I went to CES in both Las Vegas and Chicago (they had both winter and summer shows then) every year from about 1981 through 1990. I design exhibits and used to do a lot of tradeshow booths. We supervised the set up and dismantle. I worked on Sanyo, Fisher, and Samsung, plus many smaller firms too. I saw lots of future tech like CD players and HD televisions before they hit the stores. Lots of fun both in the convention centers and out on the town.
As an employee of Kenwood, then Pioneer, went almost every year from ‘81 to ‘14. First hi-def system from NHK, intro of CDs and DVDs, first smartphones ... all very exciting.
Haven’t gone in 3 years, last thing I followed was 3-D TV with no glasses. Curious how much progress has been made as of today.
Also back in the day a CES badge got you into the Adult Video exhibits at the old Sands hotel. Some very interesting moments there, to say the least.
zig