THE CONSUMER ELECTROINICS SHOW (CES) which opens this week may be tempered compared to the normal extravaganza that attendees in the past have come to expect.  Some past attendees of the show are beginning to wonder if the whole trade show business has past its prime.  Even through the flurry of press releases and announcements leading up to this years show, many companies launched their products at the end of last year hoping to capture holiday sales.

This year, many large companies have scaled back the size of their booths on the show floor.  Quite a few companies will not have a presance on the show floor, but will have moved into metting rooms off of the show floor or in nearby hotels to focus on customers rather than the general public.  Many companies and trade groups have also scaled back on their social events this year as well.  Compared to the last few years, evening social events are few and far between.

In 2008, 140,000 people attended the show, with 2,700 exhibitors showing their products.  Show representives expect more than 130,000 attendees, which is based on the number who have currently registered.  For attendees, registering was free before October 31st, but those who have not registered will be subject to a $100 entrance fee at the door.  As of today, the Consumer Electronics Association expects the same number of exhibitors on a slightly smaller floor space.