Executive Summary

This year, more than 180,000 tech enthusiasts from 160 countries descended upon Las Vegas for CES 2019, the world’s largest technology exhibition. Over the course of four days, attendees toured more than 2.9 million square feet of exhibit space, demoed products from more than 4,400 companies and heard global technology leaders present their visions of the future in more than 250 conference sessions. While some of the innovations and big ideas were aspirational, others are already transformative. This report provides highlights of the most promising technology trends and explains why marketers should be paying attention.

What was new at CES this year?

Faster computer chips, rollable TV screens and smarter gadgets debuted, but most of the enabling technologies were repeats of 2018. Exhibitors focused on how these technologies—including 5G wireless connectivity, voice assistants, artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT)—are evolving to connect people and technology in life-changing ways.

How will these technologies change the way businesses operate?

In addition to making consumers’ lives easier, many of these same technologies will make businesses more efficient. New tech—including wireless innovations, AI, 5G and the IoT are on the cusp of transforming nearly every industry.

Why should marketers care about all new tech?

At a time when CMOs’ tech budgets are eclipsing those of CIOs, it has never been more important for marketers to understand new technology and its implications. Nearly all of the top innovations at CES can be used in marketing, whether it’s to help brands learn more about their customers, engage audiences, predict campaign outcomes, communicate more effectively, reduce costs or create efficiency.

WHAT’S IN THIS REPORT? This report provides an overview of the top tech-related trends from CES and why they matter for marketers.

KEY STAT: The IoT, AI, robots and augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) were among the most buzzed-about technologies at CES. Many business leaders expect these technologies to play a role in their future success.