Economy Stinks: So how will CES fair?

[smiddy]

I know that companies get hyper about CES to introduce their latest and greatest things to come and of course vaparware. I wonder though the state of the economy will have on this years CES. Do you think we'll see more of the same or some cool new gadgets? :)

[wilbur_the_goose]

Who will buy them?
And, given the economy, will the companies even pay out the $ for CES presence?

[phat78boy]

Having a presence at CES is only good if you get coverage. As it stands now, almost every company I've heard of has put a stop to all non-money making travel. This is going to be a bad year for trade shows.

[Stuart Sweet]

Well, it seems DIRECTV and Dish have no real presence there, Logitech is down to a meeting room, and the Asian area is half empty. A smart company would find a way to break away with a truly revolutionary product, with all these other companies ignoring this marketing opportunity.

[smiddy]

Well, it seems DIRECTV and Dish have no real presence there, Logitech is down to a meeting room, and the Asian area is half empty. A smart company would find a way to break away with a truly revolutionary product, with all these other companies ignoring this marketing opportunity.

That is the thing that is scaring everyone, who is going to buy what you have if they don't intend to buy anything. I think the opportunity is there mind you but I think you have a slim chance to make things happen based off of this year's showing. I hope I'm wrong, but signs don't indicate that.

[Ken S]

CES is going to go the way of COMDEX. There are less and less retailers that need the show for information (that's why these shows were started to educate retail). The costs of putting on an exhibit have become beyond exorbitant and in a tough economy companies look for the ROI to be a lot higher.
COMDEX crumbled when a couple of big guys said...we don't need it any more...that validated the little guys not going and bingo...a show that drew hundreds of thousands was gone in short order.

[Steve]

Heck, even Apple announced this year's MacWorld would be it's last! And it's held practically in their own backyard... about 45-50 miles NW, so no overnight accommodations required. /steve

[Stuart Sweet]

I always regretted not getting the chance to go to COMDEX in its heyday, and I'm glad I had an opportunity to see CES.

[FTA Michael]

Well, it seems DIRECTV and Dish have no real presence thereWhile I agree that CES looks slightly smaller this year, I think you've overstating that. Dish has a fair-sized booth scheduled, and they're making their usual annual press conference at CES. Maybe it'll be a reduced presence, but I'd have to argue that it's still real.

Got another email from CES today pointing out that room rates have dropped again at several hotels. I forgot: Why did it shift from a Monday start to a Thursday start?

[Stuart Sweet]

I didn't see Dish listed in the booth directory. I saw Echostar, but I presumed that was the manufacturing side.

[hdtvfan0001]

I didn't see Dish listed in the booth directory. I saw Echostar, but I presumed that was the manufacturing side.
I think they'll share the booth space....perhaps even show something around Slingbox in there, who knows...
Well, it seems DIRECTV and Dish have no real presence there, Logitech is down to a meeting room, and the Asian area is half empty. A smart company would find a way to break away with a truly revolutionary product, with all these other companies ignoring this marketing opportunity.
Echostar their booth, but DirecTV apparently doesn't...which for those of us attending this year is a disappointment. :(

Then again, there are a ton of new toys to see there anyway... :)

My guess is attendance will be down maybe 25% or so, as well as the booth exhibitors....but in some ways, it means we'll be able to exhale a bit when going around...

[smiddy]

I don't know man...tough call. You'll have to give us a play by play when you're there hdtvfan0001!

[hdtvfan0001]

I don't know man...tough call. You'll have to give us a play by play when you're there hdtvfan0001!
I'm bringin the camera and taking good notes! :D

The "DisneyWorld of Techy Toys" is approaching... ;)

[smiddy]

Good luck man, I will plug this for 2010, since that is such a round number, it has to be good! ;)

[hdtvfan0001]

Good luck man, I will plug this for 2010, since that is such a round number, it has to be good! ;)
...and by then...hopefully everyone will be working again, the economy will be back on track, houses selling like hotcakes....and all we can think about is toys, toys, and more toys...:D

[smiddy]

I like your optimism! I am not as optimistic, but I'm trying. :)