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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one the world’s largest technology trade shows.  It’s a gathering of intelligence, products, and people all wrapped up in one. The best of the best in the electronics industry come to showcase their latest devices in hopes of catching the attention of retail buyers from around the world. And once again, QVC will be there giving you the inside information about tech trends in 2013.

 

The 45th-annual CES will feature a record-breaking amount of exhibit space, with more than 1.87 million net square feet of show floor space and 3,000 exhibitors. My feet already hurt just thinking about it!

 

 

No longer is electronics just thought of as bits and bytes that make your head spin. CES is digital playground for creativity and innovation. In fact, here are the 15 different categories represented: 

 

As you can see from the list, the electronics industry truly touches all aspects of our lives. I almost feel as if I’m living a Star-Trek-on-steroids-meets-Inspector-Gadget-meets-George-Jetson life when I’m at CES!

 

This marks my nineteenth CES visit. Before I came to QVC, I was traveling all over North America and Europe helping to launch new, innovative products and teach consumers how to use them. As I gear up for my third trip with QVC, I'm very excited because I’m traveling with a “major player." What do I mean by that? When QVC’s team of buyers walk into a booth or meeting hall, the big boys in the industry open their doors with a huge welcome and sit up a bit taller. 

 

Why is that, you ask? Well, it could be the volume of products we sell…or the fact that QVC is in 98-million homes. I think the real reason is that at QVC, we can deliver their product’s message in a way that no one else can. After all, QVC is so much more than items on a shelf. We teach technology, answer questions, and bring in experts to help you understand where and how these electronics fit into your lifestyle. We show exactly what an item does or how it works while we're live on air. That’s what separates QVC from everyone else; I’m so proud to be a part of this team.

 

After my five-hour flight to Vegas, I was welcomed into a line of people standing, sitting, texting, talking, and some even sleeping on the floor. After standing in line for an hour to get a car, I headed straight to CES registration to pick up my badge and color-coded show map. Yes, a map! This year, all of the local convention halls and casino ballrooms are being utilized. 

 

After re-reading this blog back to myself, I almost went into a panic when I thought about trying to digest all 15 of the CES categories this year. Seriously, my brain was throbbing  because I knew we only had a week, and I couldn’t figure out how to make it all fit in!! SIGH…ok, breathe….I’m better. I could hear Scarlett’s voice in the back of my mind, “Honestly, Albany, don’t get uptight, just eat the elephant one bite at a time.” 

 

So I went back to my Facebook page and re-read many of your questions and comments.  I then placed them in categories, focused on the "p's," and came up with a condensed list of topics for us to start with. Sound good? Here it is:

 

As we move through the week, I’ll send you updates on these topics. I’m now off to the Sony booth, the entire team is meeting up there for a press event. 

Talk to you tomorrow…