CES 2022: "The show will and must go on"

CES "will and must go on" in person as well as virtually, according to organizers of the annual technology showcase. Despite a winter COVID-19 surge that caused many major companies to pull out of the event, which kicks off Monday in Las Vegas, more than 50,000 people and 2,200 exhibitors are expected to attend.

After the virus canceled in-person activities last year, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is making some concessions to reality. The group shortened the event and added health and safety protocols, including vaccination requirements, while access to trade show floors will be limited. Despite such measures, attendee numbers are expected to remain sharply lower than before the pandemic. In 2019, 182,000 people and more than 7,000 exhibitors attended the show. 

Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok and others (including CBS News) declined to attend the event in person, citing health and safety reasons, but still plan major announcements this week. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is expected to deliver remarks virtually on Thursday.