My understanding it that you have to identify yourself as an industry professional to get in. However, friendly dealers will sometimes lend you an affiliation to overcome this barrier. From reading show reports, I gather there is usually lots of interesting audio stuff, but you'll have to resist all the other consumer electronics temptations at the show.
you will have more fun going to the show than you will listening to your own stereo systems. the chance to meet and talk to designers and owners of "boutique" audio companies is one reason to attend this show. you may get lucky and hear something you look. you will also find about components you never heard of and be exposed to some of the latest technology. what is there not to like ??
Shows usually have separate days for the trade and the public. If you can attend, I think it's a fun way to spend an afternoon for the reasons noted by Mrtennis. It's great to get a chance to talk to people who know a lot about products and new, emerging technologies and design. There will be few people who are all talk and marketing hype, or who have an attitude that fails to recognize who the real customer is; however there will be an equal number of nice, approachable, knowledgeable people who can provide a lot of valuable information. That fact alone may give you insights into what the better brands might be.
As to whether you can get in, I went to the CES web site and found the following on a FAQ page, which I quote:
"If I have a badge, can I walk right into the show?
"No, each registrant who receives a badge by mail will need to go to a Badge Holder Pickup location to get their official International CES badge holder. Admittance without a badge holder is not permitted. International CES is a trade-only show and is not open to the general public; therefore, we must ensure all attendees are industry affiliates before issuing a badge holder. After the show, CES performs an official attendance audit through an outside auditing firm, and the on-site badge holder pickup process serves as a method for counting attendance. Two forms of identification are required to pick up your badge holder: One personal picture ID such as a driver's license or passport One business ID such as a business card, pay stub or statement on company letterhead indicating that you are representing that company at International CES."
As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have heard that friendly dealers sometimes help non-industry people get in to the show, perhaps with the help of the company letterhead.
I have attended two CES shows, and I never registered nor had to show ID. If you go to the main convention center, it is my understanding that you must have full credentials to attend. If you go to Alexis Park or The Show next door, you will be able to look and hear at your pleasure. By the way, The last two venues have all of equipment that we discuss here everyday.
Gosh, I sure hope someone doesn't go to Kinko's or Office Max and purchase "blank," Avery business cards and print them up as "A+ Audio" or something and be able to get into high end CES exhibits.
That would be terrible!
Imagine audiophiles that love music, going from room to room, visiting designers and hearing music ! Please folks, don't do it!
The Avery business card form is number #8376. Be SURE to not print your real name on the "A+ Audio" business card, otherwise your photo ID (Drivers license) will match.
Guess we won't see you there. Security is SOooooo tight.
By the way, year before last the Microsoft Corp. software engineers were so plentiful around the Clear Audio turntable's in the Musical Surroundings room, no one could get in. I'll bet they were looking for analog to stock their "Audio Store," right?
I attended one year with help from a friendly vendor. The weather was miserable and, silly me, I just didn't want to intrude into places where people spent lots of moolah so they could conduct their busines without a lot of distractions.
I went next door to the San Tropez where T.H.E. Show was in full swing (they actually welcome the public -to the point of giving you free food!). Great high-end AND no guilt!
Yes but the last two venues are likely to have seen their last CES. The exhibits that were at the Alexis Park have been moved to the Venetian where security is likely to be comparable to that at the convention center. (The AP is no more thanks to George Clooney.) In view of that, I do not know where T.H.E. Show will be since proximity to the AP is no longer of value. (Their website says it will be at the San Tropez but ??).
Still, I'd bet you can get in with a little fakery. ;-)
It is not worth it to go to CES, but no for the reasons that you suppose.
I have been to CES once, and that was enough. There seems to be a lot more ego there and a lot less fun. I have been to RMAF twice and would still do that again before going back to Lost Wages for the CES show.
RMAF people are more friendly, and helpful. They know that for the most part they are dealing with hobbiests, not dealers who have to book $50,000 orders.
The main show at CES is waste of time for most people. Static displays, of big $$$ gear, or lots of TV and video. Everyone knows that audiophiles don't care about video!!! Alexis Park and the San Tropez are where the fun stuff is, even though a lot of people never even walk next door to check out THE Show.
Unless you live in Lost Wages, don't waste your time, go to Denver and have a good time. No you won't find every last dealer in Denver. There might be more is Vegas, but companies like Krell were just showing gear, not auditioning it.
Nrchy, the purposes of RMAF and CES are quite different. RMAF is consumer oriented, while CES is for the trade. At CES some high end audio companies choose to have static displays only, although most try to demonstrate. Show conditions being what they are, good sound tends to be the exception, and the same happens at RMAF, in my opinion.
You can cover RMAF in a day or so and not feel as if you've missed much. By comparison, covering CES and THE Show takes much longer, because there are many more companies showing and it's more spread out. Admittedly the significantly lower cost of RMAF and its consumer orientation makes it more attractive to smaller audio companies, including some DIY ones and those selling direct.
I agree RMAF is more relaxed, while CES and THE Show have many more exhibitors and are there for different reasons. Each fills a need. I'll continue to attend both.
by the way, i bet it costs more to attend the rmaf than the ces . why ?? food and lodging and perhaps airfare.
also,if the rmaf is anything like the stereophile shows in ny and california, ces may allow the opportunity to hyear your own music, without being in a room with a lot of people.
i have never had a problem at ces. i find the exhibitors very friendly and accomodating. it depends upon how you handle yourself.
In that case I'm not sure where we disagree. When a person asks "Is it worth it to go to the CES if your not a dealer ? Web cite states that it not for general public Thanks" I don't think it is worth it. If the person were a dealer, I would think they might benefit from attending... You know better than I...
I love the CES. I haven't been to Las Vegas but always attended the summer version in Chicago. It's been years since they stopped the Chicago show and I miss it. The highend show at CES is unequalled. It's the best hifi show on earth.
I am not sure if it's still true but on Sunday morning, the last day, it's open to the public. To attend go to the CES web page and fill out the form. When doing so please remember " What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas". Also remember to bring good shoes and lots of money!
I was considering going this year - especially since I own a company that duplicates thousands of CDs, DVDs and videotapes. Also, for several years I've receieved the CES show brochures with the registration forms enclosed. I finally decided to register, but was appalled at the rates for nearby hotel rooms + the airfares the airlines charge THAT WEEK. (Keep in mind that the cost of cabs and/or daily parking near the convention center can add up to a lot if you chose to stay out of the area.) I have attended the National Association of Broadcasters trade show many times (usually held in early April) and the rates are generally lower - even though it's almost as large a trade show. So given the costs + the time away from my business; I will NOT be going this year.
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