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When Emerald recently announced that the annual September CEDIA Expo would be canceled due to Covid-19 concerns, our next thought after taking that news in was, “What about CES?” Well, the answer to that question came today with the Consumer Technology Association’s announcement that its 2021 tech-fest, scheduled for January 6-9, will be an “all-digital experience.”

From the CTA’s press release:

"Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it's just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Technology helps us all work, learn and connect during the pandemic — and that innovation will also help us reimagine CES 2021 and bring together the tech community in a meaningful way. By shifting to an all-digital platform for 2021, we can deliver a unique experience that helps our exhibitors connect with existing and new audiences."

As someone who was considering attending CES 2021 in-person, I have to say I’m relieved that the CTA made the right move here. The logistics of pulling off a massive show safely would surely have been challenging. Add to that the combined stresses of international travel, navigating through crowded casino/hotels, packed buses and monorails, and—yikes! Let’s hope for a safer environment in 2022, when the CTA plans a return to Las Vegas for a show that, according to its release, will combine “the best elements of a physical and digital show.”

Check out the CES Tech website for more details.