December 26, 2025

CES 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Tech's Biggest Show

By Jennifer RicePublisher & Editor-in-ChiefBeauty · Destinations · Experiences · Shopping · Travel Accessories · Wellness

The first time I walked into the Las Vegas Convention Center for CES, I made every rookie mistake in the book. I wore cute heels (devastating error), scheduled back-to-back interviews across different venues (physically impossible), and assumed I could just "wing it" with transportation (naive at best). By day two, my feet were destroyed, I'd missed half my meetings, and I'd learned more about Las Vegas rideshare surge pricing than any emerging technology.

Now, after years of navigating the controlled chaos that is the Consumer Electronics Show, I've compiled everything I wish someone had told me before my first CES experience. Whether you're attending as media, an industry professional, or an exhibitor, this guide will help you survive—and thrive—at CES 2026, running January 6-9 in Las Vegas.

Understanding the CES Landscape

CES 2026 isn't just one venue—it's a sprawling tech ecosystem spanning 13 official venues across three main campuses, totaling more than 2.5 million net square feet of exhibit space. This is the first year following the Las Vegas Convention Center's completed $600-million renovation, and the redesigned Grand Lobby will serve as the main entrance between the North and Central Halls. You can explore the full layout on the official CES Maps and Locations page.

The venues are grouped into three main campuses: the LVCC Campus (comprising the Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate Las Vegas, and Renaissance Las Vegas), the Venetian Campus (featuring the Venetian Expo and home to Eureka Park, the startup community), and the C Space Campus at ARIA Resort & Casino, which is the gathering place for advertisers, marketers, and media executives.

New for 2026 is CES Foundryat the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a community designed to accelerate breakthroughs in AI and quantum technologies running January 7-8. NVIDIA is also hosting a major showcase at Fontainebleau with 20+ demos spanning AI, robotics, simulation, gaming, and content creation.

CES 2026 Exhibit Hours

Check the official CES Dates and Hours page for the most current information, but here's the schedule:

Tuesday, January 6: 10 AM - 6 PM (note the later start on opening day)

Wednesday, January 7: 9 AM - 6 PM

Thursday, January 8: 9 AM - 6 PM

Friday, January 9: 9 AM - 4 PM

C Space at ARIA runs January 6-8, 9 AM - 6 PM each day, while CES Foundry at Fontainebleau operates January 7-8, 9 AM - 6 PM.

Registration and Badge Pickup

CES is a trade-only event for individuals 18 years of age or older affiliated with the consumer technology industry—it's not open to the general public. You'll need to register in advance and provide professional credentials. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has designated Maritz as the only official registration vendor.

There are two main pass options: The Exhibits Plus Pass ($149 through December 1, $350 after) provides access to the exhibit floor, keynotes, Great Minds sessions, and select conference programming on a first-come, first-served basis. The Deluxe Conference Pass ($1,400 through December 1, $1,700 after) includes all Exhibits Plus benefits plus access to all 350+ conference sessions and curated tracks. Review all your options on the CES registration page.

Pro tip:Badge pickup typically opens several days before the show floor. Pick up your badge at Harry Reid International Airport or one of the designated hotels before the show starts—do NOT wait until the first morning of the show, or you'll face significant delays. Airport pickup is often the fastest option for early arrivals.

Getting Around: Transportation Strategies

Transportation planning directly affects how many briefings, demos, or meetings can realistically fit into a day. Most seasoned attendees focus on only one or two locations each day because traveling between venues during peak hours can be time-consuming. The official CES Transportation guide has detailed shuttle routes and schedules.

Vegas Loop

The Vegas Loop connects the LVCC with Resorts World, Encore, and Westgate for a small fare. This Tesla-operated tunnel system has become a game-changer for getting between key CES venues quickly. The LVCC Loop also provides free transport across the Convention Center campus, connecting West Hall with Central and South Halls.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail connects the Las Vegas Convention Center (Boingo Station) with several major Strip hotels, including MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's/LINQ, and Sahara. You can purchase discounted Monorail tickets for CES and even add passes directly to your CES badge during registration. Note:The Monorail does NOT service Venetian Expo—take the complimentary Tech Express shuttle between LVCC and Venetian.

Official CES Shuttles

Complimentary shuttle service runs between select official CES hotels and the LVCC and Venetian Expo, Monday through Friday. The Tech Express (Route 9) runs between LVCC and Venetian Expo—board at Central Plaza near the Monorail walkway at LVCC, or along Sands Ave. at Venetian. The C Space Shuttle (Route 7) goes to ARIA. Download the CES Mobile App for real-time shuttle wait times and capacity information.

Rideshare Reality Check

Uber and Lyft experience heavy surge pricingduring CES, particularly around keynote times. Designated pickup locations: LVCC is outside South Hall between the bronze lot and Renaissance, or in Diamond Lot next to West Hall; Venetian Expo pickup is at the main porte-cochere on Sands Ave.

My golden rule:Plan no more than one campus per day. Trying to bounce between LVCC, Venetian, and ARIA in a single day is a recipe for missed meetings and frustration.

Accommodation Strategy

Book early—CES hotels fill up quickly, and rates increase as January approaches. OnPeak is the only official housing agent for CES 2026, and booking through them often provides the best rates and cancellation policies. Visit the official CES Hotel Information page for the full list of participating properties.

Consider staying at a hotel directly connected to the monorail or within walking distance of your primary venue. The Westgate Las Vegas, for example, is directly adjacent to the LVCC and connected via the Vegas Loop. If you're planning to spend significant time at the Venetian Campus, staying at the Venetian or Palazzo eliminates daily commutes.

Don't Miss: The Keynotes

CES keynotes aren't ceremonial openings—they define the technical and commercial narrative that shapes coverage, partnerships, and market reactions throughout the week. Check the full CES Conference Schedule for session details and times.

The must-see keynote of CES 2026 is undoubtedly NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's special presentation on Sunday, January 5, at 1 PM PT at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas (doors open at 11:30 AM). Register for the NVIDIA CES 2026 event to reserve your seat. While technically a pre-show event, it attracts more attention than almost any other session. Industry watchers expect Huang to unveil details about "Agentic AI" and potentially a next-generation GPU roadmap.

Other major keynotes include AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su delivering the official opening keynote, Siemens CEO Roland Busch discussing the industrial metaverse, and Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang hosting a "Tech World" keynote live from The Sphere.

Samsung kicks things off even earlier with "The First Look" on Sunday, January 4, where CEO TM Roh will share the company's AI-driven vision for 2026.

For Media: Setting Up Interviews and Maximizing Coverage

If you're attending as media, your work starts months before you land in Las Vegas. Companies plan their CES media outreach well in advance, and the most sought-after executives book up quickly. Review the CES Media Guides for comprehensive resources.

Pre-Show Preparation

Start reaching out to PR contacts 6-8 weeks before CES. Identify your top 10-15 must-have interviews and prioritize those requests. Be specific about what you want to discuss and what outlet you're covering for. Provide multiple time slot options and be flexible. Use LinkedIn to connect with communications teams if you don't have existing contacts.

Media Days: January 4-5

Open exclusively to registered media, Media Days feature the world's leading tech brands making product announcements before the show floor opens. This is when you'll hear the first tech news of 2026 and get hands-on previews of products launching at CES. CES Unveiled Las Vegas is the official media event where you can preview innovative products from established brands and emerging startups two days before the show floor opens.

CTA's Tech Trends to Watch

Don't miss the Consumer Technology Association's highly anticipated Tech Trends to Watch presentation, which previews not just CES highlights but trends throughout 2026. You can pre-order the exclusive research report by adding it to your CES registration.

Media Rooms

CES Media Rooms provide quiet areas with complimentary Wi-Fi for registered media to work, conduct interviews, and file reports without distractions. Reserved interview rooms are available in the Mandalay Bay, Venetian, and LVCC West Hall media rooms—make reservations for up to 90 minutes by working with the receptionists in each room.

Interview scheduling wisdom:Do not schedule meetings too close together. Assume that half the people you meet with will be running at least 30 minutes late. If you find a company you want to interview in greater depth, ask to schedule during the early or later hours of the show when it's less crowded.

Show Floor Strategy

You cannot see everything at CES—accept this reality now and save yourself the stress. Even with a solid plan, the show is overwhelming. The key is strategic prioritization. Use the CES Exhibitor Directory to research companies before you arrive.

Know the Hall Layout

The LVCC Central Hall features immersive entertainment technologies. West Hall focuses on vehicle tech and advanced mobility (CES's automotive section has become so large it's effectively a standalone auto show). South Hall contains design and source exhibitors. Eureka Park at the Venetian is where you'll find startups and emerging technologies—often the most innovative (and overlooked) section of the show. Review the CES venue maps before arriving.

Review and Refine Daily

Each morning, revisit your priorities—whether it's connecting with key exhibitors, attending specific sessions, or exploring emerging technologies. Adjust your agenda to focus on what's most valuable that day. The CES app includes an AI chatbot, enhanced networking features, and real-time translation services to make navigation easier.

First-Timer's Meetup

CES offers an official First-Time CES Experience Guide with tips and a meetup where you can connect with fellow newcomers, exchange tips, share goals, and grow your network.

The Hidden Gems

Spend time in the low-budget, small-business areas (usually in the back corners). These scrappy startups often have the most interesting innovations, and a feature story about an up-and-comer can be more valuable than yet another piece about the latest Samsung TV.

Survival Essentials

Footwear is Everything

I cannot stress this enough: wear comfortable shoes. You will walk 20,000+ steps per day on hard convention center floors. Leave the heels at home. Bring sneakers with good arch support, and consider bringing a backup pair.

Bag Strategy

Only media members can carry more than two small, laptop-sized bags into conference venues, and each must be searched. Use clear, vinyl, or mesh bags to expedite the bag search process and make sure your bag fits size requirements. Leave luggage at your hotel—do NOT bring it to the show venue on your last day. Review the CES security guidelines before packing.

Eat Real Meals

Always eat lunch, and do it outside of the convention center if possible. This is your break, your time off, and it's vital to your wellbeing. The Las Vegas Strip has endless dining options at every price point.

Charge Everything

Bring a portable battery pack—your phone will die filming demos and navigating the show. Use the charging stations throughout venues, and always check your data storage and availability.

Budget More Than You Think

Everything in Las Vegas costs more than you expect, especially during CES week. Bring extra cash for tips (you're expected to tip everyone), surge-priced rides, and overpriced convention center food.

Networking After Hours

Some of the best CES connections happen after the show floor closes. Ask everyone you interview what they're up to in the evening or whether their company is sponsoring events. Many exhibitors host cocktail parties, dinners, and demos at hotels throughout the Strip. Twitter/X with #CES2026 is often the best way to find last-minute events.

What to Expect at CES 2026

While previous years focused on "generative AI" (chatbots and image makers), CES 2026 is all about Agentic AI—systems that don't just answer questions but take action. The prevailing theme is "AI as Infrastructure," with intelligence embedded invisibly across products and services rather than as standalone features.

Key trends to watch include software-defined vehicles that receive "brain updates" over the air, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology that turns your EV into a home power source, refined humanoid robots for domestic help and logistics, and the continued evolution of physical AI where robots interact with the real world.

CES 2025 drew more than 140,000 attendees from more than 150 countries, with more than 4,500 exhibitors. Expect similar—if not larger—numbers for 2026.

Final Thoughts

CES is exhausting, overwhelming, and often chaotic—but it's also exhilarating. There's nothing quite like being surrounded by the technology that will shape our world for the next decade. The connections you make, the innovations you discover, and the stories you uncover make every blister worth it.

Plan ahead, stay flexible, wear comfortable shoes, and remember: you're not supposed to see everything. You're supposed to see the right things for you.

See you on the show floor.