CTA Reaffirms CES Returns to Vegas, Breaks Little Ground

Months after committing that CES 2022 would return to the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 5-8 as a physical show with a digital component (see 2102070001), CTA announced just that in a Wednesday news release that appeared to break little new ground about the event’s format or expected participation. Among the few new disclosures was that the show's digital "anchor desk," which debuted at CES 2021 from a Microsoft studio in Redmond, Washington, will operate live from the LVCC and "connect the digital audience with exhibitors, conference sessions, keynotes and product announcements" from the in-person event. The association said it will be reviewing “coronavirus safety measures” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Nevada and Clark County authorities in planning and conducting the event. Under the plan that Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced in mid-February to hand off decisions on public gathering restrictions to local authorities (see 2102120057), Clark County's Southern Nevada Health District has jurisdiction for LVCC events. Roughly 1,000 exhibitors have booked CES 2022 space, and companies "are continuing to sign up," said CTA. This new announcement made no mention of Microsoft returning in its role as technology partner for the virtual component of CES 2022. The focus of this announcement was on the physical event, said a CTA spokesperson when we asked if Microsoft would return in its CES 2021 role or if the association put out a request for proposals to find a new partner. "We will be sharing more information about the digital event in June," she said. She confirmed that June 1 is the deadline for CES 2022 exhibitors to "cancel or downsize without penalty."