When the Sun Goes Down at CES, the Action Heats Up
CES isn’t just about gadgets and demos from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Really, it’s one of the world’s most dynamic social ecosystems where relationships are formed over mixers, panels, and late-night get-togethers that stretch across the Las Vegas Strip and beyond. Whether you’re chasing exclusive invite-only dinners or simply want to rub elbows with the global innovation crowd, there’s a strategy to making the most of the after-hours scene.
After intense booth walks and sessions from Tuesday through Thursday, the city explodes into an equally robust schedule of evening events, dinner parties, mixers, and networking experiences that can define your CES week.
Official Evening & After-Hours Highlights
Media-Only Showcase Events
If you’re in media (print, digital, broadcast, influencers, analysts, vloggers)—make sure you sign up in advance and bring your credentials:
- CES Unveiled (Sunday afternoon) — early look at cutting-edge products
- Pepcom Digital Experience (Monday)
- Showstoppers (Tuesday evening)
The perfect blend of business and pleasure: high energy, great food, and access to dozens of exhibitors often before the general show floor opens. Only credential-holders get in.
Open to All with CES Badges
Even if you’re not media, a standard CES badge gets you into some of the most talked-about social events:
- CTA Member Party at TAO Asian Bistro & Nightclub
Tuesday, 7 – 9 p.m. — one of the biggest Day 1 nightspot draws; show up early with badge and ID. Forbes - CES 2026 First-Time Attendee Meetup
Wednesday, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at The Garden near the Las Vegas Convention Center (great for networking with first-timers) Forbes - Happy Hour for Crypto Enthusiasts
Monday night at GOAT Sports Bar—cocktails + blockchain conversations. Forbes - Tech Singles Lifestyle Event
Thursday at LINQ Hotel Cocktail Bar—yes, nerdy meet-cute opportunities await. Forbes
Branded Parties and Mixers
CES has become a magnet for corporate and community events — often very well attended:
- Pinterest, Adweek, Experian, Landmark Ventures, AMD
- Fortune Brainstorm Dinner, Deloitte VIP Experience
- VideoAmp Garden Party Happy Hour
- Experian and Meta x Wired gatherings
(Many require RSVP or invite.) Forbes
CES 2026 Must-See Booths
Innovation at CES never ceases to amaze and surprise; however, in this instance, we’re not necessarily talking about the products showcased by the 4,500-plus exhibitors. Instead, we focus on the booths themselves, the “packaging” for those must-see venues… Continue reading
BONUS COVERAGE: CES 2026 Panels & Talks
The technology programming at CES is vast: from deep AI discussions to robotic demos and physical AI showcases. Here’s a curated set of can’t-miss panels and events that align with the hottest trends:
Major Keynotes & Industry-Defining Talks
- Lenovo Immersive Keynote at The Sphere, featuring visionaries from Nvidia, Qualcomm, AMD & FIFA leadership—plus a special performance by Gwen Stefani. Forbes
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Keynote focusing on physical AI and robotics — a major anchor event shaping CES discourse. AJU PRESS
AI and Robotics Panels
Here are a few especially relevant sessions:
- Transforming Industries with Physical AI — with leaders from Boston Dynamics, GM, Google DeepMind and McKinsey. Forbes
- Software-Defined Vehicles — From Vision to Reality — Ford’s Matt Jones discusses the future of intelligent transportation. Forbes
- Robots Among Us: Welcome to the Age of Humanoids — Agility Robotics on the mainstreaming of humanoids. CES
- Agentic AI and the Future of In-Car Experiences — panel with Google, Spotify, Mercedes-Benz. Forbes
- The Future Is Airborne — Forbes columnist moderates a cutting-edge session on autonomous aerial mobility. Forbes
Robot Showcases & AI Experiences
Robotics and embodied AI are major standouts this year:
- Realbotix Returns with multiple AI-powered humanoid robots, including live demos of conversational platforms. Business Wire
- LG’s CLOiD Home Assistant Robot — with human-like arms and AI designed for household tasks. AJU PRESS
- Robotic Vacuums, Delivery Bots, and Companion AI abound across the show floor. AJU PRESS
Corporate Panels & Forum Discussions
Several large companies are hosting their own moderated panel series outside the LVCC:
- Samsung Tech Forums at The Wynn — four sessions covering AI, home appliances, design and future services; featuring Samsung execs, partners, analysts, and media. Samsung Global Newsroom
Samsung’s “standalone” presence also reflects a shift toward immersive, ecosystem-driven showcases for AI living, blending panel insights with product demonstrations. Samsung Global Newsroom
Tips for Making the Most of CES After Hours
- RSVP Early: Most dinners, mixers and special events require preregistration. Exhibitor and media badges usually have priority. Forbes
- Be Flexible: Unofficial meetups pop up across Vegas spots—rooftop lounges, piano bars, hotel bars—throughout the week. Forbes
- Use the Conference Parties Guide: ConferenceParties.com lists hundreds of unofficial events, with invite links and RSVP info. Forbes
- Network Strategically: Even short conversations at evening events can lead to long-term professional connections.
The Real Business of CES Happens After Dark
CES is far more than a tradeshow; it’s where the future gets socialized. From the energy of the expo floor to AI thought leadership panels, and from robot demos to sunset mixers across the Strip, attendees are part of a global innovation narrative. With the right mix of credentials, preparation and curiosity, you can turn CES 2026 into one of the most social, intellectual, influential, and enjoyable weeks of your year.
