High-profile companies are canceling the annual Las Vegas tech trade show CES 2022. In April, CTA announced that CES would go forward in 2022.
But now as the days are passing, the COVID-19 Omicron variant spreading around the world, thousands of people gathering in windowless Las Vegas convention centers during the first week of January to salivate over canapés and the latest gadgets sounds like not the greatest idea.
Around last week, multiple big tech corporations decided to not go through with their Vegas trips and “attend” CES virtually, some brands like Panasonic are moving to virtual events while having limited on-site staff.
“Due to the enormous crowd of participants and the other country-specific restrictions, a solid, safe and harmless implementation for all participants is unfortunately not feasible in the current situation,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said.
The CTA ordered mask-wearing and that attendees show proof of COVID vaccines to enter. They also will provide COVID tests.
Regarding the cancellations, the CTA has responded that they are not that significant considering that there are over 2000 exhibitors, and there had “only” been 42 cancellations, as of Tuesday.
But when cancellations include BIG TECH like Microsoft, the “everything is fine” stance isn’t the best right now. This is very sad for the small brands that might be hoping to get their kickstart at CES.
Not everyone can afford to just cut their losses and cancel a planned in-person presence. But hopefully, COVID precautions and fewer attendees will lead to a safer conference for everyone.
Some of the corporations that declined CES events are:
(Correct on 31-12-2021)
- Amazon
- Lenovo
- Microsoft
- Intel
- AMD
- MSI
- AT&T
- OnePlus
- Meta/Facebook
- T-Mobile (limited attendance)
- General Motors
- Procter & Gamble
- Velodyne Lidar
- Panasonic
- Mercedes Benz