CES 2024 Guide. Third, CES, the world’s largest technology trade show, will return to Las Vegas in 2024. After attending CES for more than a decade and traveling to Las Vegas more than 30 times, I’d like to share some tips and tricks with you if you’re planning to attend CES 2024. This article is a guide to booking a hotel for CES 2024: Finding the best place to stay in Las Vegas.
Considerations before choosing a CES 2024 hotel
Find a showroom location
The CES show floor is divided into two sections, Tech East, which is located at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC), and Tech West, which is located at the Venetian Expo. Within Tech East, there is Central Hall, which is home to longtime CES stalwarts such as LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics, as well as North Hall and South Hall, which are attached to it, and West Hall, which was newly opened last year.
Of course, Tech South has recently been newly established and there are some exhibitions at the ARIA Hotel, but it is mainly centered on exhibitions without physical objects such as NFTs, so there are still few people visiting in the sense of viewing.
LVCC West Hall
The distance between the LVCC and the Venetian Expo is 1.5 miles, which is about 30 minutes on foot, so while it’s possible to walk and see the exhibits, given the time and fatigue involved, it’s best to take a shuttle bus, or better yet, an Uber or taxi, if you need to travel between the two venues.
From the Venetian Expo to LVCC
So usually when we book hotels, we take that into account, and some people prefer to be close to the Venetian Expo, and some people prefer to be closer to the LVCC, even though it’s a smaller venue.
Select a CES 2024 hotel location
Distance to the show floor: Distance to the CES show floor is one of the most important factors in choosing a hotel. Hotels that are close to the show floor will save you travel time. Major hotels on the Main Strip, such as the Venetian Expo, the Wynn, Treasure Island Hotel, and Caesars Palace Hotel, are far from the Venetian, but still within walking distance. Keep in mind that most of the top hotels are located here on Las Vegas Blvd South.
Las Vegas Main Strip Hotels
On the other hand, there are only a few hotels that are directly adjacent to the LVCC show floor, most notably the Westgate, which is worth considering. The Marriott is also a good option, although it’s in a slightly worse condition.
West Gate Hotel
Budget and breakfast
Before the pandemic, Las Vegas hotels were known for being the cheapest in the U.S. because they were centered around casinos, but if you go to a recent CES event, the prices have gone up so much that it’s hard to get a hotel in the $300/night range. In this case, if you don’t want to stay in a hotel, there are some people who rent a house on the outskirts of the city on Airbnb.
And remember that most Las Vegas hotels don’t include breakfast, so consider hitting up a Starbucks or a simple salad stand on the ground floor of your hotel to get what you need.
List of recommended hotels
Personally, I’ve stayed at most of the hotels on the main strip. It really comes down to personal preference and budget.
The newer hotels like the Aria, Cosmopolitan, and Wynn are very upscale and modern, while the older hotels like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mirage, Treasure Island, and The Venetian have a more antique feel to them. Personally, if you’re a frequent traveler, I’d recommend switching up your stays every year.
A few of my personal favorites include a room with a view of the Bellagio fountain show, which is a staple of the Las Vegas hotel show, and a room high above the Cosmopolitan for a panoramic view of Las Vegas. My personal favorites would be VDARA, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Harris, Luxo, MGM, Cosmopolitan, Stratosphere Tower Hotel, and The Venetian.
Notes
Early booking
Popular hotels book up fast: Popular hotels book up fast during CES. It’s a good idea to book as early as possible – prices tend to be higher the later you wait, so if you know you’re going, try to finalize your reservation quickly.
Relatively poor hotel service
Compared to five-star hotels in other tourist destinations, the hotel service is relatively poor. The focus is more on enjoying the casino than on your stay, so in-room service seems to be lacking. You may feel comfortable staying at this hotel because the price is high, but the service is relatively inferior.
Resort avoidance billing
Some hotels have an additional daily resort fee (Cosmopolitan, for example). If you’re in one of these places, make sure you know what you’re getting for your resort fee in advance so you can take advantage of all the benefits. At the very least, you can spend that money at the hotel’s food and beverage outlets.
We hope this guide helps you plan your hotel reservations for CES 2024. A comfortable and enjoyable stay is an important part of attending CES, and it will enhance your show experience. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
CES 2024 Guide. Second, CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, is a massive event that attracts tons of attendees every year.
The 2024 show will be no exception, taking place in Las Vegas, and according to organizer CTA, they’re expecting more than 130,000 attendees. This article is a transportation guide for those planning to attend CES 2024.
Getting to Las Vegas for CES 2024
Travel by airplane
Choosing an airport: Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport, LAS) is the main airport in Las Vegas. Most international and domestic flights use this airport. A unique feature is its close proximity to downtown, where the hotels are located. You can see the famous hotels from the plane as it lands.
From the airport to your hotel: Options for getting from the airport to downtown or your hotel include taking a taxi, a ridesharing service (such as Uber or Lyft), or a shuttle bus. Ride-sharing services are recommended for foreigners. You can use Uber or Lyft, but I personally found Uber to be more convenient. It’s convenient to have the Uber app pre-installed when you arrive in the US.
Uber app
Las Vegas Transportation: Finding an Uber at the Airport
If you’re new to Las Vegas, finding a place to pick up a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft can be frustrating. For those of you who are, here’s a little more detail on where to get a ride. When you hail an Uber from the airport, you’ll be brought to a designated pickup location. It’s usually about a 5-10 minute walk from the gate, so let’s take a look at the picture below to see when to call and where to wait.
(1) Finding the Bridge to Parking Once you’re out of the airport, you’ll see signposts like the one in the following photo everywhere. Look for the Bridge to Parking sign, go to it, and cross the bridge.
Locate the Bridge to Parking sign
Bridge to Parking
(2) Take the elevator to Level V After crossing the bridge into the parking garage, there will be a sign directing you to the Uber/Lyft pickup.
When you see that sign, the elevator will be on your right, and you’ll need to go to Level V. It’s not hard to find the elevator.
(3) Accessing your vehicle from the Uber/Lyft pickup area When you arrive at Level V via elevator, there is a passageway to the right, and at the end of it is the Uber/Lift boarding area. The boarding area is very spacious, about 5 rows wide, so you can watch for your driver on the Uber app, check the license plate/color, etc. and move to the car when it arrives. You don’t have to be in a hurry to get around, so take your time.
Traveling by car
Prepare for public transportation: Las Vegas is a city where it’s easier to get around by car than by public transportation. Renting a car is a good option. If you can’t get a domestic flight from a place like Los Angeles or San Diego, you could rent a car and drive to Las Vegas. Driving on US roads isn’t that difficult, so consider this as an option.
Parking: Parking can get crowded during CES, so reserve a parking space in advance or check your hotel’s parking options. Most hotels offer parking assistance. However, if you’re bringing your car to the show floor, you’ll have to pay for your own parking, which we don’t recommend – you’ll have to use an off-site parking garage close to the show floor, which will cost you extra. Also, keep in mind that there will be significant traffic congestion during show hours.
Tips for getting around the CES show floor
Utilize a shuttle bus service
Courtesy of CES organizers: CES offers a free shuttle bus service between major hotels and the show floor. Timetables and routes can be found on the official CES website.
Riding the Las Vegas Monorail
Convenient public transportation: The Las Vegas Monorail is an efficient way to get between major hotels and show venues. It’s a great way to save time by avoiding busy road conditions. However, the monorail stations are located away from the hotels and main street and are relatively infrequent. Personally, I would recommend taking a shuttle bus or other mode of transportation unless you are in a hurry to get to LVCC and the monorail station is directly adjacent to the hotel, such as the Aria or VDARA.
Ridesharing and taxis
Avoid peak hours: Taxis and ridesharing services are in high demand at the start and end of the show. Avoid traveling during these times if possible. If you are traveling during peak hours, don’t set your destination to the show floor; instead, set your destination to a restaurant or hotel near the show floor entrance to save time and money. (If you’re at LVCC) If you’re at the Venetian Expo, it won’t hurt to set your destination directly to the ground floor entrance.
Getting around the show floor
Getting around on foot
Familiarize yourself with the size of the show floor: The CES show floor is very large, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking. Expect to take 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day. Stiff shoes like dress shoes can be quite taxing, so we recommend sneakers or walking shoes if possible. Another tip is to choose socks that are comfortable to walk in.
You should also plan your route well in advance to minimize your walking distance, but we’ll talk more about that in another post.
We hope this guide helps you as you plan to attend CES 2024. Planning for efficient transportation is the first step to a great show experience. If you need additional information or have any questions, please feel free to ask.
CES 2024 Guide. First, the Complete Guide to Attending CES 2024: Everything You Need to Know About the CES. At the beginning of every year, CES takes place in Las Vegas, USA.
Formerly known as the Consumer Electric Show, it started out as a showcase for the year’s hottest consumer electronics-focused products, where sellers and buyers could meet and make real-world purchases. As the show has grown in size and scope, it has expanded beyond consumer electronics to include products from the physical and virtual worlds, including autonomous driving, space technology, and metaverses/NFTs.
1. About CES 2024
1.1. CES 2024 Overview
The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, is the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in Las Vegas at the beginning of each year. With the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger than 2023. The tradition of the world’s largest consumer electronics show will continue in 2024, bringing together tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and innovation lovers from around the world. The show is a showcase for the latest technology trends, with companies unveiling new products and services. Products on display will range from consumer electronics to high-tech, with key topics including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smart home technology, and sustainable tech innovations.
1.2. Key trends and expectations for the year ahead
CES 2024 is expected to focus on exploring the future of technology, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on everyday life, business, healthcare, and more. There will also be in-depth discussions on how advances in virtual and augmented reality technology will change our lives. Smart home technology will also be an important topic, showing how all the devices in your home can be connected to each other, increasing user convenience and quality of life. Finally, sustainable tech innovation is expected to focus on the advancement of environmentally friendly products and solutions. These trends will be an important factor in determining the direction of the tech sector in the coming years.
2. Preparing to attend CES 2024
2.1. Registration and listing tips
To attend CES, you must first pre-register through the official website. The earlier you register, the more benefits and discounts you’ll receive, so it’s a good idea to do so as soon as possible. However, Early Access is already closed, so you can purchase a paid ticket for around $100. There are also tickets for over $1,000 that include access to the conference, but if you’re a first-time attendee, there’s no reason to skip the conference.
Also, Las Vegas gets very crowded during CES, so it’s important to book your accommodations as early as possible. Hotel costs in Las Vegas have also risen dramatically since COVID-19. While the big-name hotels on the main strip are likely to be fully booked or have only expensive rooms left, hotels on the main strip or close to the show floor, such as the Westgate, are good places to stay if possible. As a side note, many of the big-name hotels on the main strip, from the Mandalay Bay Hotel to the Wynn Hotel, offer shuttle buses during CES, so you don’t have to pay extra for transportation.
2.2. Plan and coordinate your trip
CES2024 runs for four days, January 9-12, with different sessions and exhibits each day. You’ll want to check out the full show schedule ahead of time and make a plan to prioritize visiting the sessions and booths you’re interested in. Because the show floor is so large, we recommend visiting Tech East and Tech West for one day each to get a general sense of the flow, and then spend the remaining days visiting exhibits that interest you more.
The Complete Guide to Attending CES 2024: Everything You Need to Know About the CES
2.3. Essential apps and information sources
There are a variety of apps and information sources for attending CES. The official CES app provides show information, schedules, maps, and more, and is a great resource for attendees. There are also several travel apps that provide information on transportation, food, and lodging in the Las Vegas area. You can also join relevant social media groups and forums to share information with other attendees and get the latest updates on CES. TripAdvisor is a great app to check out for current dining options.
2.4. Receive your CES attendance badge
Your CES experience starts with picking up your badge. You can pick up your badge at several hotels and at the show floor, but the most convenient and quickest place to do so is at the airport. As soon as you exit the Las Vegas airport, you’ll see a badge pickup booth, and we recommend picking up your badge there and proceeding to your hotel. Picking it up at the show floor can have longer lines than you’d expect, so the airport is the best place to go.
3. Exhibit viewing and networking
3.1. On-site navigation: Tips for navigating trade shows
Because CES is so large, you need an effective navigation plan. Before the show starts, check out a map of the show floor via the official website or app, and familiarize yourself with the locations of the booths and sessions you’re interested in. It’s also a good idea to download maps to your phone or tablet so you can easily find your way around the show floor. Some booths, especially those of Samsung and LG Electronics, are so popular that you may have to wait for a long time to get in, and some domestic and international exhibitors require advance reservations or control the number of people in the booth.
3.2. Optimize networking and meetings
CES is a great opportunity for business networking. It’s a good idea to meet and chat with professionals in industries you’re interested in, and exchange business cards – although you don’t need to bring a lot of them, as your own can be conveyed by reading a CES badge QR code. Attending networking events or parties during the show is a great way to make new connections. It’s also important to have a flexible schedule, either by scheduling meetings ahead of time or by meeting on-site if needed. Consider using social media or professional networking apps to connect with people of interest.
3.3. Finding hidden gems in your exhibit
CES is just as much about innovative products from small companies and startups as it is about the flashy displays from the big players. The most important place to see startups is Eureka Park on the first floor of the Venetian Expo, where you’ll find startups from each country in country-specific zones. These smaller booths often offer novel and innovative ideas, so take the time to visit them. They’re often located on the outskirts of the show floor or in less crowded sections, and you might just make an unexpected and amazing discovery.
4. Experience technology trends and new products
4.1. Notable new technologies and exhibit booths
CES 2024 is a confluence of the latest technologies. Innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smart home, sustainable technology, and more will be showcased. Do your homework on which technologies to watch for and visit key booths showcasing them. For example, you can experience new user experiences using virtual reality technology, smart home solutions powered by AI, and cutting-edge products using sustainable materials.
4.2. Take advantage of live experiences and demo sessions
At CES, there are many demo sessions where you can get hands-on with new technologies. Attending these sessions will give you a deeper understanding of the technology and allow you to see how the products work in action. Some booths also offer the opportunity to demo or experience the products in real time, so be sure to take advantage of these opportunities.
4.3. Understanding innovative products and services
It’s important to have a deep understanding of the products and services being showcased at the trade show. Think about how the new technology can be applied to your daily life or business, or how it can have a positive impact on society. It’s also a good idea to speak directly with product developers or company representatives to gain insight into their vision and technology.
5. Tips for on-site tours
Attending CES can be an exciting, but also physically and mentally demanding activity. You can walk as few as 10,000 steps a day and as many as 20,000 steps a day, so spending long hours on the floor and visiting various booths and sessions can be physically challenging, and you need to be especially mindful of your health and safety.
5.1. Tips for staying healthy
Stay hydrated: Trade show floors can be hot and dry with large crowds and machines running. It’s important to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and drink water regularly.
Use a backpack: While eco-bags are handed out on-site, a backpack is a great way to pick up pamphlets, magazines, and other items, and to carry light food and water.
Eat properly: You’ll need nutritious meals for an active day. It’s a good idea to prepare and carry healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and energy bars. There are restaurants in the exhibition center, but none of them offer flavors that are suitable for Koreans. Salads, pasta, pizza, and some Hawaiian food are available, but they’re not necessarily suitable for Korean tastes, so consider packing your own snacks.
Choose comfortable clothes and shoes: The show floor is large and requires a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes and clothing are a must. Choose shoes with good cushioning to reduce foot fatigue.
Take regular breaks: If you’re traveling from abroad, you may be jet-lagged and walking and visiting exhibits for long periods of time can be more exhausting than you think. It’s better to take regular, short breaks to keep yourself refreshed and in good shape.
Maintain personal hygiene: Even though COVID-19 is over, this is a large-scale event, so use hand sanitizer if possible to maintain personal hygiene.
5.2. Stay safe at trade shows
Managing personal belongings: While there is less risk of pickpockets than in Europe, the sheer volume of people at the show means that foreigners need to be careful with important items like passports. Unless you plan to buy something like alcohol, it’s best to leave your passport in your hotel room for simple show tours.
Transportation: Hotels on the main strip regularly run shuttle buses to the CES show floor. Anyone with a CES badge is allowed to board. However, the Venetian is usually a short walk away, and farther away, such as the LVCC, you may need to use shuttles, Uber, or a lift. In the case of LVCC, you can also take the monorail, but keep in mind that the station is farther away than you might think.
Tip for using Uber and Lyft: When using car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, try not to take photos of the show floor during the same time as the exhibits are opening, as you may end up waiting in traffic for longer than you’d like. In this case, it’s much more time-saving to set a destination that’s a bit further away from the show floor and walk a bit.
5.3. Small tips for foreigners
Convenience stores: Unlike other tourist destinations, Las Vegas hotels are geared toward casino-centric leisure, so they’re a bit stingy about providing free amenities and things like drinks. In this case, I recommend picking up a few drinks, snacks, and other things at convenience stores like Walgreens and CVS on the main road outside your hotel.
A coffee pot for hot water: You can order from your hotel’s room service to enjoy coffee, tea, or instant ramen, but you won’t have the freedom to do so, so you might want to buy a coffee pot from a convenience store for between $10 and $20.
Exhibition Pamphlets: You’ll find magazines and pamphlets in the exhibition halls. I recommend taking a picture of these pamphlets with your smartphone in your hotel room and bringing it back as an image.
Last day of the exhibition: CES usually lasts about four days, with three days being lively and the last four days being when companies pack up their booths. Of course, places like the startup booths are lively, but try to see everything you need to see by day three if possible.
110V power strips: The US uses 110V in the shape of an 11, as we all know. You can bring multiple adapters for international travel, but I personally like to bring a single power strip. You can either use a 110V adapter only where you plug it in, or if you have a dedicated 110V travel power strip, you can use your existing outlets. The products in the shop below are the ones I usually use. It has a variety of outlets for electronic devices like smartphones and adapters for laptops. (Buy link)
110V power strips
Attending a trade show should be an enjoyable experience, and these health and safety tips will help you stay safe and comfortable at CES 2024. Your experience at a trade show isn’t just about seeing and learning about new technologies, it can also teach you important lessons about how to stay healthy and safe.
6. CES 2024 recap and wrap-up
Attending CES is more than just visiting the show floor, you’ll find great value in organizing and leveraging the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained. After the show, here’s how to effectively organize and digest what you saw.
6.1. Organize exhibition highlights
Utilize notes and photos: Use photos and notes taken during the show to revisit meaningful trends. Add a brief description of each photo and note to record key features and impressions of the show.
Check local media articles and brokerage reports: While you’re at the show, keep an eye out for articles about the show from various local media outlets to see what you may not have seen on the show floor. Some companies that actually won awards didn’t even have a booth, so this is a necessary step to organize the overall context.
Organize seminars and talks: Try to organize your own CES themes or trending keywords for the year. This will be a great asset as you continue to accumulate them.
CES is an event that has a huge resonance on the ground that people who aren’t there can’t feel. It’s a place where you can feel and see how the world is changing, so don’t just watch it, remember it, and document it.
