Tech Tales: David at CES
Day 1: First Impressions and Unexpected Delights
The day was finally here. CES 2024 had been on my mind for the majority of the year as I imagined myself venturing into the dry haze of the Las Vegas desert. It all felt rather hypnotic in a way, as a giant room filled with the promising inventions of tomorrow was all packed together while sand and sin mixed outside. As I embarked on my journey from sunny Southern California, driving my car eastward towards the future, my anticipation was palpable.
Arriving at my hotel, a delightful surprise from our friends at HP awaited me – a gift basket that was both thoughtful and timely. With a quick refuel, I was off to the convention center, my strategy for navigating CES now a refined art. I confidently clutched my fresh stack of business cards, ready to pitch my butt off.
My first stop was the 'fancy booths' in the Tech East space. Here, amidst the buzz and excitement, were glimpses into the future: AR products that blurred the lines of reality, a pinball machine that echoed nostalgia, and gaming gadgets that promised endless entertainment. But beyond the glitz, the real heart of innovation lay in the more standard tech offerings - a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that CES is renowned for.
Evening approached with new friendships formed and strategies for the next day discussed. A brief internal debate over a game of blackjack ended in favor of a little fun – a well-deserved respite.
Day 2: The Marvels of MedTech and AI's Promise
With the first light of day came a fresh burst of energy. A younger me wouldn’t have dared face the 9 AM sun and everlasting lights of Las Vegas casinos, but the current me is on a mission. Venturing into the heart of 'Tech East' once more, I found myself in a corridor of wonders. The MedTech section was a revelation – an array of devices that seemed to leap straight out of science fiction. From compact health monitors to advanced diagnostic tools, each innovation was a step towards a future where technology and health seamlessly intertwine. I briefly imagined a future where I could sport a pair of shiny Nike-branded robotic legs that could efficiently whisk my 93-year-old body around CES 2075.
Speaking of utopian (dystopian?) futures, the AI zone was no less impressive. Here, the air buzzed with the potential of everyday objects. A bed equipped with AI promised not only comfort but also health insights, and cleaning devices hinted at a future where chores are less of a burden and more of a seamless part of life. The line between technology and daily living was blurred in the most fascinating ways.
That night the blackjack table beckoned again. Amidst the clatter of chips and the shuffle of cards, I met a fellow enthusiast whose luck turned dramatically for the better. As he amassed winnings, our conversation turned from casual banter to business potentials – a reminder of the unexpected networking opportunities that CES offers. I watched him turn his meager stack of chips into a war chest of riches, and it reminded me of my mission. I looked away from my lonely, short tower of chips to find my stack of business cards, ready to pitch to my newly wealthy friend. But before I could begin, he cashed out a richer man. “Thanks again man! You’re totally my lucky charm. Good luck the rest of the weekend!” I gave him a somewhat sad nod and grin and watched as he skipped away into the night.
“I’ll get him next time…”
Day 3: A Global Kaleidoscope and Unexpected Conversations
The third day of CES dawned with a sense of urgency and excitement. The Venetian Expo beckoned. Today each booth was like a portal to another world, showcasing the technological prowess and cultural uniqueness of various countries. Some of the booths I stopped at showcased some intriguing products such as an estate planning app that timed the release of important documents, and a nervous system regulating device. I considered demoing the latter as a little bit of nervous system regulation may have helped me with my pitches.
As I meandered through the expo, a smartwatch attachment for luxury watches caught my eye. This seemed rather fitting for a place like CES where money, innovation, and hunger fill the expansive expo hall. I watched on the sidelines where I thought I could differentiate easily between the starving young entrepreneurs dreaming and salivating about decking out their future Rolex with the newest gear, and the rich Rolex-wearing moguls shopping for their next toy. My stomach grumbled so I went to get a salad.
Post-lunch I found myself in conversations where I started sharing stories about our services, subtly weaving in their relevance to this diverse audience. It was a dance of words and ideas, of potential partnerships and future collaborations. I started handing out business cards left and right, pitching my spiel to greater and greater effect when eventually it became second nature and beautifully refined. The amount of activity that transpired today led me to turn down the option of another night of potentially crushed hope and dreams at the blackjack table.I took the elevator up, counted my victories, and called it a night.
Day 4: Homeward Bound with Reflections and Regrets
The final day at CES arrived too soon. An early meeting was the only thing on my agenda before my escape from the city of neon lights. I hit the road at the crack of dawn, the desert's chilly embrace a stark contrast to the warm buzz of the convention. As I drove, the early morning light painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a quiet reminder of nature's beauty amidst our technological pursuits.
The drive back to Southern California was a time for reflection. My mind replayed the events of the past few days – the gadgets, the pitches, the near-misses at the blackjack table. "I should've pitched to that guy," I thought, a tinge of regret in my head But the road ahead was clear, and so was my mission. Next year, I vowed, I'd come back with even bigger plans and better pitches.
Final Thoughts: Sustainability and the AI Journey
CES 2024 was a beautiful mess of technological marvels and missed connections. I could have spent an eternity in those halls and in private meetings and I still wouldn’t have met all of my future connections. Additionally, the theme of sustainability that ran through the event resonated with me – a reminder that our technological advancements should walk hand-in-hand with our responsibility to the planet.
And while the AI showcase didn't quite blow my mind, it was a clear signal of a future where AI is not just a buzzword but a tangible, beneficial presence in our lives. I returned home not just with a bag full of swag and a mind buzzing with ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose. The future of tech is bright, and I can't wait to be a part of it.
