CES 2018: New Technology to Take Your Event to Another Level

January 16, 2018

Sally McComic

Sally McComic is the Marketing Director for GES and oversees the production of GES’ booth experience at various industry events. She has a broad history of developing and implementing comprehensive marketing plans and strategies for a variety of organizations across markets.

CES is the world’s largest technology show, if not the largest trade show across the globe. More than 170,000 industry professionals attended this year’s CES in Las Vegas for the annual unveiling of all the latest tech products, from voice-controlled smart homes to transparent trucks. They toss around fancy words like “futurism” and “pioneering thinkers” to describe world-changing innovations. Did we mention the Sony robot dog?

While the show always impresses the average consumer, there is incredible new technology that can change the landscape of how you exhibit at your next show or how you engage your audience at your next event.

Here Are A Few Exciting Products from this Year’s CES:

LG 90-Foot OLED Canyon

Massive screens arranged in concave and convex configurations? Yes, please! New commercial display technology creates eye-popping immersive installations, allowing attendees to walk through the experience of waterfalls, blizzards and more, complete with state-of-the-art audio accompaniment.

Square-Shaped Light Panels

Enhance your space with touch-controlled square panels. Nanoleaf is announcing its touch-sensitive surface, which you adjust by simply tapping or sliding your finger across the surface. Not only does it create a beautiful backdrop, the panels also work with voice and motion sensors to create an immersive sight and sound explosion for your attendees.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR) Hardware & Software

These technologies remain cutting-edge even in the consumer space, as the tech is so new that it has yet to find any real foothold in the workplace. However, falling costs and increased processing and graphics muscle built into new headsets may well make this area more compelling in the future.

Sony 4K OLED TV

The mother of all projections screens has arrived. If you are a fan of your own living room projection experience, then Sony has you covered with its new 4K projector.

Dell Experience

Dell, CES 2018 Innovation Award recipient, transformed Yardbird restaurant at the Venetian into a product demo showcase that allowed attendees to take a peek at their latest technologies, test their skills at some incredible games and enter a whole new dimension through amazing VR demos. Guests were also invited to step into Dell Cinema via an augmented reality experience.

It was exciting to see so much new technology and its potential to engage and create meaningful and memorable experiences at events and exhibitions.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact