CES 2021 wraps up first-ever digital event

ARLINGTON, Va.—The first-ever all-digital CES 2021 made history as the largest digital tech event with approximately 2,000 companies taking part in the global virtual expo.

Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the all-digital CES 2021 featured product launches from startups to tech giants and security companies, keynotes from global industry leaders and more than 100 hours of conference programming covering topics such as privacy, the future of AI and health care, autonomous transportation, trends in retail and tech policy.

“The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry. From the latest innovations for the home and entertainment, and advances in 5G, vehicle technology, AI and digital health, the technologies at CES 2021 will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Nearly 2,000 companies launched products during the all-digital CES 2021, including almost 700 startups from 37 countries. “The industry came together digitally at CES 2021. This was a medium for companies to make announcements, launch products and connect with their audiences,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “The all-digital format brought new voices to the tech conversation.”  

Keynote Announcements

• Verizon: Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon, demonstrated the immersive 5G experience across sports, education, connected communities and live music, and announced partnerships with the NFL, UPS, Live Nation Clubs and Theaters, The Met and the Smithsonian.
• General Motors: Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), launched new product lines from GM, including the Cadillac eVTOL, a concept air taxi; and a new business unit devoted to electrifying the goods delivery market.
• AMD: Dr. Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, revealed the new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors with two categories – the H-series, for laptops intended for gaming and content creation and the U-series, for ultraportable notebooks.
• Best Buy: Corie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, shared how the company shifted during the pandemic and put the customer in control of buying, whether from home, curbside or in person.
• Future Reimagined: Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, predicted tech trends they expect to see over the next decade.
• Walmart: Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, discussed ways 5G, AI and robotics will change the business; how Walmart pivoted to keep employees healthy and customers satisfied; and the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Microsoft: Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, gave his vision on ensuring cyber security and customer privacy protection, and discussed the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise our conscience.

Key Themes at CES 2021

• The all-digital CES 2021 featured new technology that will improve our world, from health to safety, sustainability and accessibility.
• Tech Innovation Accelerated by COVID-19.
• Tech companies innovated during the pandemic, with companies at CES 2021 featuring smart masks, disinfecting robots, body sensors that detect COVID-19 symptoms and smart air filtration systems.
• Consumer Privacy and Trust.
• The heads of privacy at Amazon, Google and Twitter discussed new privacy regulations and the need to increase consumer trust, stating that tech companies must give users more control over their data.

Diversity Commitment

CTA continued its commitment to driving diversity in tech with its latest investment, announcing an investment in VC fund Plum Alley. This is part of its $10 million commitment to venture firms and funds that invest in women, people of color and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. Plum Alley invests in founding teams of women, and women and men and has an impressive representation of women founders from many backgrounds and ethnic groups in the STEM fields including Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who recently won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. CTA announced its $10 million funding commitment on stage at CES 2019.

Content can be accessed on demand through Feb. 15, 2021. CES 2022 will take place in person in Las Vegas, and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022.