This was my first time at CES and much like my first time at E3 last year I was working for both Scarlet Rhapsody and CtrlAltKill. While double duty can be tiring I still find it fun. Both organizations look at the event in different ways. CtrlAltKill is more focused on gaming and how tech can add to the gaming experience. While with Scarlet Rhapsody I get to talk about CES on a personal level. This allows me to look at products with a more consumer centric view rather than a gamer view.
One thing that I love about CES is how they treat the press with respect. I have been to several events (industry and fan) where press received very little respect. I am not just talking about swag or freebies, I am talking about how the staff talks to you, how they approach you, and how they act like you matter. Many events never contact me about events or help me when I need something, CES was there for me and as they gave me respect so I gave them respect.
Another aspect of this event that I love is how easy it is to get to the convention center. Not only do you have the option of taking the shuttle buses (which was very reliable) but you can also take the monorail directly to the convention center. Also, there are a couple hotels that are in walking distance of the event. This setup makes going to and from the event easy and also gives you easy access to the multitude of eateries available in Las Vegas. I wish more events were in such convenient locations.
While I was impressed with CES, there were some things that left me not as happy. The first was the Mashable Awards. I am not happy with the false advertising that led me to believe that they were part of the CES lineup. However, the rude staff member, whom I was told was a leading member of the organization is what really bothered me. He did not even attempt to give an apology for the misunderstanding. He basically called Victoria and me liars and told us to go away. I refuse to support any event or organization with staff who treats anyone (press or otherwise) with that kind of attitude. I do not blame CES for any of the problems I have with Mashables, because even if I had attended the event I cannot imagine that would change the attitude of the staff.
The other problem I had was with Tao. Granted I am not a fan of trendy night clubs, but I had hoped that this would be a nerd friendly event. I was hoping to hang out in the club with some Internet-meme remix music in the background as I networked with other tech nerds. Instead I was given an overhyped night club with bad music, expensive drinks, and very little light. I am glad that CES could get me into Tao for free and at least now I can give first-hand reasons why I do not like Tao or any other trendy night clubs. However, I hope that next year there is some kind of networking cocktail prarty promoted by CES.
In the end Vegas is Vegas and that makes up for any problems I may have had with anything at any event. Seeing Jersey Boys again, eating some amazing food, and taking in the sights always make a Vegas trip worth the cost. I would love to hit more Vegas events, but there do not seem to be as many events there as one would think. I love the quality of this event, it feels like an event that was run by people who know what they are doing and who want everyone to have the best experience possible. I wish more events had that mentality. As tiring as it was, I am looking forward to gong back, which is not an endorsement I give all that often.
If you have any questions or comments avoid e-mailing me at: jared (at) scarlet-rhapsody.com. Until next time give my love to Sin City!
List
- Nothing personal, just business
- I got a new bag!
- I want more Simthwicks
- My notes, what happened to my notes?
- There was a what event going on that weekend?!
- Burger eats you!
- I did not get to play Star Wars slots
- Imperial Palace /shudder
- Note to pan handlers: leave me alone!
- Cupcakes!
- VEGAS!!!
- Dead Rising 2 or Fallout New Vegas?
- I hate night clubs
- I love trade shows
- Note to self: Remember to charge my phone
- Sometimes all you need to do is take a walk
- You can’t always get what you want…
- But if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need.
- What a way to start the year.
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