CES tech fair prepares to draw crowds as Covid surges

A file photo of the opening day of the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Masks and proof of vaccination are required at the show that opens Wednesday and was trimmed by one day to end Friday, with expected exhibitors down more than half to roughly 2,200 from the last in-person CES. — AFP

LAS VEGAS: The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the world’s largest trade fairs, returns to Las Vegas in person this week under a newly resurgent pandemic that has supercharged the industry but threatens its downsized expo.

Multiple companies – including Amazon, BMW and Microsoft – reduced or cancelled their attendance as Covid-19 case numbers broke records, but organisers said safety protocols were in place for thousands of expected attendees.