CES 2025 is just around the corner, and what better way to dive into the upcoming event than with Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation and Trends and resident futurist at the Consumer Technology Association? In this special episode of On Location, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian about what we can expect from this year’s CES, how it continues to shape the tech world, and what it means for all of us navigating a Hybrid Analog Digital Society.

Setting the Tone for the Year in Tech

As Brian pointed out, CES is not just an event—it’s the launchpad for the year’s tech trends. Taking place January 7-10 in Las Vegas, CES 2025 will be a massive showcase of innovation across countless industries, from artificial intelligence to mobility, digital health, energy solutions, and beyond.

This year’s theme, "Dive In," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event. It's not just about experiencing the surface level of emerging technologies but about going deeper—exploring how these advancements interact, converge, and shape our everyday lives. Whether you're an executive closing deals, a media professional discovering cutting-edge innovations, or a curious onlooker reading from afar, CES offers an opportunity to explore the tech-driven future.

Human-Centric Innovation at Its Core

CES has evolved from a purely consumer electronics show to something much broader. While enterprise solutions now account for nearly 40% of its exhibitors, the focus remains on human-centric innovation. As Brian aptly said, "Humans are not just consumers; they are patients, workers, collaborators, and creators." The technologies at CES aim to enhance our lives in all these roles.

Digital health is a prime example of this shift. This year, exhibitors in this category are moving to the Venetian campus alongside smart home, lifestyle tech, and accessibility solutions, highlighting how these technologies are converging to improve health, wellness, and longevity. From wearables that connect to your smart home to smart mirrors that monitor your mood, CES demonstrates how personalized, data-driven ecosystems can redefine daily living.

The Evolution of Innovation

Brian and I also discussed the nature of innovation, which he breaks down into two categories: evolutionary and revolutionary. CES showcases both. Evolutionary innovation involves incremental advances, like smarter AI chips in TVs that turn entertainment devices into command centers for your smart home or even tools for telehealth. Revolutionary innovation, on the other hand, includes breakthroughs like nuclear fusion and generative AI—transformations that redefine industries overnight.

This year, startups are expected to bring some of the most exciting stories. The Eureka Park pavilion will spotlight companies like Standard Energy, which is developing vanadium ion battery tiles for home energy storage, and Senergetics, which uses AI to predict and prevent corrosion in power plant pipes. Another standout is Glidance, an autonomous guide robot for individuals with low vision, showcasing how innovation can serve diverse needs and create new opportunities for accessibility.

A Convergence of Ideas and Opportunities

At its heart, CES is about connection—not just connecting devices but connecting people and ideas. It’s a place where startups meet industry giants, partnerships are forged, and new possibilities are imagined. As Brian highlighted, the show serves as both a showcase and a platform for collaboration, where the seeds of future innovations are planted.

Wrapping It Up

CES 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s a glimpse into the future of our coexistence with technology. As we prepare to dive into the event, one thing is clear: technology is no longer something we simply use. It’s a part of who we are and how we live.

I’ll leave you with this thought: CES isn’t just about what’s next; it’s about how we can work together to make what’s next even better.

Mark your calendars for January 7-10, and stay tuned for more conversations as Sean Martin and I bring you the latest stories On Location.

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