Alexis Walsko, founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Lola Red PR, likes to kick-start the year by attending the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. A supersized trade show in January, CES draws nearly 140,000 people to see the latest innovations in technology. “I go almost every year to support clients, do trade research, and meet with people in the field,” Walsko says. Here are some of her observations from the 2025 show to inspire and inform your next event.
Go big. “A big interactive display stops traffic.” At CES this year, that was LG’s transparent OLED TV, which played a loop of attention-grabbing visuals that drew a continuous crowd, Walsko says. “Maybe you can’t do something that big [the TV sells for $60,000], but think about what you can do that’s memorable.”
Get creative with giveaways. “Temporary tattoo printers were a fun one. The printer is the size of a phone. You could do your logo or something that relates to your business. I got stars. From a brand perspective, this would be great for restaurant grand openings or at retail locations.”
But don’t forget the basics. “I don’t need another pen. But I can always use more water. Consider putting your logo on an aluminum bottle filled with really good water. That’s refreshing.”
Don’t shortchange the remote experience. “Hybrid is the new reality. Nearly every panel and presentation I attended had a remote streaming option. It provides accessibility. So think about how you deliver the same experience remotely. Is there something you send those viewers in advance? How is it packaged? What is the expectation?”
Make it easy for attendees to connect digitally. “Scanning badges feels antiquated. There were speakers I wanted to connect with, but they hadn’t uploaded their bio or contacts on the CES app. Consider doing that for presenters so it’s readily available for everyone in attendance.”
Be prepared. “If you’re exhibiting at a trade show, be ready to go when the doors open. If you’re presenting on stage, check the tech and make sure you’re set at least 30 minutes in advance. It was shocking to me, especially at a tech industry event, that some companies weren’t plugged in in advance. The No. 1 thing: Your technology must work.”
“The No. 1 thing: Your technology must work.”
—Alexis Walsko, Founder/CEO, Lola Red PR
