Microsoft Pulls In-Person CES 2022 Presence

Major Tech Companies Re-evaluate CES 2022 Attendance

GM, Google, Lenovo, Intel, T-Mobile, AT&T, Meta, Twitter, Amazon, TikTok, Pinterest, and now Microsoft. The latter software corporation has recently joined the growing list of prominent organizations announcing their withdrawal from in-person attendance at CES, which is scheduled to begin in under two weeks.

Microsoft Cites Employee Health Concerns

According to a statement released to TechCrunch, “The health and well-being of our employees remains our foremost concern.” Microsoft has determined, following a review of current data regarding the evolving COVID situation, to forgo in-person participation at CES 2022.

The company will proceed with its planned digital presence, utilizing both the Microsoft Partner Innovation Experience and the Automotive Press Kit. These platforms will showcase the latest devices, solutions, and innovations developed by Microsoft’s partners.

CES Attendance Numbers Decline

Initial expectations for CES 2022 suggested a strong return to in-person events after almost two years of virtual-only shows. However, this momentum has diminished in the past week. Rising concerns surrounding the omicron variant, combined with anticipated increases in holiday travel, are contributing factors.

Despite these withdrawals, the CTA, the governing body of CES, maintains its commitment to hosting the physical event as planned.

CTA Responds to Concerns

Following announcements from Google and General Motors, the CTA’s president, Gary Shapiro, provided a statement to TechCrunch.

Previously, the CTA indicated that exhibitor cancellations had only affected approximately 7% of the total exhibitor space. An updated figure has not yet been released, considering the recent departures of several major companies, as well as smaller startups prioritizing caution.