CES 2026 drew 148,392 attendees, according to independently audited figures released by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), marking a 4% increase in participation year over year.
The audit reflects continued engagement across the global tech ecosystem, with international attendance reaching 55,841 participants – representing 37.6% of the total – from 141 countries, regions and territories. More than 4,100 exhibitors participated across 2.6 million net square feet of exhibit space, including approximately 1,200 startups featured in Eureka Park.
“We’re proud of this growth during a challenging year for the trade show industry,” said Gary Shapiro, executive chair and CEO of CTA. “These results underscore not only the resilience of in-person events, but the unmatched role CES plays in bringing together innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to define what comes next as emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping industries.”
Additional figures from the audit show representation from 307 companies on the Fortune 500 list, alongside 7,037 members of the media, analysts, and content creators. The event also drew 2,162 investors and 189 government officials and policymakers. Conference programming included more than 400 sessions and 1,400 speakers.
CTA’s audit also highlighted attendee composition and areas of interest. Senior-level executives accounted for 52% of attendees. Interest in artificial intelligence, robotics, and marketing and advertising technologies increased compared with the previous year. AI-related participation reached 39,929 attendees, up 22% year over year, while robotics drew 19,605 attendees, a 26% increase. Marketing and advertising participation rose 10% to 13,433 attendees.
“For CMOs and business leaders deciding where to invest their time and resources, credible, independently audited metrics matter,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, president of CTA. “CES is once again the largest audited annual business event, and the audit is a powerful signal that the companies at the forefront of innovation are choosing CES to connect, collaborate, and do business.”
Attendance figures were verified by a third-party auditor and meet standards set by UFI. CTA said the audit is intended to provide transparency and consistency for exhibitors and industry stakeholders.
The next edition of CES is scheduled to return to Las Vegas from January 6–9, 2027.
Learn more at CES.tech.
About CES
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2027 takes place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 17 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech.
