The media is now reflecting on the CES Show. It is over for 2008.
As I have been reading the various media posts, this one struck home.
I have been involved in the industry for 25 years. The topic of fact to face is not new, yet in today’s world it is so relevant.
Nothing can replace it.
Michelle Kessler from USA Today has said it perfectly in this blurb from her blog in today’s paper.
For a big electronics show, CES seems analog
As the big Consumer Electronics Show starts winding down, you can’t help but ponder how analog the event seems. Tens of thousands of people from around the world board airplanes and stuff themselves into overcrowded Las Vegas hotels, just so they can meet with colleagues. It’s expensive and inconvenient. Should there be a better way? Cisco Systems and Hewlett-Packard sell high-tech “telepresence” systems designed to fix this problem. But they’re really just fancy video conferencing set-ups. Today, there’s just no substitute for a face-to-face chat over wine and food on a stick.
If the walls could talk, how many chance meetings were there where a business deal was struck? Or it could be the beginning of a new business relationship?
There were plenty of perfect opportunities to meet and greet folks – from the lines to get a taxi, to the show floor and then on to the multiple parties – opportunity was all around the attendee.
Speaking of opportunities – what new ideas for products and services were born at CES? This reminds me of what Donny Deutsch says as he opens his show – how there are opportunities in the air all around us at all times.
With that much energy at the show, I am sure we will hear in future how this “must have” product or service was a creation from being at CES?
Congratulations to CES – for bring us a great show! Now to hear all the stories from it and how it has transformed the business landscape.
Until next time…
Joyce McKee
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