We’re all lucky to be a part of this industry for myriad reasons, my favorite one being the simple fact photography, in one way or another, touches everything and everyone in the world, in some form. We’re also lucky to be presented with a variety of trade shows to cover as journalists, retailers, manufacturers and distributors that present the technologies, products and people that make this industry what it is.
Our esteemed columnist George Schaub presented an overview of the Fall 2008/Winter 2009 show schedule in the July issue of this publication. In that column he laid out the variety of trade events that showcase imaging during that period. His take on the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas might have been a bit harsh, although many of us recall a time when his words, “…(imaging) booths and displays are spread over immense floor spaces that can take half the day just to go from one to another” rang true. While we like to let our columnists’ opinions flow freely, and we certainly do, I thought it only fair to respond in this space to the “CES as an Imaging Show” discussion the column has sparked.
While I’m not attempting to compare and contrast CES and PMA, I think it’s important to point out the changes CES has made, and continues to make, with regard to imaging product/technology at the show. Great strides have been made in the last couple of years in turning the upper-level of the South Hall into a digital imaging pavilion dubbed the Digital Imaging Showcase, as a large percentage of the space there is now occupied by companies like Kodak, SanDisk, Lexar, Tiffen and many more.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention this publication’s ongoing effort, partnering with CEA, dubbed Spotlight on Imaging, now heading toward its third year (second with a tabletop exhibit element). This past year’s Spotlight show attracted over 250 imaging industry retailers, executives and journalists to the Renaissance Hotel on the second day of the International CES for an event complete with tabletop exhibits, a retail educational session and the CEA Digital Imaging Division reception.
A sense of digital imaging community is being built at CES and we feel strongly that our Spotlight on Imaging event is leading that charge.
Indeed, there are several wonderful imaging-related trade shows, conferences and expos during the year – all well worth attending. I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware that CES has become as worthwhile a stop as any of them.
Although most of us are still basking in the summer sun, I’ll see you in Vegas soon enough.
