debut at CES 2025.

New and redefined show floor spaces will also be featured. The Venetian will host a revamped health section and the Las Vegas Convention Center, Aria, and Mandalay Bay will all be used.

CES and Las Vegas Synonymous

CES is committed to remain in Las Vegas through 2048. The show uses about 10 hotels, three of the city’s largest convention centers, and more. How does a show of this size make each attendee feel welcome?

“It really starts pre-show,” said Kelley. 

CES launched a new show app two months ago. Attendees can search by name, industry and find like-minded individuals.

Additionally, CES completely redesigned its website this year. “It is more user-friendly so people can find information about the show that is relevant to them,” said Kelley. The website is designed in a way that product categories can be quickly identified and relevant information revealed.

CES encompasses 44 product categories and thus communities, and many attendees focus on just one specific area.

CES makes attendees feel welcome when they land in Las Vegas where they can pick up their badges in multiple terminals at the Harry Reid International Airport. Other badge pick-up areas are set up in hotels throughout the city.

Startups to Gather in Eureka Park

A robust transportation network is created to take attendees to and from CES venues throughout the city. Curated tours led by industry experts are also popular.

In 2025, the health category will move from the LVCC to the Venetian where smart home and smart living categories are housed.

Eureka Park is the marketplace for startups from around the world. “I love Eureka Park because, at its core, CES is a show about big ideas,” said Kelley. “And nowhere is that more pronounced than when you walk the halls of Eureka Park.”

When asked about one of his favorite CES moments, Kelley shared his feelings about CES 2022. It was held even though some of its high-profile exhibitors pulled out due to rising Covid cases.

“What I remember is we still had over 2,200 companies exhibit,” said Kelley. “Those who came really found value in the show. We showed the entire industry that you can host live events safely.”

2025 Highlights 

Digital Health and Wellness: Technologies including wearables, telemedicine, and AI-driven health solutions that aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance wellness, and lower healthcare costs are highlights. In addition, digital health will have a new home in the Venetian, connected to the ‘better living’ ecosystem of technologies including smart home, lifestyle, fitness, and food tech.

Enterprise: New innovations in AI, 5G, and data analytics are driving progress in areas including SaaS, FinTech, special computing and cybersecurity.

Energy Transition: A sustainable, electrified future will come to life.

Transportation and Mobility: Electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected mobility solutions will be featured.

A record number of submissions for the CES Innovation Awards 2025, led to new categories: Personal Care, Fashion Tech, and Pet Tech & Animal Welfare.

CES 2025 will also launch CES Creator Space, offering  resources for media content creators at the show  and connections to audiences beyond Las Vegas.

Up Next

Careers

5 Strategies for Mentorship Success

Mentorship can be a valuable experience for both the mentor and the mentee. But it’s essential to keep the exchange on track.
Diversity and Inclusion

10 Ways to Include All Ages at Your Events

To be truly inclusive, corporate events must consider age in the same way as they do gender and ethnicity. Yet it is often overlooked in DEI efforts.