The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has released independently audited figures for CES 2026, showing a 4% year-over-year growth in attendance with 148,392 participants.
“We’re proud of this growth during a challenging year for the trade show industry,” said Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, CTA. “These results underscore not only the resilience of in-person events, but also the unique role CES plays in uniting innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to shape the future as emerging technologies rapidly transform industries.”
Notable attendance and participation figures for 2026 include:
- International reach: 55,841 attendees (37.6%) from 141 countries, regions, and territories, leveraging CES as the premier venue for global market entry and deal-making.
- Exhibitor presence: Over 4,100 exhibitors covering 2.6 million net square feet, including approximately 1,200 startups in Eureka Park, displaying the technology of today and tomorrow.
- Fortune 500 representation: 307 of the 2025 Fortune 500 companies participated.
- Media and analysts: 7,037 media professionals, content creators, and industry analysts reported on innovations throughout the show.
- Investor engagement: 2,162 investors sought the next breakthrough in Eureka Park.
- Government presence: 189 global government leaders and policymakers focused on the intersection of technology and public policy.
- Industry conversations: 400+ conference sessions featuring 1,400+ speakers sparked thought leadership and discussion.
The CES 2026 audit provides insights into attendee demographics and interests. Senior-level executives comprised 52% of participants, with growing enthusiasm for technologies shaping business and society’s future, including:
- Artificial Intelligence: 39,929 attendees (+22% year-over-year) explored AI across the show floor and at CES Foundry.
- Robotics: 19,605 attendees (+26% year-over-year) engaged with automation, humanoid robots, and intelligent systems.
- Marketing & Advertising: 13,433 attendees (+10% year-over-year) generated excitement in C Space.
“For CMOs and business leaders determining where to invest their time and resources, credible, independently audited metrics matter,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “CES remains the largest audited annual business event, and this audit sends a powerful message that leading-edge companies are choosing CES to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation.”
CES attendance figures are independently audited by a third party, meeting and surpassing the standards set by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Independent audits are vital for establishing trust, ensuring data accuracy, and promoting transparency for all stakeholders. CTA recommends that exhibitors request third-party audits for the events they attend.
The CES 2026 Audit Report is available here. CES will return to Las Vegas from January 6–9, 2027.