Key Highlights:
- Organizers of the annual CES tech conference in Las Vegas are putting on a brave front as some big names have already withdrawn.
- Meta, Twitter, Pinterest, and iHeartMedia have all stated that they would not be attending.
- Organizers will require guests to provide evidence of vaccination and will distribute free quick coronavirus tests that they “recommend” people utilize before entering activities.
The show must go on for CES tech conference
Organizers of the annual CES tech conference in Las Vegas are putting on a brave front as Omicron spreads, maintaining that the event will continue on – however some big names have already withdrawn.
Nvidia, JPMorgan, and PepsiCo all confirmed that they will not be attending in-person CES events.
“Nvidia quitting at CES tech conference is like Moderna canceling at a healthcare conference,” one individual close to the conference told, emphasizing the convention’s bleak outlook after the exhibitor backed out.
Meta, Twitter, Pinterest, and iHeartMedia have all stated that they would not be attending.
Nonetheless, organizers of the annual Las Vegas electronics expo said the event will take place – in person — from January 5 to 8. The gathering was last held in person in January 2020, right before the pandemic’s deadliest months; the 2021 event was canceled.
Thousands still attending the extravagant tech conference
The tech conference routinely attracts more than 100,000 visitors to conference centers and hotels around Sin City, as gadget companies compete for discounts and deploy extravagant exhibits to attract media attention.
They’ll have a tougher time doing so this year, with CNN, The Verge, Forbes, MarketWatch, Engadget, TechCrunch, and The New York Times’ Wirecutter all announcing this week that they’ll be boycotting the event due to coronavirus worries.
“If you have a large booth, you have it so journalists write about it,” tech publicist Ed Zitron explained. “What are they offering their booth owners at this point?”
Zitron’s business, which represents technology entrepreneurs, usually leases out a penthouse at the Venetian Resort for a taco and open bar party. He had made a reservation for this year, but canceled due to COVID concerns — and an expected paucity of guests, he added.
The CES indicated in a statement that thousands of people were still attending. “We are convinced that guests and exhibitors will enjoy a socially distant, yet worthwhile and productive event,” stated CES.
Organizers will require guests to provide evidence of vaccination and will distribute free quick coronavirus tests that they “recommend” people utilize before entering activities.
Given the recent outbreak of coronavirus infections among vaccinated persons, several potential participants argue that the optional testing plan does not go far enough.
“I reviewed the health and safety policy and said, Nope,” Boost Mobile founder and CEO Peter Adderton told. “The whole point of going to CES tech conference is to meet people.” There’s no sense to go if you can’t do it securely.”
Behind the scenes, officials at the Consumer Technology Association, which organizes CES, are conducting a charm offensive to keep guests on board, reassuring them that the coronavirus is being properly monitored.
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