CES 2026 is coming in about two weeks. The world’s largest trade show will demonstrate the latest phones, tablets, audio headphones, VR sets, televisions, appliances and more.
No doubt the show will be filled with new PCs, TVs, washers and dryers, headphones and a slew of other products. But some other interesting things are happening during the show including some interesting keynotes, fireside chats and events.
Here’s something that won’t shock you. Much of it involves AI.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Siemens keynote
Siemens nabbed the prime spot as the opening keynote to kick off CES 2026 at 8:30 AM in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, #8725.
Siemens president and CEO Roland Busch will be joined onstage during the keynote with key leaders from Nvidia, Microsoft, Pepsi and Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
The company will discuss the next phase of industrial AI and how Siemens is playing a role with these companies in automation, infrastructure and other aspects of the supply and value chain.
"It is always a defining moment when a new general-purpose technology becomes available: There was a world before electricity; today electricity is ubiquitous,” Busch said. “There was a world before AI, right now we are transitioning to a world that makes full use of it — including in factories, buildings, grids and transportation."
Busch said that at CES, Siemens will show how it is turning AI into tangible benefits for both society and industries.
CTA’s fireside chats
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the company that runs CES each year, will have its annual fireside chats during the show with multiple chats from those in the White House, U.S. Senators and agency leaders.
The chats will center on the role that technology plays in industry and government and how the two must coalesce together to boost innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. The chats include:
- America’s AI future with Michael Kratsios, the White House’s science and technology advisor.
- Senators' session with Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator for Neveda.
- Innovating Health: Policy for a Tech Driven Future will focus on digital health with Jim O’Neill, the Trump Administration’s Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Great Minds with Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg on how tech, security and statecraft shape U.S. competitiveness.
- Technology research efforts with Dario Gil, Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Director.
- Trade policy chat with William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
The Ski Lodge
During CES 2026 at the Cosmopolitan, Mediaocean will host the Ski Lodge, a place where attendees can find a private space to unwind, warm up or get some information about the future of advertising. It probably involves AI.
Monday discussions
An interesting discussion will come the day before CES 2026 starts on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM where industry professionals will discuss the role AI will play in the future of entertainment, specifically Hollywood.
After decades of using computer graphics for special effects, AI is only increasing the use of digital assets used in movies and television. There are rumors of digital AI actors already being generated to help with the costs of paying real humans. How will all this shake out? That’s what this discussion is about. The discussion will also address how technology will transform entertainment.
Also on Monday at the LVCC from 4:00 PM to 4:40 PM, tech leaders from Nvidia, Synopsys, Qualcomm and other companies will discuss how AI chips are powering much of the next-generation technology that will be coming in the next few years.
As companies gear up for introducing AI in virtually every appliance, TV, smart home device, industrial automation and more, these chips will be leaned on even further.
Finally on Monday, a look at Gen Z and their digital habits will be the focus of a discussion taking place at Aria on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM to 2:40 PM. The talk will investigate how new platforms will be used to garner Gen Z’s time as they splinter from one app to the next. This will look at how creators and vendors will need to adapt to stay ahead.
Tuesday sessions
Opening day has several interesting sessions happening, many of which will center on AI. These include:
- Venetian 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM — Beyond the Buzz: AI Impact and Revenues in the Smart Home — This session will include discussions about the real-world applications and business models in the smart home when it comes to AI — even though Forbes just released a report saying no one wants it in the home.
- LVCC 9:00 AM to 9:40 AM — Tech Trends 2026: The Future is Calling, presented by Deloitte — This session looks at tech shifts due to AI growth.
- LVCC 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM — Balancing the Risk and Rewards of AI — This session examines the accountability aspects of AI as well as the risks of enabling it at scale.
CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
