The International Consumer Electronics Show is one of my favorite conferences to attend and one of the most grueling.
I love seeing  all of the new gadgets and connecting with the people behind the most innovative technology.

This was my second year at the annual juggernaut.   Not only did I need to plan out my travel and agenda, but I had to prepare for the inevitable aches and pains that come along with covering 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space with 153,000 of my closest friends.

Some stuff I brought with me, others I purchased on site.

Here are 20 things you should have available in order to survive CES.

1. Bring plenty of business cards. I know, I know. Everyone at this conference is highly connected and wired, however, the wifi and cell connections at this monstrous convention can be slow to
non-existend.  I ordered Meet-Meme cards just for the conference.

2. Gum. Or something to keep your breath fresh through out the day.

3. Smartphone. Laptops and tablets are great, but after miles of walking even the lightest tablet can add weight to your bag.

4. Charge. Bring back up batteries, and don’t forget to bring the charger for each gadget you pack.

5. Coffee. I bought this three pack of Starbucks’ Via at the airport. While there will be coffee in most hotels. You might need a boost to make it through the parties.

6. Lip moisturizer. Las Vegas is dry. Keeping some lip balm handy is a must. C.O. Bigelow is one of my favorites.

7. Hand sanitizer. For all of the handshaking.   Hugs are a good (and welcomed) alternative.

8. 5hr Energy. If you’re going to be in Las Vegas for more than 3 days, you might want to invest in one or two of these.

9. Sunglasses.  Not only to protect your eyes from the bright NV sun, but to hide the zombie eyes when you venture downstairs to breakfast.   I’ve gotten a lot of miles out of my Maui Jims

10. Saline Nasal Spray. For the airplane ride and to fight off the dreaded conference bug. aka “nerd flu.”

11. Vitamin B.  Another way to keep energy levels stable.

12. SD Cards. Back up for your digital camera

13. Dayquill.  Just in case you catch “nerd flu”

14. Water. Stay hydrated. No matter how fit you are, your muscles will ache from all of the
walking and standing.

15. Cough Drops. Doubles as a breath freshener and helps if you start to contract the aforementioned ”nerd flu”

16. Oh my aching feet. Aleve will help reduce the swelling and soreness.

Not pictured in the above:

17.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Ladies, you can start with a comfortable wedge, then a sneaker, by the final day you’ll probably be in flip flops. (note:  Dont’ start with flip flops)

18.   Don’t skip meals.  If your hotel has a restaurant.  Have breakfast before you leave for the day.   There is plenty of food at the convention center, but the lines can be very long and the food is pretty pricey for what you get.   The patio grill outside of the Hilton had some pretty good burgers.  (Stay away from cheese)

19.  Take the Monorail.   With stops at both the Las Vegas Hilton and the Convention Center, The Monorail is the most affordable way to get to and from the convention center.   Try to stay away from peak times.  Either depart earlier or later than the crowd.

20.  Find a hot tub.  I was so fortunate that my hotel had a hot tub.   Relax for a moment and then get back to CES!

Full disclosure.  none of these links are affiliate links,  just me playing around with Pinterest.   I use the term “nerd” with the utmost affection and affiliation.  Oh, and I did get a massage after I returned home.

I hope to see you at CES 2013!

I completely geeked out in this booth.  Admittedly I was first attracted to the purse charging the cell phone, but when I saw the board room table with the charging pads, the light went on.   This is amazing technology for event and conference professionals.

Here’s their info:

Fulton Innovation,the leader in wireless power, is taking wireless technology to the next level by increasing spatial freedom with interoperability that enables a device to be moved around both on and above a surface while maintaining efficient and continuous charge.

The ability to wirelessly charge through a metal surface is another industry first that Fulton demonstrated during CES.

Fulton has developed an advanced wireless power solution that can be built into almost any surface, including packaging and publications.

At CES, Fulton demonstrated a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly powered by its eCoupled intelligent wireless power technology. The magazine will light up on the shelf using wirelessly powered printed electronics –a low‐powered, low cost, truly flexible example of wireless power in action.  The prototype demonstrates how wireless power can be used by publishers and advertisers to attract readers’ attention, and drive new revenue streams.

I was particularly impressed by the wirelessly charged board room table. Just imagine a conference center or hotel venue where all of your attendees can charge their devices while sitting at their conference table.

Learn more about Fulton Innovation and eCoupled Technology
A subsidiary of Alticor Corporation, Fulton Innovation is dedicated to commercializing new and
innovative technologies that improve the way we live, work, and play. Fulton is working with a wide
range of industry‐leading companies to integrate wireless power technology into infrastructure and
electronic devices to enable consumers to live a truly wireless life. http://fultoninnovation.com/

Where do you see this technology headed for event and conference professionals?

In the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, OPEN Forum Crash Course allowed visiters to earn free treats from Baked by Melissa and Popcorn Palace. The treats were creatively placed in true food truck style.

From Facebook Marketing to The Art of Hiring, OPEN Forum Crash Courses are trivia-based learning experiences designed to help you focus on the information you need to help you grow your business.

I did take the crash course.  I looked at my score and chose the  mini cupcakes.

More of my favorite booths and gadgets from #CES to come.

At the 2012 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV, attendees will now be able to use Google Maps on their Android devices to help them find their way in the sea of exhibitors and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, select resorts and casinos along the Las Vegas strip, as well as the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport.

Since November of last year, consumers been able to use Google Maps in select places to get detailed floor plans and indoor location information within a few meters, as well as an accurate floor level location. Today, Google expanded the list of places with indoor maps by partnering with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and others, to provide indoor maps for Caesars Palace, Bellagio, The Venetian, The Palazzo, MGM Grand and many more.

And for those of you who catch gadget-fever with CES in town, Google has partnered with a number of Best Buy stores in the Las Vegas area.

Starting today, Google is also releasing some of the first floor plans in Google Maps that were uploaded through the Google Maps Floor Plans tool. From malls to convention centers, museums and educational institutions from California to New York you will now be able to see these floor plans in Google Maps for Android.

The 2012 International CES® opened its doors today featuring a record number of exhibitors, more than 3,100 companies on a show floor that will exceed 1.85 million net square feet of exhibit space. Pre-show media events with innovative product launches kicked off the 2012 CES, with cutting-edge products including ultrabooks, voice and gesture-based technologies, smartphones and OLED TVs. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, opens today and runs through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 2012 CES show floor covers 1.851 million net square feet of exhibit space – more than 37 football fields filled with consumer technology innovation. The 2011 CES featured 2,865 exhibitors across 1.65 million net square feet.

You may not come close to 1.851 million net square feet of exhibit space, but I can see Google Maps Floor Plans becoming a major tool for event and conference professionals.

I’m hoping to be a lot less lost during this year’s CES.

 Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, LL Cool J, and yes, Snookie  are just a few of the celebrity guests who will promote the latest tech trends at the world’s largest technology Tradeshow.  

Hollywood stars, sports legends, musical icons and entertainers will attend the 2012 International CES® to showcase and promote the innovative products and technologies shaping consumer technology. The 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, is scheduled January 10-13, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Actress Eliza Dushku will represent the Entertainment Matters at CES program as the Entertainment Matters Ambassador. Back for its second year, the Entertainment Matters program is designed by and for Hollywood’s film, television and digital communities.

As part of her ambassadorship, Dushku will contribute to Spike TV’s “CES All Access Live” broadcast coverage from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, and she will also host the network’s exclusive VIP CES party that evening at Tryst Nightclub in the Wynn Las Vegas. Dushku rose to fame with her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff series Angel. She is also known for her starring role in the network series, Tru Calling and Dollhouse, as well as roles in True Lies, Bring it On, This Boy’s Life, Wrong Turn and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Jillian Michaels, inspirational television personality and fitness guru, will highlight the marriage of tech and fitness at the CES TechZone FitnessTech. From 10:30-11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, Michaels will discuss the impact of digital innovation and her recent partnership with BodyMedia, an on-body monitor company, in N256, North Hall. She will also be available for interviews on Tuesday upon request.

Acclaimed rapper 50 Cent will sign autographs from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January 12 for his new audio company, SMS Audio, which combines technology, function and style to bring the highest caliber of sound, comfort and fashion to every product, at their booth (LVCC, South Hall, #20818). He’ll also be on hand to discuss his new line of wireless headphones with the editors of TechCrunch at the AOL Studio (LVCC, Grand Lobby) on Wednesday, January 11 from 12-12:30 p.m. He is also scheduled to interview with CNET at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11.

Grammy-nominated platinum pop megastar, Justin Bieber, will be appearing with TOSY Robotics at this year’s CES. Justin Bieber is helping TOSY unveil their new innovative entertainment robot at the their booth which is located in the Robotics TechZone of the LVCC South Hall ground level (#21964, 21968, 22064, 22066 and 22068) on Wednesday, January 11 from 1-3 p.m.

Dennis Rodman, NBA Hall of Fame player, will be at the 2012 CES representing Paltalk, a service that allows users to explore the online world of chat sites with community chat rooms and cool webcam technology that lets you see and be seen. Dennis will make an appearance at Paltalk’s booth (LVCC, South Hall, #26915) from 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12.

Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, will walk the CES show floor from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10. Teresa competed in the 2011 Miss America pageant as Miss Nebraska. The Miss America 2012 pageant is scheduled January 14 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be televised on ABC.

Haier America will host NBA legends Robert Horry and John Salley, and celebrity chef Allison Fishman. Seven-time NBA Champion and current sports commentator Robert Horry will make an appearance at Haier’s booth (LVCC, Central Hall, #9826) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10. Horry is one of only two players to have won NBA championships with three different teams. John Salley, the first NBA player to win four championships with three different teams, will make an appearance at the booth from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11. Allison Fishman, cookbook author and creator of The Wooden Spoon cooking school, will give a cooking demo and make daily appearances at Haier’s booth from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on both Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January 12.

Star of the hit CBS drama NCIS: LOS ANGELES, LL COOL J will introduce exciting new technology from Boomdizzle on the CNET stage (LVCC, South Hall Lobby) on Tuesday, January 10 at approximately 2 p.m. In addition, LL COOL J will make a public appearance at the Dolby Booth (Central Hall – #8153) on Tuesday, January 10th at 4 p.m. to demo a track he created using Boomdizzle, playing it back on a Dolby technology-enabled laptop to a full home-theater surround sound system.

Television actor Greg Grunberg, best known for his starring role on the NBC television series Heroes, andEmmy winner and Grammy nominated actor, singer, Wayne Brady, known for his work as a regular on the American version of comedy television series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, will join OnStar for their Tweet House sessions, the official social media track for CES, on Wednesday, January 11 from 1-5 p.m. in N254, North Hall. Greg and Wayne will also attend OnStar’s “It Won’t Stay in Vegas” party on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Stirling Club.

Zeikos USA, Inc.’s trademark iHip will introduce an all star lineup at CES, including Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, best known for her role on the most talked about reality TV show Jersey Shore, Former NFL linebacker Carl Banks and urban music pioneer Jose “Hyde” Cotto.

Snooki will make a guest appearance and sign autographs at iHip’s booth (LVCC, South Hall, #21920) from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10 and will also host iHip’s new line and 2012 collaboration celebration on Tuesday evening from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at the Gallery at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Carl Banks, New York Giants legend and Superbowl champion, will make an appearance at iHip’s celebration on Tuesday evening and will launch his new NFL line at iHip’s booth on Wednesday, January 11. Jose “Hyde” Cotto, along with Mas Flow, “El Verdadero Quimico,” Luny Tunes and DJ Nelson will perform at iHip’s celebration on Tuesday evening and will be signing autographs at the booth on Thursday, January 12.

Panasonic will host Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s second annual Directors’ Panel. This year’s panel discussion will kick off the 50th anniversary of MGM’s James Bond on Tuesday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Panasonic’s booth (LVCC, Central Hall, #9806). Critically acclaimed directors John Glen (For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights, License to Kill), Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) and Michael Apted (The World Is Not Enough) will take a look back at the legacy of the iconic character and have a candid discussion about how technology has changed their approach to filmmaking. Additionally, former Bond girls Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) and Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) will be on hand for a special presentation that will include props from the legendary film franchise.

Jabbawockeez, the all-male, hip-hop dance crew best known for winning season one of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” and headliner at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, making them the first and only dance crew to headline their own show in Las Vegas will perform at CES, opening Qualcomm’s keynote address, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10 in the Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom.

Monster, Inc. will host their annual Retailer Awards and Concert, featuring real music from the legendary Chicago, on Wednesday, January 11 at the Paris Hotel. Awards will begin at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Jamie Michelle, one of southern California’s most requested models, will be at CES representing automotive audio company Powerbass USA, Inc. Michelle has been modeling for the past nine years for online and commercial print work, calendars and swimsuit fashion shows, and has worked with famous photographers such as Ladi Van Jansky and Mike Prado. She will be in the Powerbass booth (LVCC, North Hall, #920) from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, and 1:30-4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11.

Alistair Overeem, three-time World Champion Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and winner of the recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight bout, will battle against Qualcomm executives and media in mobile MMA fight games, including “Fight Game Heroes” at Qualcomm’s booth (LVCC, South Hall, #30313) at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11 and 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 12. Overeem will be available for interviews and autographs following the in-booth battles.

Jordan Rudess, recording artist, composer, producer and performer, will be representing iConnectivity at CES, demonstrating software applications from Wizdom Music including their innovative Sample Wiz and Geo Synth applications, and connecting his iPad to his musical gear with iConnectMIDI, the ultimate MIDI interface. Rudess will make appearances at iConnectivity’s booth (LVCC, North Hall, #3922) at 11 a.m., 2 p.m and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11and Thursday, January 12, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, January 13.

A band comprised of top Australian musicians including drummer Andy Fisenden, bass, guitarist and vocalist Simon Fisenden and monster bass player Dane Alderton will be playing at Audiofly’s booth ( LVCC, South Hall, #26728) at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. World renowned graffiti artist “The Yok” will also be at the booth throughout the show creating some of his artwork.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online: www.CE.org and www.DeclareInnovation.com. Follow CES at www.CESweb.org