Everyone is so excited about the possible uses of cannabis based “CBD” products. It is not THC (the stuff in pot that makes you high…) but it is commonly used for a variety of illnesses, holistic healing, insomnia, muscle pain, doggie uppers and hopefully CANCER cures. It is now legal in all 50 states so come on down to an expo in your town! I was afraid to try all of the cool GUMMIES, sodas, balms, etc. that were offered as we wandered down the aisles. Was I going to feel high like I did in 9th grade when the older kids talked me into smoking pot? I will never forget that awful experience and even though I have tried to partake over the years I just can’t enjoy the feeling and certainly don’t need “the munchies.” I have to admit that I expected a ton more “hippie” types but was pleasantly surprised by the professional vendors, reps, show organizers (Clay Scanlan) and I got to meet ETHAN ZOHN of “Survivor” fame…check out my photos.
CBD-EXPO
Kathy and Ethan Zohn from Survivor Season 3 million dollar winner!!
Most of the trade shows are on the strip – but how fun is it to shuttle/uber/taxi to downtown Vegas for the Las Vegas Market? Not that fun for me at first because there was no parking (I drove) so I had to, GOD FORBID, park at the Golden Nuggetwith my frequent gambler card as validation for the free parking…actually this was all just a good excuse for me to check out Fremont Street after the show and the world famous CADILLAC Bar…
So on to the Market which is an incredible display of West Coast Furniture, home decor and gift lines that you can “touch, feel and explore” according to the CEO of International Market Centers, Bob Maricich. I attended last year’s market and was amazed at the miles and miles of beautiful interiors that make me want to own a huge house again and move out of this furnished apartment! Of course I love the CASH AND CARRY part of the pavilion and ended up carting away bagfuls of jewelry, purses, and Chachkies!
I guess the slogan “Are you CES READY?” inspired me to make sure that I had all my ducks in a row in advance of the biggest trade show in Vegas this year. Over 170,000 attendees were descending upon my “hood” in and around the convention center. Did I mention that I actually live here at the bottom of the strip? Yup, high rise ‘LIVIN in style at Turnberry. When the trade shows come to down we hunker down for days…try not to drive (we walk, UBER or monorail), and certainly can’t eat out at popular spots. They laughed at us at our favorite Edge Steakhouse when they saw us coming and even BENIHANA’s wouldn’t let us in…too many conventioneers.
So here is the scoop from me on CES: It was every bit as exciting as I hoped it would be and bigger and better than last year. I know folks are critical and I heard a few say that they thought it was smaller than last year, but they must be crazy. You could walk for days in a daze through the exhibit halls. I felt privileged to be a part of it as media and hope I can share a small bit with you.
This is a CIVIC? wow!
Love this little Nipper trademark doggie for Victrola old fashioned record players.
Amazing and beautiful huge screen display for Samsung
HERE IS LAST YEAR’S POST – I’M READY FOR THIS YEAR’S BIG SHOW!
FROM JANUARY 2019:
I attended the Consumer Electronic Show here in Las Vegas at the convention center. My head was spinning but I did learn who “NINJA” was, which was critical in my understanding of what kids today are watching, experiencing, and doing day in and day out. Oh – don’t you know about ESPORTS and the new video gaming industry? You better invest now if you want to be cool, “in the know”, and way ahead of the game. Apparently “Ninja” is one of the top rated video gamers (who makes over $500,000 a month playing “Fortnite”) and he was mentioned several times throughout the conference. I had to text my 23 year old son to find out who he was. I also attended some very informative workshops about DIGITAL HOLLYWOOD. We all need to be aware that there are other social media outlets that are coming on fast. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are going to be pushed aside by the newcomers. I was amused by the speakers for the Digital Hollywood symposium who were “old timers” in Hollywood with tons of experience who had to enlist legions of millennials to understand today’s marketing online. I am scared for the big Hollywood Studios…especially after watching all of my annual Screen Actors Guild movies this season. Who knew that a superhero movie like “Black Panther” would win best film? More later on my personal picks for 2018 films…
Overall I felt like a privileged outsider at the CES convention. The Robots had personality, everyone tried the virtual reality goggles, and I was thrilled with the Victrola old fashioned Turntables making a comeback. Polaroid and Kodak have reinvented the instant camera and have mini printers you carry in your purse! Samsung and Sony have newer, smart LED screens (do they still call them tv’s??) and the rest of the cars, trucks, drones and self driving vehicles were overwhelming. This from a gal who has attended mostly fashion shows, jewelry, makeup, and self help events this past year. My favorite gadget was a waterproof speaker that holds cocktails… WOW !
WTF could have been the theme after I wandered around checking out all of the cool, new, high tech “state of the art” demos featuring lighting, sound, and visual special effects. Call me old fashioned (I’m almost 60 yikes) but I can’t get used to the “F” word being thrown about by the younger generation in every other word and now it seems that even companies are using it in their shows! However, I have to admit that GLP, German Light Products, cracked me up with their presentation of “We give a F*CK” slogan not to mention the free German Beer served on a light up coaster!
Love these battery operated chandeliers for events!
Even if you own several vintage, classic, or race cars you will want a new carafter attending this year’s SEMA (automotive aftermarket) trade show. I have to say it was WAY BEYOND the CES type trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Imagine massive huge warehouses and the outdoor parking lots FULL OF CARS, TRUCKS AND ACCESSORIES! Several folks mentioned that it was bigger, better, and more organized than other local trade shows they had attended. I met lots of car fans as we bonded in the long lines for freebies. In typical trade show fashion – if there is a LINE at a booth- just buck up and wait or you will have FOMO (fear of missing out.). I actually got some really cool stuff – two silk screened t-shirts and a hat. I could have had some free motor oil but did not want to carry it home along with my TONS OF FREE BAGS that I use for hauling groceries. By the way, if you are looking for hunky, tall, muscular guys with tattoos, you have come to right place. Or perhaps you are looking for a gorgeous gal dolled up in racing spanks (how do they spray those things on?) who is really a paid model.
I need to spend another three days looking at the incredible line up of cars, meeting celebrity race car drivers and fix-it specialists, but I can’t. My feet hurt after logging over 15,000 steps! On another note – can I paint my new car that SAHARA color for 2019 that Axalta unveiled? Check out a few photos from Kakofanny and the BEAUTIFUL paint jobs on BEAUTIFUL cars and trucks. For details and photos from the show check out the SEMA website sema.org
This guy makes boat and car capsules, dust and dirt free storage
New products, they had a happy hour at 4
my new dude in the Vegas outfit
another Giovanna car – Rolls Royce!
nice clean engine
my favorite Ford Dragon Snake race car
of course you can buy a new Ford
fun image of one of the BIG TRUCKS
Now this is my dream car
loved his outfit. check him out on insta: @Masterali477
partial list of companies
red red red
everyone was looking at this new Bronco
my brother in law sells Amsoil in Texas…
the artists at PPG
favorite blue paint job
my color combo turquoise and orange
you too can buy this car!
new product line
more sports cars
Beautiful models and they were so nice!
liked this car
I think that is a motor?
love this blue paint job
I never got his autograph the line was too long! Got a cool hat from free swag machine
this guy was talented
PPG painted motorcycle
GOLDBERG was in the house!
green goblin and lots of accessories for who knows what
I had a chance to attend this weeks GFBA and was thrilled to be able to experience the whole Mandalay Bay Resort and convention center instead of the usual Vegas trade show venues down the strip…I got there early before it started so DARN, had to go gamble at the Buffalo slots, view the pool, and check out SHARK REEF. Not to mention that I bought a cool pair of shoes at the Mandalay Bay Shops! You can even walk over to the Luxor and see the incredible Titanic exhibit.
The GFBA reception Tuesday afternoon featured amazing food stations, free cocktails and live music. The vendors in the main event center the next day all seemed happy to be there with an array of tasty products, innovative food sourcing, and prominent guest speakers Larry Stuart and MasterChef winner Shaun O’Neale (I bought his cookbook.) My favorite was THE DISGUSTING MUSEUM – it was actually a real lesson in the strange things we eat throughout the world. Just imagine, we may not like dog meat, haggis, crickets, or animal private parts…but people in Europe think our precious TWINKIES AND POP TARTS are disgusting!!! Go figure…my kids think they are a big treat!
chocolate fondue…amazing thanks Mandalay Bay
King crab and Colossal Shrimp!
Mandalay Bay and GFBE went all out for the reception
Forget that silly Keto diet with all those restrictions…
I felt like Charlie wandering through the chocolate factory with Willy Wonka at last week’s IBIE trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Imagine all of these people under one huge roof dedicated to baking us breads, pies, cookies, donuts and did I mention CAKES???? My eyes popped out of my head looking at the beautiful displays of rainbow sprinkles, icing, fondant, and very large stainless steel baking equipment. I really tried to understand the dynamics of the assembly line bread makers, gigantic mixers, and ovens but I was mainly in awe of how the heck they got the stuff into the building! They even had extra large baking vans and trucks to check out. I think I was most impressed with the SAMPLES – from a company named Dawn especially – check out my photos of their incredible baked goodies. Yes, I will be on a KETO diet next week after my body comes down from the sugar high – especially from the GARBAGE COOKIES. Don’t worry I got the recipe and promised to make them and ship them to my out of state friends and family. I put captions under the photos to try to explain what you are looking at. What a great exposition for these serious world wide bakers!
The Pillsbury Cake Competition
They actually let you eat all of the pie samples at Rocky Mountain Pies!
Yup – Unicorn Gelato – unbelievably delicious
Treats made by Chef Solveig Tofte in a demonstration
Dawn Treats on display, check out the animal cookies!
How do they get this in here?
My nephew in high school needs these cakes! Team 1 Fondant Cake
Why not add raisins to everything? She gave me samples. Traditional Sun Maid raisins!
Seriously, tons of sprinkles everywhere…
Best Cake ever!
Chocolate with chocolate – YUM ! More Dawn treats, Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies.
Great baking demo from Solveig Tofte
Light up your wedding cake – why not???
Best dressed and cutest display – CHEF RUBBER
More sprinkles
Watson equipment – I’m impressed…
Greetings from India cake in Pillsbury competition – so beautiful!
BEcom equipment – amazing and HUGE !
Pastry Star natural ingredients
cupcakes galore and cake balls too!
Gotta love a pizza spinner we always need more pizza.
Team 4 another PROM cake!
More Dawn goodies, did I mention the free samples???
How cute is she? Solveig Tofte
POF stands for Print on Foods, love this – how fun!!!!
Panoramic Jason – best packaging, check out the Texas container!
Still think this is the BEST idea, a lit wedding cake !!!
Chocolate chocolate chocolate…
HI-speed inline printer – need this for charity bake sales! Print on Foods company
Another one of my favs…and yes I ate one…
Solves the Christmas baking container dilemma !
Huge cupcakes all over the place and FONDANT covered masterpieces…
Andrew Callison – nice guy exhibitor
I am just a huge fan of this DAWN company!! More chocolate please…
I know it is very very hot right now in Vegas, about 107, but it’s a dry heat…ha ha…and the inside of the Convention center is cool cool cool. Today Saralee and I got in our 10,000 steps PLUS and walked about 5 miles of the Affordable Shopping Destination (July 28-31 2019). I could say that it is kind of like a Hallmark Christmas in July show where you can buy tons of merchandise for Christmas, Pot, CBD, or hemp related items, clothing, jewelry, military sabers and knives, and almost anything that you can sell at a swap meet, mall, or 7-11 store.
I love the bright colors of this trade show and also the possibility of adding to my ridiculous collection of costume jewelry. Since I am only a media “blogger” and not a retail merchant I was bummed that I could not buy all of the cool stuff in the aisles and Saralee walks too fast to stop and bargain for goods!
Here are a few of my favorites:
you got it, cash & carry
clever, clever…wish I had this in college…
oh yes, MORE BONGS!
cool pot signs…
Johnson Hui,one of my favorite jewelry designers. I bought a beautiful necklace and earrings here.
Special Concept 1020
My badge…
Wonderful greeters at ASDmarketweek
More beautiful BONGS!
Great trendy tops from Hem & Thread. I joined the frenzie and ended up with lots of cool clothes.
We learned about using a rewards program for our customers.
2019 NAB Show
I was lucky enough to attend this year’s NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) show in Las Vegas at the Convention Center April 6-11, 2019. Hello, it was a huge venue with an overwhelming array of technology that required an open mind and sensible shoes…I felt sorry for the ladies dressed up and in heels. They looked great but I know that I covered more acres throughout the NORTH, CENTER, AND SOUTH trade halls in my granny marshmallow flats.
I was thrilled to listen to keynote NAB Distinguished Award-winner Alan Alda. I always have admired him and he was so humble, funny, and told us about his first magic trick performed in front of an audience as a 10 year old. We all used to watch him for years on M*A*S*H and he is still hilarious in person.
After the introduction, I wandered around for hours trying to figure out what the heck these broadcasters do with all of this miraculous technology.
I will list what I hope is important based on my opinion only. I read through the NABSHOW Dailynews for the basics (very helpful, professional publication) and highly recommend that you get all of the back issues from the trade show to see the full story.
1. WHAT IS IP? Many booths had the initials IP on them and once again, I had to google and call my 23 year old son to find out what the heck this means. HMMMMMMM, well it probably means Intellectual Property or Internet Protocol. Both of these definitions are on the internet, so look them up. Either way, it seems to be very important to all of these companies as a way to protect all of our computers, tablets, smart phones, etc. Good luck.
2. Fantastic, unbelievable huge screen TV’s. I think they were 8K screens. I stood there with hoards of attendees staring at the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen of nature, art, hang gliding, colors, etc. It was like Disneyland or that “Soarin’ Around the World” California Adventure ride. I tried to take photos but you can’t capture how amazing these 3-D type screens are. I was kidding when I asked the sales gal – is this available at Best Buy? She said YES! I am not going to tell my dad or husband about this because I know it will show up in my living room next week and then I won’t be able to go to Hawaii for vacation…
3. CAMERAS that capture aerial shots, dancing girls, green screen backgrounds that turn into cars, magical illusions, and other incredible scenes. High tech does not begin to describe these new lenses and robotic arm capabilities. I even saw a fake dog with a helmet camera for that all important “dog eye’s view” of life. I can just imagine our dog Fritz chasing squirrels in the park with this camera on his head. I wanted to order one to replace my son’s GOPRO camera but you have to order it online and it costs about $450. Very cool camera though from Insta360.
4. Great Speakers and Seminars. I tried to hit as many speakers as possible, but it was a bit overwhelming. I loved seeing the White House reporters speak on the second morning of the show. I waited after to meet Hallie Jackson, White House NBC News Chief, to thank her for her remarks. All four speakers gave me an idea of their press conference strategies which helped me to understand what the heck they go through on a daily basis at Trump’s White House. I was cracking up when Steven Portnoy, CBS Radio Chief said that Trump tends to give press conferences during the really loud helicopter pre-take off so he can avoid questions he doesn’t like by saying “I can’t hear you!” Hallie also said that they really try hard not to be “snarky” in their reporting, which I appreciated. I had a new found respect for veteran journalist Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour White House correspondent. She seemed very smart and experienced. Later I attended the most fun panel of the day – “BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY” where the crew talked about making the sound for the movie. They used over 90 guitars in the concerts scenes and hundreds of extras. They had the whole place rocking out!
Again, I have to say that I felt like a VIP and was treated GREAT by event manager DAN LEMLE. I don’t get paid to do any of this, just love to report on the trade shows from my point of view (an almost 60 year old mom) There was plenty to do and see and I hope you can get a feel for more of this trade show from my photos.
kathyhamiltonblog 