If you’ve been to CES before, you already know it’s not just a tech show — it’s a full takeover. For one week every January, Vegas turns into the center of the universe for startups, media, marketers, and every company with a gadget to show off. The convention centers are packed, the Strip is jammed, and if you’re new here, it can be a little overwhelming. But here’s the truth — the best part of CES isn’t always on the show floor. The real stuff happens after hours, in the lounges, rooftop bars, and pop-up parties all over town.
The CES Parties and Networking Scene
If you’re not hitting at least a few CES parties, you’re missing half the point of being here. This is where the deals get made, the partnerships start, and you run into people you’ll never meet during the day. The whole city basically turns into a massive mixer. There are the big brand blowouts — Google, Intel, Samsung, Meta — all throwing invite-only events that look like mini Coachellas. Then there are the hundreds of smaller ones: rooftop networking mixers, startup meetups, and open-bar gatherings where everyone’s pretending to “talk shop” but really just unwinding after twelve hours on their feet.
If you want the full breakdown, check out the CES Party List I keep updated every year:
CES Party List – NetworkinVegas.com
That’s where you’ll find what’s happening each night, who’s throwing what, and how to get in. Bookmark it — seriously — because things change fast. A lot of the best parties aren’t even announced until the week of the show.
Where to Eat and Drink (Without Getting Ripped Off)
Here’s something first-timers always screw up: they eat like tourists. You don’t need to drop $200 every night to get a good meal. Vegas is full of solid local spots that beat the Strip restaurants in both quality and price.
If you want a legit steakhouse that doesn’t feel corporate, hit Herbs & Rye. Great drinks, good prices, and it’s where a lot of locals go after service industry shifts. For something quicker, Tacos El Gordo is still a go-to — messy, fast, and worth every bit of the line. If you’re near Downtown, Evel Pie or Carson Kitchen are always safe bets. And if you’re around the Convention Center or Resorts World, their food courts actually have solid options — not the usual fried mall junk.
And yeah, drink-wise, it’s CES. You’ll find open bars at almost every event, but if you want to actually have a conversation without shouting over a DJ, check out The Legacy Club on top of Circa or Skyfall Lounge at Delano. Chill atmosphere, killer views, and you might actually make a connection that matters.
Taking a Break from the Madness
At some point, you’re going to need to step away from the chaos. CES runs long days, and sensory overload is real. A quick reset can make all the difference.
If you’ve got a car or a friend with one, drive out to Red Rock Canyon. It’s about 25 minutes from the Strip, quiet, and a total reset for your brain. Even a short hike or just pulling over to take in the view does the trick. If you’re staying Downtown, walk Fremont East — totally different vibe, tons of small bars, street art, and people watching that’s way more interesting than another corporate mixer. If you are looking for some more outdoor adventures and to explore our one-of-a-kind desert scenery, check out Best Outdoor Adventures Near Las Vegas: A Local’s Perspective.
And don’t sleep on the classic Vegas escape: a late breakfast the next morning. Most of the city’s best diners are half-empty during CES because everyone’s hungover or in sessions. Grab a booth, get coffee, and regroup.
Pop-Ups, Demos, and Random Weirdness
CES brings out the wildest stuff you’ll ever see in one week. Companies go all-in on marketing stunts and pop-up experiences. You’ll see robots handing out coffee, concept cars parked in random hotel lobbies, and “exclusive” demo lounges that are basically just Instagram traps with free drinks.
Some of the best finds aren’t even listed anywhere — they just appear. You’ll walk into a random suite at The Venetian and find a startup showing off something insane like a self-flying camera drone or an AI bartender. My advice: leave gaps in your schedule. The people who get the most out of CES are the ones who wander.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s be real — getting around CES can be a nightmare if you don’t plan for it. Rideshares surge, cabs disappear, and traffic around the Convention Center turns into a parking lot by mid-morning. The monorail is actually your best bet between the Strip and the main show venues, and if you’re staying near Resorts World, you can walk or use the Vegas Loop underground tunnels to skip the chaos.
Before you start fighting traffic, check out my full guide here:
Getting Around During CES – Avoid the Nightmare Traffic
It’s got everything you need — maps, insider tips, parking details, and a few tricks that’ll save you hours of frustration.
Don’t Get Fucked over by Too Many Plans!
Vegas during CES is wild, exhausting, and worth every bit of it. Just don’t try to do everything — focus on the people, the parties, and the moments you can’t plan for. That’s where the good stuff happens.
