CES 2026: AI and Innovation Take Center Stage with Gary J. Shapiro

https://www.cta.tech/people/gary-shapiro/

https://www.ces.tech/

About the Guest(s):
Gary J. Shapiro is the Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), a leading trade association representing U.S. consumer technology industries. He has been a pivotal figure in the tech industry since 1991, serving in various leadership roles at CTA and significantly contributing to the growth of the CES® show, the largest and most influential tech event in the world. Gary is also a lawyer, prolific author, and recognized lobbyist, with several influential books and over 1,300 op-eds to his name. His efforts have positioned him as a key voice in technology and policy discussions.

Episode Summary:
Get ready to dive into the latest in consumer technology with the inimitable Gary Shapiro on this episode of The Chris Voss Show Podcast. In an engaging conversation marking his eighth guest appearance, Gary talks with Chris about the upcoming CES 2026, highlighting the groundbreaking innovations set to transform industries and impact global markets. As Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association, Gary offers invaluable insights into tech trends shaping the future, including the pervasive growth of AI and robotics, and the show’s focus on manufacturing and startups.
Gary and Chris navigate the complex dynamics of tech advancements and market demands, exploring themes such as AI’s transformative role in various sectors, the emergence of robotics in modern industries, and the vital intersection of technology with healthcare and manufacturing. This discussion also shines a spotlight on CES 2026, celebrated for its sprawling exhibits and visionary content, serving as a global stage for innovation with thousands of attendees discovering the latest breakthroughs from startups and tech giants alike. Don’t miss this enlightening episode brimming with expert insights and forward-thinking discussions.

Key Takeaways:
CES 2026 will prominently feature advances in AI, with dedicated areas like The Foundry exploring AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
Robotics is a burgeoning field at CES, impacting industries from manufacturing to healthcare.
The CES show serves as a launchpad for startups worldwide, with the Eureka Park section showcasing groundbreaking innovations and attracting investors.
The conversation extends to political influence on tech and manufacturing, with Gary offering nuanced views on trade policies and production strategies.
Gary emphasizes the ineffable value of face-to-face interactions at CES for fostering business deals and innovative partnership opportunities.

Notable Quotes:
“The guy who hired me started in New York and moved to Chicago. Got pretty cold one January there, and they were the first big business event to move to Las Vegas.” – Gary Shapiro
“AI will be pervasive throughout the show… it’s definitely, if there’s one core technology underlying the CES, it’s AI.” – Gary Shapiro
“If there’s one category, it would be startups. We have over a thousand different startups…” – Gary Shapiro
“CES has several thousand exhibitors from all over the world.” – Gary Shapiro
“As a country, we’re on our way to finding better ways to do things.” – Gary Shapiro

Judd Lienhard

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