The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) will require CES 2022 attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 jabs at the January show next year.
After a year off from in-person events, CES returns to Las Vegas from Jan. 5-8 to host presentations of new products and technologies. But you'll need a valid vaccination card to enter.
"Based on today's science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19," CTA President and CEO Gary Shapiro said in a statement. "We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas."
The organization may also accept proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative requirement, and will share more details later. Anyone who wishes to attend should keep an eye out for additional or modified protocols, based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as the trade show nears. There is no word on whether masks and social distancing will be required by January.
Next year's show, according to CTA, aims to highlight advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and computing, digital health, transportation, home entertainment, and smart homes, as well as new categories like space, food, and NFTs. Amazon, AMD, AT&T, Daimler, Google, Hyundai, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, LG, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony are all expected to be there. Those who can't (or don't want to) travel to Las Vegas in January can instead tune in to the Consumer Technology Association's digital event, which will run in parallel with the in-person program.