Next year’s CES 2017 will mark the show’s 50^th anniversary. Since its start in 1967, CES has showcased an estimated 700,000 products.

These include world-changing 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 - consumer 3D printers, tablets and 4K Ultra HD Television.

CES also has driven the market growth in pioneering technologies such as autonomous cars and drones. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, the 50th anniversary of CES will celebrate the evolution of the industry Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas.

"Only a few events and tradeshows have 50 years of success, and we are humbled to be in this elite group," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association.

He added, "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). Several prominent tech leaders have presented keynotes at CES, including Microsoft, Intel, Google, Apple and Samsung.  

Fifty years later, CES 2017 will have more than 3,800 exhibitors covering 2.4 million net square feet of space and more than 165,000 attendees. A global show, CES expects more than 50,000 international professionals representing 150 countries.  

Today, CES continues as the proving ground for innovators and has expanded to feature industries not traditionally connected to consumer tech.  

CES will celebrate its 50th anniversary before, during and after CES 2017 by:

·  Sharing flashback photos and news from the past 50 years.

·  Providing attendees badge ribbons to denote the number of CES shows attended (in five year increments).

·  Providing exhibitors and attendees with 40+ years at the show will wear 50th anniversary lapel pins.

·  Selling 50th anniversary commemorative t-shirts will be available in the CTA Center.

·  Holding special ceremonies will be on opening day.

·  Providing signage illustrating the timeline of Innovation Award products (in the Innovation Showcase).

·  Giving a special tribute to CES Founder Jack Wayman.

·  Featuring a digital timeline on CES tech detailing the history of CES.

·  Buzzing social channels with celebration and commemoration.

The celebration will not end on Jan. 8, a retrospective documentary of CES will be released in June 2017. Registration opens Sept. 6.