TL; DR: Exhibiting at CES is not as simple as reserving a space and arriving in Vegas.

First-time CES exhibitors often run into unexpected snags because some behind-the-scenes requirements and nuances are not obvious unless you have trade show experience, especially in Vegas.

Here are 10 things all newcomers need to know for CES 2026:

1. Hotel and Travel Should Be Booked Months in Advance

There are no “last-minute” hotel deals at CES. Rooms go quickly and rates skyrocket as the event gets closer. If you wait until December to book, you will either have to stay off-strip (account for increased travel time) or pay $1,000+ a night for a room. It’s simple math: 142,000 people attended last year’s show. Vegas has a total of approximately 150,000 hotel rooms. That leaves very little wiggle room, especially since attendees are not the only people in town — millions of people visit each month, and tourism doesn’t stop for CES. Even if all 86,000 rooms on the Strip were booked by conference-goers, 56,000 others would still need somewhere to stay. Pro tip: If it’s your first time in Vegas, be prepared for resort fees, which are typically paid at check-in.

2. Badge Pick-Up Can Take Time

Be prepared for long waits at badge pick-up, especially if you’re arriving the day before the show. In 2025, CES offered multiple pick-up locations on and off-strip, including a self-serve option at the airport. Figure out what option works best for you before you get on the plane, and have a backup plan just in case.

3. CES is a Media Show, Not Just a Buyer Show

Many first-timers expect buyers and B2B leads, but CES is heavily media-oriented. That’s a good thing, as long as you are prepared with press kits, media briefings, and someone on hand who knows how to pitch. Media training is also invaluable.

4. Leads Don’t Happen Automatically

Foot traffic doesn’t mean qualified leads. You need a clear pre- and post-show outreach plan, a way to capture contact info, and trained staff who know how to engage (not just recite specs). Moreover, you need to follow up quickly. Don’t wait until six weeks after the show to get in touch. By then, the competition had won them over.

5. The Floor Is Physically and Logistically Brutal

Long days, concrete floors, terrible cell service, and constant noise wear people out fast. Have staff members rotate out, bring backup chargers, and stay hydrated. The need for comfortable shoes cannot be understated. As a women-owned firm, trust us when we say you will regret it if you wear your cutest heels all day.

Download the Ultimate CES Checklist

Planning for CES can be overwhelming, but our checklist makes it easy to stay on track, avoid last-minute stress and ensure your team is ready for the big show. Fill out the form below to download your copy.

6. CES Has Its Own Branding Rules

You cannot just walk in and decorate however you like. CES enforces strict rules on booth design, signage height, giveaway distribution, and display placement. Everything from banner dimensions to sticker use is regulated, and promotions outside your booth space are typically prohibited.

7. Union Labor Rules Are Strict

There are specific union jurisdictions for electrical work, rigging, AV, and even carpet installation. Bringing in your own tools or doing it yourself can lead to fines or having to redo work. Labor must be scheduled through the General Contractor (usually Freeman) and can be more expensive than anticipated, especially for overtime or weekend installs.

8. Wi-Fi and Electricity Are Not Included

Basic utilities like power, internet, and furniture must be ordered separately (ideally before you get to the show and realize you need them). And no, you cannot just use a hotspot. The show floor is usually a Wi-Fi nightmare, and hotspots often fail under congestion.

9. Drayage Fees Add Up Quickly

You pay for moving your materials from the loading dock to your booth, and the charges are typically based on weight. Even if you only have a few boxes, minimums often apply. These costs can add up quickly, particularly if you don’t ship directly to the advanced warehouse or fail to meet deadlines.

Pro tip: Prices can vary depending on the building you are exhibiting in. Make sure your estimates are for the correct location.

10. Deadlines Are Not Flexible

Every service, whether it’s shipping, booth build, AV rental, carpet, internet, or lead retrieval, has early deadlines. Miss them and you pay more or risk not getting what you need.

Having A Strategic Communications Partner is Invaluable

For many companies, CES feels like a whirlwind of moving parts — tight deadlines, complex rules and thousands of competitors all fighting for attention. ARTÉMIA Communications provides the strategic communications, marketing and tradeshow support you need to stand out.

We help exhibitors cut through the noise with focused messaging, intentional engagement and a strategy that turns every conversation into measurable progress. From pre-show public relations to post-show follow-up, we ensure your CES investment drives real visibility, partnerships and growth. If you are planning to exhibit in 2026, schedule an intro call with our startup experts.

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FAQs

Can we design our own booth and bring it ourselves?

Yes, but it must comply with union labor rules and CES guidelines. You will likely need approved vendors for setup, especially for anything involving power, AV, or rigging. Bringing your own team rarely means doing it yourself.

Furniture, electricity, Wi-Fi, lead capture, signage, press kits, staff training, marketing materials, and travel logistics are all critical. Many first-timers underestimate how much coordination is required across these elements.

Yes, you really need a press kit. Reporters will not chase you for information; you need to make it easy with a press kit (digital or physical) that includes product facts, high-res visuals, bios, and contact info.

We recommended having at least 3 people. The days are long, and you’ll need coverage for demos, lead capture, and breaks. If you only send one person, you’ll miss conversations and burn out quickly.

It’s common; the floor is hard on tech. Always bring backups, spare parts, and a way to show your product virtually (video, slides, or simulation). Reporters and investors will not wait while you troubleshoot.

Not unless they support your story. Branded pens or stress balls get ignored. Something useful (chargers, snacks) or tied to your product works better. Even then, it’s secondary to a strong demo and message.

Yes, but only if you treat it strategically. CES is not just about floor space; it’s about storytelling, media, partnerships, and visibility. Without a clear goal and plan, it can quickly become an expensive distraction.

Yes. We offer several levels of trade show support that can be customized to meet your needs.

Let’s talk. Click here to get in touch with our team.