TVs at CESJust about anyone working in the digital industries, or covering it for the media, will be in Las Vegas this week for the Consumer Electronics Show.

CES is a monster of an event, showcasing all that is new in the world of technology, held in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January.

Over the past few years, the focus has largely shifted to technologies that impact on our digital lifestyles. It has become the sort of show that journalists, editors and publishers should attend, to learn more about technological developments that will affect the media.

Unfortunately, I cannot make it this year due to university commitments. Or maybe I should say fortunately, as CES can be a gruelling few days. As a veteran of CES, here are a few tips on how to emerge unscathed at the end of it all.

  • Make a plan: To avoid being overwhelmed by the number of exhibitors at CES, take some time to work out what you want to see. Making a plan and fixing appointments ahead of time will help to get the most out of each day. But leave yourself a hour or two so that you have time to simply wander and discover hidden gems.
  • Travel light: The sheer size of CES can be wear you down, so take everything that you don’t need out of that backpack. Your back will thank you for it. And remember, that during the day, you’re likely to pick up all sorts of press packs, DVDs and mostly useless freebies.
  • Take your time: Leave at least 30 minutes between appointments. This will give you enough time to get from one side of the show to the other, and also factors in some time for late-running meetings. Trying to pack in too much will leave you out of breathe, running from meeting to meeting.
  • Walk outside. Trying to make your way quickly through the vast halls of CES is frustrating due to the crowds, often ambling along dazed and confused. Often the best thing is to step outside and walk in the fresh air. Aside from being faster, you may even catch a spot of Vegas sun.
  • Sustain yourself: Make sure to take some water and some energy bars. Getting food at CES is a pain, due to the long queues at the concessions. There is a press lunch for journalists, but unless you get there early, forgot about it. So grab some food when you can or prepare to go hungry.

If you have other suggestions on how to make the most of CES, please leave a comment. If you are there, good luck.

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