To kick off the new year, TSNN sat down with some of the trade show industry’s most well-respected leaders to gain insights into what we can expect for B2B exhibitions in 2025.  

In this second installment of our series running through the month of January, we spoke with Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, producer of CES, the nation’s largest annual consumer electronics trade show and conference taking place this week in Las Vegas.  

Here’s what Shapiro foresees for CTA’s events and the overall industry in the coming year. 

What are your predictions for the trade show industry in 2025 in terms of attendance, exhibitors, and revenues? 

We learned during the pandemic that people want and need to be together. There’s no replacing the five-sense experience and serendipity of events, and people value in-person experiences and how new business comes from innovation and new relationships. At the same time, the events industry is consolidating, and business travel is being scrutinized, so attendees are more careful about which events to attend. Every event is a vertical platform and those sponsoring or exhibiting are seeking real numbers on qualified attendees. That’s why CES is independently audited. Our audits ease the sales process and provide comfort for our exhibitors and sponsors, who expect hard numbers to justify their investments of time and money to come to Las Vegas for CES. 

What are your organization’s biggest focuses for CES this year?  

CES brings the whole global innovation ecosystem together to forge partnerships, make deals, create jobs, and drive global growth. We expect thousands of exhibitors across top categories, like AI, which we expect to see across the show floor; digital health, including advanced wearables that merge fashion with function; and automotive and mobility, with technology representing the whole mobility ecosystem – connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles for land, sea, and air. At CES 2025, we’re also excited to debut new conference tracks on the energy transition and quantum computing, reflecting where technology is heading next.   

CES 2025 will feature some new additions, designed to create opportunities for our attendees to connect and engage. In West Hall, the new mobility stage will feature programming on the future of mobility and paving the way to a more sustainable and connected world. Recognizing the power of storytellers at CES, we’re debuting the CES Creator Space to offer media and content creators a dedicated space to collaborate and create in the heart of the action in Central Hall. The Creator Space will also feature a stage with three days of programming designed for content creators and the brands who work with them. And all of our attendees can check out the new Central Plaza Attendee Lounge.  

What are you most excited and concerned about going into 2025? 

We have a front row seat to the innovation that’s changing people’s lives. Nearly every company now says it is a tech company, so we have thousands of exhibitors each showcasing amazing innovation. CES usually kicks off each year positively with the world focused on Las Vegas and the innovation and excitement of amazing products, software, and services. I love how CES and other events gather exciting innovators, entrepreneurs, media, investors, and buyers. That’s when magic occurs as relationships form and turn into partnerships. It’s a clear reminder that for the importance of progress, change and business pivots. We catalyze growth, and help people globally live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives. 

With a new administration coming to DC in January, we’ll be looking to collaborate, partner, and encourage policies that cut harmful rules and enhance innovation. We hope to head off non-security related tariffs that would hurt the American economy–including many of our members and exhibitors–and fuel inflation and increase prices for U.S. consumers. 

Lead image: Courtesy of CTA.

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