Your Ultimate Checklist for Exhibiting at CES Las Vegas 2026

 CES Las Vegas is not only a trade show, it is one of the best international stages that showcases innovation. Each year, thousands of global brands and startups gather to demonstrate the next iteration of technology, from smart mobility to immersive AI. If you plan to be an exhibitor at CES Las Vegas 2026, planning is everything. 

It is not enough to have a wonderful idea or product; you will be greatly successful based on how well you plan, design, and execute your presence on the show floor. Here is an ultimate checklist to help ensure that you enjoy a seamless, effective, and memorable CES 2026 experience!

1. Define Your Goals Early

Clearly define your purpose. Why are you attending CES Las Vegas? Are you launching a new product, raising brand awareness, meeting with investors, or searching for distributors? The purpose you define will inform many decisions related to booth size, booth design, booth messaging, and your marketing efforts.

Be specific about your goals, and make them measurable. For example, you might set quantifiable goals for 300 qualified visitors, 20 scheduled meetings, or the ability to obtain five media features while at the show. Having a clear definition of your goals will help set your team on a clear path to success and response metrics after the show.

2. Choose the Right Booth Space

At the CES Trade Show, your exhibit visibility can be significantly affected by your location. The most visible locations will always be along the main aisles and near the entrances; if you are near a category pavilion similar to yours (AI, robotics, smart home, for example), you'll see higher foot traffic. It is advisable to reserve your space as early as you are allowed; however, book between 9 to 12 months out to have the best chance of being in a strategic location on the show floor.

3. Design an Impactful Booth

Work with a professional trade show booth design company that understands the CES 2026 standard and audience behavior. Focus on visual wow factor, being interactive, and being comfortable to interact and engage with. Consider bold graphics, clean layouts, AR/VR integrations, and open designs that promote movement and conversation. Remember, your booth shouldn't just look good, it should tell your brand story in seconds.

4. Integrate Technology That Engages

People who attend CES expect peak innovation. Adding technology-driven activations creates a spectacle and shows your ‘forward-thinking’ brand position. You might also consider creating an AR/VR experience to entertain attendees who visit your booth to ‘play’ with your products, or RFID registration kiosks to help you actively capture leads quickly, or screens and/or floor projections on LED walls, which is a great and exciting visual. Not only do these types of activations increase dwell time, but they also generate a memorable booth experience.

5. Plan Your Marketing and Promotion

Avoid waiting until the show starts to start to express your engagement to the community. Start by generating excitement months ahead of time. Announce your participation before the event on your LinkedIn, email newsletters, and press releases. Give them a sneak preview or a teaser video of what you’ll be showing. Set meetings up with your prospects, clients, and media before the show. 

When the show takes place, use hashtags like #CES2026 and #CESLasVegas when posting on social. Afterwards, encourage visitors to tag you and share their experience at your booth. Then, after the show, follow up in a week. Simply sending a quick, personalized message can change a casual conversation into a business opportunity.

6. Prepare Your Team

The staff in your booth are the ambassadors of your brand. You will want to train them well on your products, messaging, and objectives. Their greeting for visitors should be proactive, and when appropriate, ask qualifying questions and capture all leads accurately in a CRM or lead capture app. An informed and well-trained booth staff should be able to provide double the potential conversions than an untrained booth staff.

7. Arrange Logistics Early

Organizing logistics for CES can be complicated, and you will want to coordinate booth shipment before the event and setup on the show floor. Confirm all of the details ahead of due dates, lock in deadlines for shipping, identify electrical and internet needs, create a setup and dismantle schedule, and confirm permits. Consider working with a Vegas exhibit house, which can help with the logistics to make your time easier on and off-site, from your arrival until install.

Sensations Exhibits: Leading Trade Show Booth Builder in Las Vegas for CES 2026

Sensations Exhibits is the best booth builder based in Las Vegas that provides turnkey solutions for CES 2026. You can rely on their team for trade show booth design, build, logistics, and on-site management. Their experts build the most innovative custom, modular, double-decker, and pavilion booths. Visit their website to know more!