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With 2009 now over, exhibitors display contagious gusto and confidence

The 2010 International CES was chock-full of new and exciting technologies and products, but it also covered the industry with a blanket of optimism as the show floor was abuzz with hope and vigor. Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro spoke of that optimism during his keynote address, saying, “2009 was the most challenging year of our lives”, but followed that up by saying that “we've come back from the brink” and that “innovation will continue to drive the CE industry's future successes.”

Early numbers coming in on the event, which ran from Jan. 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, show that attendance was up year-over-year. CES attendance was calculated at more than 120,000, which was up from 98,495 for the first two days at the 2009 event. The event also attracted 330 new exhibitors.

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer kicked off this year's keynote sessions with an upbeat take on how his company plans to not only extend its reach in the home entertainment market, but transform the sector as well. “From the largest screen on the wall to the smallest screens in people's pockets, we are delivering the entertainment people want”, Ballmer said.

As in years past, the 2010 International CES showcased technology that will shape the future of consumer electronics, including wireless, 3-D HDTV, advances in OLED, green technologies, Internet TV, mobile DTV and digital entertainment. Gaming also played a starring role this year.

In case you missed this year's CES or just need a refresher, CEA SmartBrief has put together this wrap-up special report.

And while some of us just home from CES have feet still feeling the effects of what it takes to experience CES at its fullest, CEA is already gearing up for the 2011 International CES, which will be held Jan. 6 to 9 in Las Vegas.

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