The International Consumer Electronic Show, took place during the week of January 8-11, 2013, in Las Vegas, NV. In simplicity, it was a blast, a lot of fun, and a world wind of events, from start to finish. You spent your time listening, seeing, observing, meeting, conversing, inquiring, walking, participating, and wowing!! Here, you were viewing products making their first-time public debut; actively getting a chance to feel and use the product; and discussing the innovation with the creator(s), engineers, CEOs, and marketing and public relation representatives. And from an economic emphasis, it offered a chance to learn: 1.) what their customers are teaching them and how that builds a bridge toward improvements and additional applications; 2.) what groups, via other industries, retailers, etc, are approaching them; 3.) the whys' to their method of distribution, favoring either direct sales to end users vs. licensed manufacturers; 4.) the time factor and process for conception to commercializing; 5.) how companies aimed to differentiate themselves from others or market in an environment with such rapidness in innovation; 6.) their industry growth in relations to other industries competing for the same like dollars; 7.) whether they hold the patent or just filed papers; and so on and so on. More importantly, they represent a vision of those thinking beyond the norm, overcoming doubters or those who would have settled for mere established materialistic pathways.
There were those asking of us first timers: were we overwhelmed? and did we have a favorite? In response, it is fair to say the experience was tremendous; there was indeed a lot to take in, and more to see, than time available; but, in part, that is the beauty and necessity of the event; and I'm sure, like many others, there were many moments one had to ask for assistance in finding a booth, offering the unplanned chance to venture around other things. There were numerous opportunities to share some laughter or take on a philosophical discussion unrelated to CES. And of course, Las Vegas in the ideal place to have such an event. The innovation I had a chance to personally cross paths with leaves an impression that words can hardly describe.
Yet, Murphy law was equally at work, as I can personally attest to. Going into my first night, my laptop decided not to recognize my password; and of course, I did not have my recovery disks or any other items; accordingly, when the smoke had all cleared, I spent the entire time without its availability. In addition, some of my early photos are on a disk that is being uncooperative in retrieving them. However, that was for the most part, the downside that put a crimp in the overall strategy of my plan A; though it did not take away from the fantastic conversations and interactions I had with a wide array of people. And if one can articulate a theme, to the International Consumer Electronic Show, of 2013, it might go like this: Technology is at its best when solving or facilitating solutions to problems or aspiring possibilities.
In the upcoming term of time, I will share more specific moments, by way of a series of articles, about the companies and people I met directly with, and their product and technology focus, inclusive of reviews for some products provided to me.
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