Audit Confirms Largest Show Floor, International Attendance in CES History
ARLINGTON, Va. — The International CES announced the results of an independent audit that confirms CES’ stature as the world’s largest consumer technology trade show and North America’s largest annual trade show of any kind.
The 2007 International CES audit, conducted by VERIS Consulting LLC, revealed that the industry trade show drew a record 27,020 international attendees, with overall attendance totaling 143,695 industry professionals during CES’ four-day run in Las Vegas, Nev., January 8-11, 2007.
VERIS is certified by the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission to perform audits. The VERIS audit differentiates the International CES from other industry trade shows in that each attendee is specifically tagged and counted only once and that CES only counts sold exhibit space to calculate show size, versus other events that include comp, barter and show usage space such as registration areas.
“The audit results prove that the International CES is the paramount location for industry professionals from all around the globe to come together for unparalleled business opportunities,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of CES. “In addition to attracting the best in the technology industry, the 2007 CES also drew top professionals from the content, wireless and retail industries, as well as government officials, venture capitalists, engineers and media from all over the world.”
The 2007 International CES was the largest CES in history in terms of both international attendance and square footage. International attendees, representing 140 countries, reached an all-time high, increasing by more than five percent over 2006. A total of 48 formal delegations attended CES in 2007, including six attending for the first time from Australia, Dominican Republic, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Morocco and Peru.
With the addition of CES’ newest venue, the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian, total exhibit space also reached an all-time high. More than 2,700 exhibitors showcased their newest products in a record breaking 1.8 million net square feet of space.
“The audit confirms the International CES is the must-attend event for all professionals in the consumer technology industries and related fields to see the latest and greatest products and trends, network and attend educational sessions all within four action-packed days,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences, CEA.
The audit showed that CES continues to attract business leaders from all areas, including the influential education, engineering, entertainment, retail and venture capital industries. This year 6,761 engineers and developers, 20,358 retail buyers and 3,392 venture capitalists and business developers flocked to CES.
Each year, influential media and analysts attend the show to see the hottest new products and trends in the consumer technology world. More than 4,500 media and 2,200 financial and market analysts attended in 2007. Of these, 1,228 were international journalists representing 73 different countries, up 28 percent from 2006.
With more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space already sold, the 2008 International CES will be held Monday, January 7 through Thursday, January 10, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nev.
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This article originally appeared in the July 2007 issue of Recharger.