Mercedes, BMW Skip CES 2023 In-Person Event

Major Automakers Withdraw from CES 2022

Two prominent automotive manufacturers have recently announced their withdrawal from the in-person Consumer Electronics Show (CES), leaving less than a week until the event's commencement. Mercedes-Benz confirmed its decision to forgo physical participation yesterday.

Mercedes-Benz Cites Health and Safety Concerns

The company released a statement emphasizing that the well-being of its customers, partners, employees, and attendees is paramount. Due to the large anticipated attendance and varying international regulations, ensuring a completely safe and secure environment for all participants is currently unachievable. Mercedes-Benz expressed regret but deemed the decision necessary.

BMW Shifts to a Fully Digital Presence

Following Mercedes-Benz, BMW also announced a transition to a virtual press conference. The automaker’s announcement was concise, stating that, despite a long history of showcasing innovations at CES in Las Vegas, the current pandemic situation necessitates a fully digital program livestreamed directly from Germany.

Other Companies Announce Changes

Velodyne, a lidar company, issued a comprehensive press release detailing its decision to withdraw earlier this week.

IBM also confirmed its departure from the in-person event, providing a statement to TechCrunch.

Panasonic, originally scheduled to host an in-person press conference on January 4th, has also moved to a virtual event format, limiting its physical presence at the show.

Growing List of Absent Companies

These companies join a substantial list of others, including GM, Google, Microsoft, AMD, OnePlus, MSI, Lenovo, Intel, T-Mobile, AT&T, Meta, Twitter, Amazon, Proctor & Gamble, TikTok, Pinterest, and several major media organizations, including TechCrunch. The increasing concerns surrounding the omicron variant are likely making this decision particularly challenging for startups, which often depend on events like CES for visibility.

A growing number of smaller companies have also communicated their difficult decision to abstain from attending in person.

CTA Remains Committed to In-Person Event

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organization responsible for running CES, continues to uphold its plans for an in-person event. The show is scheduled to begin on January 5th, with media days taking place on January 3rd and 4th.

In a statement released on December 22nd, the CTA affirmed, “CES 2022 will be in person on January 5-8 in Las Vegas with strong safety measures in place, and our digital access is also available for people that don’t wish to, or can’t travel to Las Vegas.” The organization reiterated its commitment to convening the industry and providing a digital experience for those unable to attend physically.

CTA Head Defends Event

On Christmas Day, Gary Shapiro, the head of the CTA, published an op-ed in the Las Vegas Review Journal titled “CES will and must go on in Las Vegas.” The article criticized the media for presenting the situation “only through their lens of drama and big name companies.”