Gary Shapiro interview: CES 2022 will be half the usual size, but at least it’s in person

CES 2022 is going to be that rare technology trade show extravaganza where bigger isn’t necessarily better. As it returns to its physical venues in Las Vegas, the biggest tech trade show probably be half the size, with an estimated 1,700 physical exhibitors on the reduced show floor and perhaps half of the 171,268 visitors that showed up at the last physical event in early 2020.

The main show takes place on January 5 to January 8, with press events starting as early as January 3. But even with its reduced size, show host Gary Shapiro is excited the event is coming back as an in-person show after the pandemic-induced all-digital early 2021 show. Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, which hosts CES, spoke with me about the latest plans for the event in an interview.