It’s early January which means one thing in Las Vegas: the Consumer Electronics Show

Tomorrow I’m heading to the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow where more than 3,100 companies are showcasing the latest gadgets, innovations, hot products and trends.

Despite CES’s focus on consumer tech, as mentioned by AdAge’s Micheal Learmonth, it’s become a critical annual gathering place for major brands and marketers of all types.
As technology has continued to integrate further into consumer’s every day lives, reaching target customers now means having a deep understanding of new capabilities as they become available.

Within CES are a multitude of conferences, events and networking events (aka, “parties”) that go on day and night. For our industry the most significant is Digital Hollywood at CES and I’m looking forward to a few sessions in particular: 

• The Future of Enhanced Advertising: Addressing Brands, Message, Technology, Media and Entertainment
  Featuring executives from MTV Networks, ComCast, Media Link, and others, this session will discuss how shifts within broadband technologies are opening up new opportunities for advertising.
• Branded Media Marketing – Reinventing the Commerce and Media Model
  Moderated by Weekly World News’ Neil McGinness, this discussion on the industry’s creative teams are taking innovating steps within branding and marketing.
• The New Technorati: How Today’s Youth are Shaping the Future of Digital media and Content
  Featuring the Chief Marketing Officer of Nickelodeon Networks, this session will discuss how content will be critical to the future of digital advertising

After Digital Hollywood will be a few great “networking” opportunities including Mashable’s MadBash and Wired’s party. I look forward to running into old friends and meeting some new ones.

I’m also planning to roam the floor over the next few days. If you’re at CES, and you’d like to link up, Tweet at me: @juliabparsons

-Julia Briggs Parsons, VP Product