CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Las Vegas is the world's largest consumer technology fair. Held annually since 1967, the 2027 edition takes place January 6–9 across Las Vegas Convention Center, The Venetian Expo and Mandalay Bay. 4,500+ exhibitors, 130,000+ visitors and 6,000+ accredited journalists are expected. Product launches at CES make headlines in 100+ countries on the same day.
CES's Meaning for the Turkish Technology Sector
Turkey's technology exports exceeded $12 billion in 2024; however, the visibility of Turkish technology brands in the US market remains limited. CES is the only platform that can change this equation — a global magnet that brings together not just American but Asian, European and Latin American buyers.
Strong categories for Turkish firms: IoT devices, smart home automation (Arçelik, Vestel's B2B IoT solutions), mobile accessories (cases, charging, cables), e-bikes and micro-mobility, medical technology (especially digital health), gaming hardware and PC peripherals. Turkish technology startups' CES participation has doubled compared to previous years (80+ firms in 2025), an indicator of ecosystem maturity.
Eureka Park: The Startup Stage
CES's special startup area Eureka Park, on the lower level of Venetian Expo, brings together 1,200+ early-stage ventures. For Turkish startups, entry to this area enables meeting a much wider investor pool compared to European CES alternatives (4YFN Barcelona, Slush Helsinki) — VCs like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Khosla Ventures, GV (Google Ventures) actively scan in Eureka Park.
Turkey's Eureka Park participation has been organized in the last 3 years under coordination of Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology, TÜBİTAK and T3 Foundation. Applications for 2027 are open until end of May; selection criteria include TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 5+, revenue or MVP, and a concrete go-to-market plan for the US market.
Expected Trends of CES 2027
AI-integrated consumer devices are mainstream. Generative AI, personal assistants, AI photo processing, AI voice processing and robotic home devices are at the center of expectations. For Turkish firms, especially 'AI on the Edge' (AI running on the device, instead of in the cloud) offers a niche positioning opportunity.
AR/VR/MR (Augmented, Virtual, Mixed Reality) ecosystem is exploding after the Apple Vision Pro 2 launch. The window is open for Turkish firms in accessory manufacturing, content development and living space integration.
Sustainable technology and circular economy are priorities. The US's 2027 electronic recycling regulation (FTC R-Cycle) will come into force; products' repairability, modular design and reuse scores will affect purchasing decisions.
Stand and Participation
CES stand rental is $750–950 per square meter — among the world's highest. An 18 m² stand means $17,000-22,000 just for space rental. Together with stand construction, decoration and AV equipment costs, total cost for a small-medium participation reaches $50,000-80,000.
Two options exist for Turkish national participation: 'Teknogirişim'-supported startups via TÜBİTAK BİDEB can be at Eureka Park at a discount; a joint Turkey Pavilion is also organized for medium-scale electronics manufacturers via TİM and TET. State support can go up to 50%; applications close at the end of June.
US Visa and Practical Information
US visa (B1/B2) application period from Turkey varies between 3-6 months in 2026. The fair management provides invitation letters for CES participants; this letter strengthens visa applications but does not guarantee acceptance. Due to long visa wait times, applications must be made 8-10 months before the fair.
There is no direct flight from Istanbul to Las Vegas; usually 16-19 hours via Frankfurt or Doha. Flying to Los Angeles and then taking domestic (1 hour) is an alternative. Hotels around Las Vegas Strip and the airport are 3-4 times normal prices during fair week; reservations at least 4 months in advance are mandatory.
Networking: How to Reach the Right People at CES?
Beyond official events, parallel ecosystem events at CES are critical: Pepcom Digital Experience (product launch night for press), ShowStoppers, CES Unveiled — these launch nights are the main way participants gain media visibility for their products. For Turkish firms, being included in these events is as valuable as a Eureka Park stand.
CES Innovation Awards program (November 2026 application) — among applying products, 30+ categories are evaluated each year. Award-winning products are exhibited in a special area throughout the fair, with media interest increasing 5-10 times. Turkish firms have won 25+ Innovation Awards in the last 5 years.
Conclusion
CES is the entry point for the Turkish technology ecosystem into the global game. For every Turkish technology firm aiming for US market sales, investment from US VCs, or global media visibility, CES is an inescapable step. With 8-12 months of preparation (visa, prototype optimization, brand positioning suitable for the US market, IP protection), Innovation Awards application, and a pre-CES PR campaign, the fair can shape the company's next 2-3 years within a week. The 2027 edition will test Turkish brands' opportunity to take global position in the convergence of AI and consumer technology.
