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CES 2026 to Feature Record Expansion with Focus on AI, Automotive & Wellness

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  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ansion-with-focus-on-ai-automotive-wellness.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 19:05 GMT by Variety

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CES 2026 Set to Break Records with Expanded Programming & A-List Speaker Lineup Focused on AI, Automotive, and Wellness

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), already a behemoth of the tech world, is poised for an unprecedented expansion in 2026. Variety recently announced a significant bolstering of its programming, featuring a wave of high-profile speakers and new session categories designed to address the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on entertainment, automotive innovation, and personal wellness. The move signals CES’s continued ambition to be the global stage for showcasing future trends and fostering industry dialogue.

For years, CES has been synonymous with unveiling cutting-edge gadgets and emerging technologies. However, recent years have seen a shift towards broader themes – AI, sustainability, the metaverse (though that hype has cooled), and increasingly, the intersection of technology and human well-being. CES 2026 reflects this evolution, moving beyond just consumer electronics to encompass deeper explorations of how technology is reshaping our lives.

AI Dominates the Discussion: The most significant emphasis in the expanded programming revolves around Artificial Intelligence. Following the explosive growth and societal integration of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, CES 2026 will feature dedicated tracks exploring everything from responsible AI development to its impact on creative industries. Speakers include industry titans like Yann LeCun, Chief AI Scientist at Meta (and a pioneer in convolutional neural networks), who will be discussing the future of AI models and their potential for personalized experiences. The programming also promises deep dives into AI's role in content creation, impacting everything from music production to film editing – a particularly relevant topic given Variety’s focus as an entertainment industry publication. The sessions are expected to cover practical applications of AI across various sectors, including marketing, customer service, and product development.

Automotive Innovation Takes Center Stage: The automotive sector has become increasingly vital to CES, with automakers showcasing electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technology, and connected car features. This trend is only intensifying. CES 2026 will see a substantial expansion of its Automotive Tech area, reflecting the industry's ongoing transformation. Speakers include representatives from leading automotive manufacturers, as well as experts in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The focus isn’t just on new models but also on the software and services that are becoming increasingly integral to the driving experience. Linked articles point to a growing emphasis on personalized in-car entertainment systems driven by AI and seamless integration with smart home ecosystems – blurring the lines between transportation and lifestyle.

Wellness & Health Tech Gains Prominence: Recognizing the rising consumer interest in health and wellness, CES 2026 will dedicate significant programming to exploring advancements in this space. This includes sessions on wearable technology for tracking fitness and vital signs, digital therapeutics for managing chronic conditions, and innovations in mental health support powered by AI. The expansion acknowledges a broader societal shift towards preventative healthcare and personalized well-being solutions. Speakers are expected to address the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and security within the health tech space, a crucial concern as more personal information is collected and analyzed. The "Health & Wellness" track will also explore the role of technology in improving accessibility to healthcare services for underserved populations.

Beyond the Big Three: Entertainment, Sustainability & More: While AI, Automotive, and Wellness are the core pillars of this expansion, other areas will also receive increased attention. The Entertainment track will feature discussions on the future of streaming, immersive experiences (including virtual reality and augmented reality, though likely with a more tempered expectation than in previous years), and the impact of technology on live events. Sustainability remains a key theme, with sessions focusing on energy-efficient devices, smart home technologies that reduce environmental impact, and innovations in renewable energy solutions.

Expanded Format & Global Reach: This expansion isn’t just about adding speakers; it's also about restructuring the event itself. CES 2026 will feature larger dedicated zones for key industries, allowing attendees to more easily navigate and explore relevant technologies. Variety notes that organizers are actively working to broaden the show’s global reach, with increased focus on attracting international exhibitors and attendees. The aim is to solidify CES's position as a truly global platform for innovation.

The Significance of Variety's Involvement: It's notable that Variety, a leading entertainment industry publication, is reporting extensively on this expansion. This underscores the growing importance of technology’s impact on media and entertainment, and highlights how CES is evolving to address the needs of content creators, distributors, and consumers alike. The partnership between Variety and CES signals a commitment to providing in-depth coverage of the event's key themes and developments.

In conclusion, CES 2026 promises to be more than just another trade show; it’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the technology industry, reflecting its rapid evolution and increasingly complex relationship with society. The expanded programming, coupled with a stellar lineup of speakers, suggests that attendees can expect a deep dive into the trends that will define the future – particularly in the realms of AI, automotive innovation, and personal wellness.

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