Consumer Electronics Show Sees 22% Drop in 2009 Attendance
The Consumer Electronics Association has released preliminary numbers confirming that the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas saw far fewer attendees than last year’s event. Uncertainty persists, however, about whether the lower turnout was a result of the weakening economy, or a deliberate effort on the party of CES organizers.
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show was attended by some 110,000 people, compared to 141,150 last year, and 143,695 in 2007. Anecdotal evidence suggests that venues surrounding the event were noticeably less crowded than in previous years, and accommodation was far easier to come by. Many observers are chalking this up to the effects of an ongoing economic slowdown in the U.S. and around the world.
Some reports indicate, however, that the Consumer Electronics Association was aiming for a lower turnout this year, and attendance may well have been limited by a new $100 pre-registration fee required to attend the conference.
“Our board concluded that it is essential to have the right people attend CES. Board members reported getting more business done this year than at any prior show,” commented CEA president and CEO, Gary Shapiro, in a news release.
It will be interesting to see whether the Consumer Electronics Association continues this strategy for next year’s show, or aims for a higher turnout so as to increase market exposure for the event.
News z: Jeremy