Are You Ready for CES 2026?

As winter approaches and the New Year draws near, the tech world is gearing up for CES 2026,  the world’s most anticipated innovation showcase.

What breakthrough will steal the spotlight this year? Will it be a healthcare wearable that saves lives, an advancement in smart homes or a gaming revolution that rivals the debut of the original Xbox? 

CES 2026 Trend Forecast: The Technologies Set to Dominate the Show Floor

CES is always a preview of the future, whether it’s polished, messy or brilliant. As Bospar gears up for CES 2026, our team compares notes on the tech categories we expect to dominate the show floor. Of course, AI dominates. Nearly every product and service will be AI-powered and enabled, with predictive features, agents and other capabilities baked in.

These are the categories set to define the CES 2026 experience:

1. The Smart Home Is Getting Smarter—and More Secure

Smart home companies like Ring have been a staple at CES for years, but the category is evolving quickly into one consumers care most about: security. While “convenience” used to be the marketing hook for these products, it’s now “protection.”

“Last year at CES, there were a lot of security devices,” noted Jessica Shein, a CES veteran and  senior account director at Bospar. “So that’s definitely a category we will be looking forward to with our home security clients.” 

CES attendees can expect doorbell cameras, motion sensors and other devices that are connected and AI-enabled. Consumers want to see tech that doesn’t just record what is happening, but is able to interpret information and take appropriate action.

2. Wearables Grow Up: From Step Count to Real Healthcare

“Ever since the Oura ring came out, wearables have been a big thing,” said Jess Pechie, account supervisor at Bospar. “We’re expecting a significant increase in AI-powered wearables showcased at CES. The industry is expanding well beyond smartwatches, especially within digital health which I feel is one of the best use cases for AI.”

Wearables that can improve patient outcomes through monitoring and diagnostics will stand out at CES. Innovations in wearable robotics for walking assistance and other functions will also be on display as companies highlight AI’s capabilities to improve lives.

3. AI in Everyday Objects: The ‘Why Does This Need AI?’ Era

There’s a race right now to see how many traditional consumer products can be rebranded as “smart technology.” This includes toothbrushes, appliances, printers and pendant-style AI-powered “friends.” Some of them are innovative products, while others will become comic relief. 

These types of products abound at CES. At last year’s show, an AI-powered spice dispenser debuted. It uses AI to assess recipes and then dispense (through proprietary canisters) the ideal amount of spices, with claims the gadget learns the user’s spice preferences over time. 

The spice dispenser and other products tell a deeper story. Consumers expect AI-powered products that are self-improving and enable automation and personalization. Manufacturers are using the term “AI” to describe an ever-widening array of products. One case in point: Pre-programmed robot vacuums are now known as “AI-powered smart cleaning.” Tech terms like machine learning, computer vision and predictive analytics are now typically called AI as legacy technologies are rebranded. 

CES is the world’s biggest storytelling stage for technology. The products that stand out are not just innovations, they’re also clearly demonstrating why that innovation matters. We help companies translate their breakthroughs into narratives that build trust and capture attention. In 2026, the companies that standout are those connecting innovation to impact and separating hype from the headlines.

The Battle for Attention: How to Make a Lasting Impression at CES*

*This is an updated version of a blog post written by Paula Bernier

CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential tech gatherings – and a constant fight for resources and attention.

CES 2025 drew more than 142,000 attendees, 1,200-plus speakers, over 4,500 exhibitors and an estimated 6,500 global media, content creators and industry analysts.

If you’ve ever tried to find a ride back to your hotel or grab a quick bite between meetings at CES, you know the competition extends far beyond creature comforts. The real challenge is strategic: who earns the interviews, the headlines and the mindshare across top media outlets and their audiences.

For CEOs and their communications teams, the challenge is clear: How do you rise above the noise and make sure you maximize your investment in CES to get your time in the sun?

Start Early to Secure Your Media Edge

The fight for press coverage begins long before CES opens its doors. Success depends on preparation:

• Identify which reporters are attending and what they’re covering.
• Map out who’s most relevant to you and how their past work aligns with your story.
• Build tailored pitches that are most likely to appeal to those key reporters.
• Prepare press kits, news releases and digital assets that make your narrative easy to cover.

Laying this groundwork early ensures your team is ready to seize key media opportunities once the show floor opens.

Don’t Overlook Analyst Relations

Reporters aren’t the only voices shaping industry perception or public perception. Analysts play a critical role in technology adoption and credibility.

• Research which analysts will be at CES and reach out to them in advance.
• Schedule one-on-one meetings or connect around their speaking sessions.
• Continue the dialogue post-show to build lasting relationships.

For startups and growth-stage companies, in particular, analyst recognition can be especially valuable – and a strong validator that can drive and reinforce media coverage.

Break Through the Noise with Creativity

A CES booth alone isn’t enough to stand out in a sea of innovation. To grab attention:

• Partner with an experienced PR team to brainstorm creative concepts.
• Host an interactive event, immersive demo or unexpected experience at your booth.
• Use social media to amplify your presence with live updates, behind-the-scenes moments and shareable content.
  

A creative twist can make the difference between being noticed or overlooked.

For example, Bio Bidet featured a virtual slot machine that let attendees win prizes like a bidet or fun giveaways, including squishy poop emoji toys that drew a steady crowd. Another brand offered aura readings in its booth, with lines stretching down the aisle.

If you’re a smaller brand, it’s smart to think like this. Everyone’s going to stop by the Samsung booth, but something quirky, interactive or unexpected can be your ticket to buzz and foot traffic.

Advice for Exhibiting Companies

Bospar’s Jessica Shein advises companies not to overlook events outside the main show schedule, like CES Unveiled, the media-only event held the Sunday before CES begins. Because it’s designed specifically for the press, it’s often one of the best opportunities for brands to make an early impression, sometimes even more effective than the crowded show floor.

Own the Conversation Before, During and After CES

Your voice at CES should extend far beyond the event itself:

• Publish pre-show blogs and posts highlighting your expectations and predictions.
• Equip executives with talking points about your innovations and broader industry trends.
• Keep the momentum going post-show by following up with media and expanding on topics that resonated most.

The companies that win CES are the ones shaping the conversation, not just reacting to it.

Don’t Leave Your Success to Chance

CES is more than a showcase; it’s a battlefield for attention.

The companies that prepare early, engage analysts as well as press, invest in creativity and sustain the conversation after the show are the ones that come out on top.

For CEOs, the lesson is clear: Don’t leave your CES success to chance.

Start planning now. Ensure your communications and marketing teams have the right partner, strategy and storytelling approach to capture your share of the spotlight and keep it shining long after the show.

Whether it’s clarifying your goals, developing a media game plan or finding fresh ways to stand out, Bospar can help. Not sure where to begin? Take Bospar’s quick quiz to see how we can tailor our PR support to your CES needs.

Top Ten Tips for CES Newbies (and Veterans!)

So, you’re heading to CES, the must-attend event for new tech. With more than 140,000 attendees and 4,500 exhibitors, it can easily feel like sensory overload. Expect lines, crowds and feeling exhausted. Hopefully, you’ll also come away inspired, intrigued and even amazed.

Whether it’s your first CES or you’re a veteran, these tips will help you navigate the chaos to ensure you make meaningful connections.

We’ll assume you already know to wear comfortable shoes.

Pre-Show Prep

1. Start networking now.
Don’t wait until you hit the show floor. Follow companies and speakers you’re interested in on LinkedIn and X. Comment on their posts or simply write: “Looking forward to connecting at CES!” Those early digital touchpoints can turn into valuable in-person conversations.

2. Get your badge early. Seriously!
Do not wait to pick up your badge at the convention center. With tens of thousands of attendees, lines there can be brutal. If you’re flying in, grab your badge at the airport. Even if the line looks long, it’ll be faster than the convention crowds. Some hotels also offer badge pickup, so check in advance.

3. Dress smart (and in layers).
Daytime can be warm, but once the sun sets, Las Vegas gets chilly. The convention center itself is also on the cooler side. Go for comfortable, presentable sneakers and pack a nicer pair of shoes for evening events.

4. Pack your CES to-go survival kit.
Keep it small and keep it with you (consider a small see-through bag; saves you time on the security lines). They may not be the most attractive but they are the most practical. Must-haves for your kit include:

• Lip balm
• Electrolyte packets, such as Liquid I.V.
• Portable charger
• Ibuprofen
• Two protein bars per day
• Mints or Altoids
• Small cinch bag for swag

You’re in a desert. You’ll be walking miles, waiting in long food lines and potentially talking non-stop. Hydrate and refuel whenever you can; this kit will save you.

5. Have a plan of attack.
CES is massive. Map out your “must-see” booths and sessions versus your “hope-to-see” list. Try to group activities by location (stick to one hall per day) to avoid zig-zagging across the convention center. Draft your elevator pitch, so you are prepared when someone inquires who you are, what your company does and why it matters. Bring digital or physical business cards and be ready to connect.

At the Show

6. Capture everything.
Your memory will fail you. You will not remember every conversation or the name of every person you meet. Take notes in your smartphone (Jess Pechie sends herself a message) or in a notepad, snap badge photos or record quick voice memos. Include key details and action items in your notes: “Jane Smith, Acme Innovations wants product sample.” Your future self will thank you when it’s time to follow up.

7. Plan extra time for travel.
That booth that’s “just a few minutes away?” In CES terms, that could mean 30 minutes, thanks to crowds and congestion. Build in plenty of buffer time between appointments.

8. Skip the rideshares and the taxis.
Traffic near the convention center is chaotic and frustrating. Take the monorail, CES shuttles or the Boring Company’s underground Tesla tunnel (all free!). You’ll save time and may make it to the next appointment on time.

9. Network your socks off.
CES is one big networking opportunity. This is the time to be bold. Talk to people in line for coffee, at the shuttle stop or waiting for a demo. Ask what they’re excited about or what’s impressed them most. Attend after-hours events, invite new contacts to breakfast and connect with everyone you meet on LinkedIn right away so they remember who you are.

Post-Show Follow-Up

10. Keep the momentum going.
Following up is half the work and often the most valuable part. Attendees and exhibitors are meeting hundreds of people at CES, so reach out while you’re (hopefully) still fresh in their memory. Jess Shein advises to give it a few days (most people travel home over the weekend), then send your follow-ups by the next Monday.

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: Keep detailed notes during the show so you can personalize your outreach: “Great chatting about AI sensors; would love to continue the conversation.” That’s how relationships deepen and how real opportunities happen.

Prepare well, pace yourself, keep your eyes and ears open and stay curious. The debut of the next transformative tech may be a booth or a conversation away.