As 2025 approaches, the trade show industry is facing new opportunities and challenges. To gain insight into this industry trend, TSNN spoke with Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), organiser of CES, the largest annual consumer electronics show in the US, which takes place in Las Vegas.
Future Trends in the Trade Show Industry
Shapiro believes the trade show industry will continue to face post-epidemic adjustments in 2025. Despite the desire for face-to-face networking, consolidation in the events industry and scrutiny of business travel have made attendees more cautious in choosing which events to attend. He noted that every event is a vertical platform, and sponsors and exhibitors are looking for real attendee data to justify their investment of time and money. That's why CES conducts independent audits, a process that helps streamline the sales process and provides confidence to exhibitors and sponsors.
Highlights of CES 2025
CES 2025 will bring together the global innovation ecosystem to foster partnerships, deals, job creation and global growth. Shapiro expects the show to attract thousands of exhibitors across top categories such as artificial intelligence, digital health, automotive and mobility. In addition, CES 2025 will introduce new conference themes, including energy transformation and quantum computing, that reflect the future direction of technology development.
CES 2025 will also add a number of new elements to provide attendees with more networking and engagement opportunities. For example, a new Mobility Stage will be set up in the West Exhibit Hall to showcase the future of mobility programming and pave the way for a more sustainable and connected world. In addition, CES will launch the CES Creators Space, a dedicated space in the heart of the central showroom for media and content creators to collaborate and create.
Looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges of 2025
Shapiro is excited about the exciting convergence of innovators, entrepreneurs, media, investors and buyers that CES and the trade show industry can bring together. He sees these events as magic moments when relationships are formed and transformed into partnerships, and as reminders to drive progress, change and business transformation.
As the new administration moves into Washington, D.C. in January, CTA will seek to collaborate, build partnerships, and encourage policymakers to reduce harmful rules and increase innovation.CTA wants to discourage non-security related tariffs that could harm the U.S. economy, including many of its members and exhibitors, and drive up inflation and prices for U.S. consumers.
Overall, the trade show industry in 2025 will continue to find balance in the post-epidemic environment while leveraging technological advances and market trends to drive innovation and growth.CES 2025 serves as the industry's bellwether, showcasing these trends and innovations and providing a platform for global players to network and collaborate.
Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China 