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CES 2017 will mark the 50thanniversary of the tech trade show with a number of special initiatives.
Since its start in 1967, CES has showcased an estimated 700,000 products. These include innovations such as the VCR (1970), the DVD (1996), digital radio (2000) and Blu-ray recording standards released (2002), as well as more recent technologies like 3D printers, tablets and 4K TVs.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the 50th anniversary of CES will celebrate the evolution of the industry from January 5th to 8th 2017 in Las Vegas.
CES will celebrate the anniversary by sharing flashback photos and news from the past 50 years, providing attendees with badge ribbons to denote the number of CES shows attended (in five year increments), and exhibitors and attendees with 40+ years at the show will wear 50th anniversary lapel pins.
CES will also be selling 50th anniversary T-shirts in the CTA Center, holding special ceremonies on opening day and give a special tribute to CES founder Jack Wayman.
There will also be a digital timeline and signage illustrating the timeline of Innovation Award products (during the Innovation Showcase).
"Only a few events and trade shows have 50 years of success, and we are humbled to be in this elite group," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association.
"Over the past 50 years CES has evolved as the industry has changed, reflecting and helping drive the ever expanding consumer tech landscape. We have succeeded throughout the years due, in large part, to our loyal customers, partners and the deep relationships we have made along the way. This anniversary is the perfect milestone to thank and celebrate our incredible industry partners and the individuals and companies who have been with us for five decades."
The first CES was held in June 1967 in New York City, attracting approximately 17,500 attendees and featuring 117 exhibitors demonstrating products such as transistor radios, stereos and small-screen black-and-white TVs, including the first solid-state TV.
Top companies exhibiting at the first CES included 3M, Memorex (now MEM-CE), Motorola with Lenovo, Panasonic – Matsushita, Philips, RCA (now a Technicolor brand), SANYO Fisher (now part of Panasonic), Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Westinghouse and Zenith (now part of LG).
CES 2017 will have more than 3,800 exhibitors covering 2.4 million net square feet of space and more than 165,000 attendees. CES expects more than 50,000 international professionals representing 150 countries.
Interview: CTA’s Gary Shapiro on the future of CES and why British tech innovation needs a boost
