To CES or not to CES?

CES2009“See Yourself In the Digital Economy” is the tagline for this year’s Consumer Electronic’s Show. Certainly, in a challenging economy, getting to Vegas can prove difficult and 2009 CES attendance will be down. Still, CES’s relevance continues to grow. More than just a “gadget show,” CES has become a mecca over the last few years, not only for consumers but for marketing and digital professionals as well. The four day convention provides a look at the platforms, technologies, and consumer behaviors that will be driving communication channels over the next year.  As the lab has discussed in its 2009 trends, understanding the opportunities in leveraging digital platforms, especially in an economic downturn, is a strategic imperative.

So, “to CES or not to CES”… is the question.  It can be an overwhelming experience with football fields of trade show floors and thousands of people fighting to see everything.  Vegas crowds and prices.  CES is work–knowing where to go, who to talk too, and how to survive (sneakers and protein bars).  This year, the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) has raised the bar on some tools they are providing to keep up with the latest and as in past years, the Lab team will be there blogging live to share the most relevant content for those who can’t attend. More than ever before, our category experts will be narrowing in on what’s hot, what’s not, and what will affect your business in mobile, social media, video, digital out of home and automotive technologies.

Be sure to check it out starting Thursday, Jan. 9 on our Future of Media blog at blog.ipglab.com

Here are other CES sites for keeping up with the world’s largest electronics show:
CES Facebook page
CES Blog
CES on YouTube
CES on Twitter
CES Mobile Application: Download CES Mobile now by simply texting CESMobile to 41411*. If you have an iPhone, go to your browser and type inhttp://ces09mobile.boopsie.com/v2/txt/