For the very popular Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022), our Acclr team of experts in international trade travelled to Las Vegas, January 5 to 8. A delegation of Quebec companies with ties to the new technology sector also took part in the trade show. Here is a look at our first trade mission of 2022.
A promising event for Quebec companies in the new technology sector
Despite the backdrop of COVID-19, the CES 2022 trade show hosted over 45,000 people on site – in addition to virtual attendance – along with 2,300 exhibitors that specialize in new technology, 800 of them startups. Exhibitors seemed satisfied with their on-site participation and the number of visitors to their booths, because, despite an overall drop in traffic, the CES 2022 trade show was a key chance for Quebec businesses to talk to high-level stakeholders from the new technology ecosystem and explore new international trade opportunities.
Quebec businesses on site included Santor, Alfred and Smartrek as exhibitors, and MedLink and TM4 as participants. Large companies, SMEs and startups from 120 countries were represented at this major event.
High-calibre conferences
CES 2022 was also a great opportunity for participants on site to attend (for free this year) the annual series of conferences on fascinating topics, such as the post-pandemic working world, the democratization of space travel, and advanced technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, games and computing, telemedicine and connected health.
A number of innovations to keep an eye on were addressed during conferences and discussions at CES 2022, such as the metaverse and autonomous transportation.
A successful edition
Through its high visibility and popularity, the CES 2022 trade show shines a light on new trends that will make their mark in the coming years and stimulate business. Major brands like Bosch, Canon, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics and Sony presented important new technologies. The following four innovations were recognized as part of the CES Innovation Awards:
- Game Screen – Samsung Electronics America
- Transparent Vehicle Technology – Continental
- StyleAR, Virtual Try-on Technology for AR-commerce – Deepixel
- Autonomous Box Truck – Gatik
The absence of certain major players on site (including Google, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic) gave the 800 startups a chance for greater visibility. We also had the opportunity to meet fledgling businesses in the Eureka Park section of the show, which featured pavilions from Israel, France (French Tech), the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, the U.S., Belgium, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, the U.K. and Northern Ireland, and Morocco.
The hygiene measures in place made safe networking straightforward. Masks and proof of vaccination were mandatory to access the site. The show also provided two rapid tests to every participant, as well as a PCR test for international visitors. Plus, in the spirit of fun, coloured stickers – with green indicating “I’m okay with handshakes,” yellow for “I’m okay with elbow and fist bumps,” and red for “I’m happy just waving ‘hello’” – were a simple, fun way for visitors to indicate their comfort level with greetings.
Trade shows such as CES 2022 give local businesses a chance to learn more about foreign markets and increase their visibility and know-how, in addition enabling them to meet buyers, business partners, and local and international institutions. They position the province as a leader in its strength sectors, including new technology.
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