CES 2016: Is It Really For The EE?

It's the Consumer Electronics Show. Hype sells!

Not the Electronic Components Show.

All the trade shows I've ever been to showcase end products, along with the components that make them up and suppliers of those products.

I think it's great place for engineers to see new products and still be able to connect with other engineers and make friendships. Deep technical discussions may not happen then, but may later.

I made many acquaintances at these shows that later became technical resources or a source of information that opened other doors for me. I got to visit places and people I never would have without the friends I made at these shows.

Then, there's always the prospect of enriching one's employment possibilities.

Spam

Sorry for the confusion. Shortly before Bryan posted, I did share an announcement with the same link at the top of the page.

This one is safe.

It's about as handy as a trip to Radio Shack for an EE.

Have you ever been to a CES?

yes

Next stop AHR

Ok, then. Your opinion counts as much as mine does.

Have a good time at the AHR.

It does? Well I guess I can check that off my bucket list.

As it turns out I was wondering the same thing as the OP before I went to CES in Chicago so I had to laugh when I saw your comment about it not being the ECS. I was astonished at the amount of car audio on display. That and the amount of home entertainment equipment.

I've been to a lot of trade industry trade shows, but none more than CEDIA. (Consumer electronics design and installation association) I've gone to that show 10 or more times and it reminds me the most of CES, but with a lot of trade specific items wouldn't also find on the open market or at CES.

The best show I went to for EE's would have to be a robotics show I attended.

Maybe it's because I was able to take a ride on one of these.

Or was it this one?

Sorry, I knew that would sound condescending.

Anyway, my experience was always very positive.

I work for a NPO now, so my boss goes to the conferences.

Accepted. My experience with trade shows has always been positive too. I've worked both sides of the booth. I can't recall a show that I didn't truly enjoy. However I can recall several that lagged on into a 3rd or fourth day with few attendees. (which is why I prefer to attend the last days) The driest of subjects can come alive under one roof. I'm always keeping and I out for the unfamiliar and I'm always ready to see what's going on in the foreign marketplace.

Vegas is not perfect by any means. The drayage yard is miles from the convention centers, however they have the right weather and layout to streamline setup/breakdown without wasting time and gouging the exhibitors to death. That and they are friendly as well knowledgeable.

Years ago my brother, another fellow, and I were exhibitors at what turned out to be an outdoor car show of sorts. Like a mini SEMA, but in Kentucky. It was a neat setup with buildings full of state fair style crafts, and acres of outdoor exhibitors, show cars and even a carnival etc.. The problem was the mercury rose so damn high that weekend everyone was staying home in droves. That and they were inexplicably trying to fleece the visitors of something close to $15 just to walk through the gate!? This was a highly populated area, but it was economically depressed. that's asking a lot of people. You could see heat tolerant locals hanging on the fence peering in. And I'm sure they would have come in and spent whatever they could at the empty concessions, but not on top of the entry fee. It would have been an awesome place for a family to attend had they lowered or eliminated the entry fee.

So the story goes. It was hot as hell and there were ZERO visitors. Well before noon we closed up and left to go buy fans, a mister, and a booth tent with a white top. The second day was hotter that the first and standing in front of a fan was like standing in front of a blast furnace.

Both days we retreated to a nearby chicken wing / beer emporium where the AC was cranking. So.. Even though the show was a complete bust. It was miserably enjoyable.