Comments on: If I don’t attend CES, did it happen?

By: Frank Netherwood

Frank Netherwood — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:26:16 +0000

It’s the pendulum swinging yet again. Comdex died because it was trying to be CES and it appears that CES may pass on attempting to cover both tech and the consumer markets. Sponsorships, booth space, and marketing opportunities do the heavy lifting for events and companies pay to reach a qualified buyer. Showing up just to “brand” simply isn’t done anymore because the costs are outrageous and viral marketing works. When the buyers stop attending, the exhibit dollars start to fall and the vine begins to wither. Give a company the chance to go one-on-one with decision makers that either can’t be reached or don’t leave their office and they will get in line for that kind of opportunity. The next big events are small; very focused, very network intensive, and yes….expensive.

By: Reese, Arlington Heights, IL

Reese, Arlington Heights, IL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:24:56 +0000

I’m missing press days at the Detroit International Auto Show next week, which is painful. I wish I could pretend that wasn’t happening.

By: Dan, Waukesha, manbear's State

Dan, Waukesha, manbear's State — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:05:23 +0000

I used to be in retail management in a past life, and I can tell you what is biting CES right now. 10 years ago a computer model was available for sale for 8 or 9 months before being replaced. A TV model would be around for 9 months as well. 3 years ago when I left retail computers were cycling out ever 4 months, and laptops every 3 months. The TV model we bought in January was gone by April.

What this means is that a once-a-year event like CES is behind the times. If a vendor waits until CES to unveil something new and cool, it is outdated by the time it hits the floor. Unless you have something radically different, today’s global economy cycles out products faster than a convention can be arranged.

That’s not to say there aren’t a few cool gadgets to see. However, more than likely that’s a timing coincedence as opposed to marketing. You will find a larger selection of must-have new tech items on the floor of Best Buy than at CES simply due to the speed of our product cycles.

BTW I bought a flash drive last year. Once it fell off my key chain it sat in a bowl by my front door for 3 weeks until it got shoved in a drawer. I swear Flash Drives are the new fruit cake.