Well, the holidays are over and as everyone prepares to get back to the normal work routine, GSD&M is heading to Vegas! The Consumer Electronics Show, aka gadget mania in the city that never sleeps, may not be the ideal transition from two weeks of Netflix marathons and lazy afternoon naps, but I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year and get energized for an exciting year of technology innovation.
I feel privileged to be a part of a group of attendees from GSD&M, whose leadership recognizes the importance of this annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas to build on our expertise on the convergence of creativity and technology. As a consumer-centered business, it’s more important than ever that we understand and celebrate what’s “next” in short and long-term innovations and the Internet of Things that are increasingly taking center stage in consumers’ daily lives.
And while we’ve had a presence at CES for a number of years, 2015 is a pivotal year in terms of the presence of key players in the marketing and advertising ecosystem that we work with every day. While CES has been known as a gadget extravaganza, those gadgets and devices don’t truly shine without the content and applications that entertain and provide utility for consumers. That’s why we’ll see an increased presence from the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, Amazon, CBS Interactive, iHeartRadio, Hulu and even Better Homes and Gardens. These partners, ones that we work with every day, provide a valuable bridge to emerging technology that helps us uncover opportunities to find that Creativity + Technology sweet spot.
Marketers are also recognizing the importance of CES at an increasing rate. Some of the biggest brands are participating in Vegas this week including MillerCoors, Subway, MasterCard, Google, Nissan and McDonalds to name a few. Our very own clients from PetSmart, Walgreens and Southwest Airlines brands are also joining us on the two million square-feet of event, exhibit and meeting space to uncover new opportunities to provide value in not only how they advertise to consumers but also how they leverage the newest technology advances to innovate the core goods and services they provide.
And CES has responded and adapted to the growing presence of thought-leaders and decision makers in the marketing and advertising industry by designating an area at the Aria Hotel called C Space. CES carved out this space or oasis for “creative communicators, brand marketers, advertising agencies, digital publishers and social networks.” I know I’m excited to have a “home” to learn, network and refuel during this exciting week at 2015 CES.
Be sure to follow #gsdm and the GSD&M squad (Twitter handles below) on the ground at CES for the latest from the show floor, keynote addresses and panel discussions that make up the one and only Consumer Electronics Show.
GSD&M at CES:
