The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is just around the corner and around the world tech geeks, and gadget lovers are getting ready to make the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas.
For those who might be new to CES, or to you veterans who are just trying to shake things up, here are some of our best tips for getting the most out of your CES trip.
Tip 1 – Avoid the Nightmare of CES Traffic! How to get around Vegas quick and cheap.
Driving and parking are an absolute nightmare during CES and can seriously cut into your precious time. We highly recommend skipping the rental car and looking into alternative transportation options. Uber, Lfyt, Shuttles and the Las Vegas Monorail are all going to be much quicker and stress-free.
Shuttles – CES offers free shuttle service between the convention center and all official hotels. It’s by far one of the fastest and cheapest options for transportation during the show.
Monorail – The Las Vegas Monorail runs from the Las Vegas convention center and makes stops on the strip at the SLS, Harrah’s & The LINQ, Flamingo & Caesars Palace Stations, Bally’s & Paris Station, and the MGM Grand Station.
During CES, the monorail is offering discounted ride prices that range from $23 for a 24-hour pass to $49 to cover the full seven days that CES takes place. You can purchase your discounted tickets here.
Uber and Lyft – In most cases Uber and Lyft are probably going to be the quickest way to get around town, that being said, it can be a real pain in the ass to catch one from the convention center so you may want just to use them to jump around on the strip or catch a ride to one of the many after-parties that take place throughout town.
Tip 2 – Don’t wear new shoes!
With more than 4,400 exhibiting companies to see, countless after-parties and networking events spread out throughout the Las Vegas Strip, and more than 2.7 million net square feet of exhibit space, you are going to be walking a marathon!
If you are a first-time CES attendee you are going to have to trust us on this one; you are going to be doing more walking in a day than you probably do in an entire week back home, not to mention hours upon hours of standing. Make sure you wear comfortable, well broken-in shoes!
Tip 3 – Bring extra chargers and power packs.
Chances are you are going to run out of power. From searching for CES events and parties on your phone, yo running low from taking one to many pictures, you want to have some backup power on hand and ready to go.
Here’s one for under $30 that will guarantee you have enough power for your tablets and phones.
Tip 4 – Hand Sanitizer, Vitamin C, and Whiskey!
You don’t have to be a hypochondriac, but you should take some health precautions while attending CES. With over 182,000 people, including more than 63,000 from outside the U.S. attending CES during the middle of Flu and Cold season, it’s probably not a bad idea to carry some hand sanitizer and start pounding some Vitamin C!
Tip 5 – Stay Hydrated, especially if you plan on hitting the after hour party scene.
Vegas is a desert, and it doesn’t take much to start feeling run down. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water during the day, and throwing in a glass or two of water between beers at night.
Vegas Cough is a very real thing… Ask your hotel if they can provide a humidifier for your room.
Find the After-Parties Now!
There are hundreds of networking events, seminars, and parties during CES. Don’t wait until the last minute and hope you will find a party, check out our CES party list and plan ahead — some of these events require an RSVP so now is the time to start making your plans.
