CES 2026 Dates, Schedule, and What to Watch: A No-Fluff Guide

CES 2026: Dates, Schedule, and What to Watch (Even If You’re Not Attending)

CES is the annual moment when tech companies try to set the agenda for the year—AI, devices, robotics, digital health, automotive tech, and the weird prototypes that sometimes become tomorrow’s mainstream.

Here’s a clean guide to CES 2026: the dates, the rhythm of announcements, and how to follow the biggest reveals without getting overwhelmed.

CES 2026 dates and where it happens

CES 2026 runs January 6–9, 2026 in Las Vegas across major venues (like the LVCC and surrounding expo spaces). If you’re following remotely, these dates are your anchor for major product news.

The typical CES “announcement flow”

Even if the show floor opens Jan 6, the news cycle often starts earlier.

1) Media days and press events

The earliest wave is usually press-focused: teasers, keynote previews, and media-only programming. If you want to be “first,” watch these days.

2) Keynotes and press conferences

This is when headlines happen: chipmakers, consumer brands, automakers, and major platform players.

3) Show floor days

The show floor brings thousands of product demos—some are real launches, others are concept reveals. Great for trend-spotting.

How to follow CES 2026 from home (without doomscrolling)

• Pick 3 categories max (example: AI PCs + robotics + digital health)

• Watch keynote recaps instead of every livestream

• Look for hands-on impressions (they reveal what PR doesn’t)

What to expect: the trends most likely to dominate

CES has been leaning hard into:

• AI everywhere (on-device AI, edge AI, AI assistants built into hardware)

• Robotics and automation (from home helpers to warehouse tech)

• Digital health (wearables, sensors, preventive monitoring)

• Automotive tech (in-cabin experiences + safety systems)

• Display innovation (micro-LED, transparent displays, new form factors)

If you’re attending: 5 practical tips people learn the hard way

• Wear comfortable shoes (you will walk a lot)

• Build a schedule around one anchor venue

• Book hotels early and plan for traffic

• Bring a portable charger and water

• Don’t over-plan: leave room for surprises

FAQs

Is CES open to the public?
CES is primarily for industry attendees, media, and exhibitors, but access rules can vary by badge type.

Where do the biggest announcements show up first?
Usually keynotes/press conferences and trusted tech outlets’ live blogs.

How do I avoid falling for hype?
Look for hands-on impressions, pricing, and shipping timelines—those are the truth tests.

What’s the best time window to follow if I’m busy?
The first two show days usually carry the heaviest headline volume.

What categories are best for long-term blog traffic?
“Explainer” angles (AI PCs, smart home standards, wearable sensors, robot vacuums) tend to age better than rumor posts.