If you’re even thinking about attending CES 2027 in Las Vegas, the clock is ticking. Registration for the show, which runs 6–9 January 2027, is opening in September 2026, which means we are quite literally days away from the window going live. And here’s the thing most people miss: registering early isn’t just convenient, it’s how you get in for free.
Why Early Registration Actually Matters
CES is run by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and they’ve made it clear that international attendees receive complimentary registration during the first month of registration. That’s your window. Miss it, and you’re looking at paying for the privilege. The Standard Pass gives you access to the exhibit floor, keynotes, and select conference programming, while a Premium Pass unlocks over 100 additional sessions across curated tracks. If you’re planning to be busy from the moment you land, Premium is worth doing the maths on.
One thing I’d flag immediately: when you go to register, make sure you’re going through the official CES website. The CTA has designated Maritz as the only official registration vendor for CES 2027. There are scam sites out there that look convincing. Don’t get caught out.
And before you click anything, know this: CES is not open to the general public. It is a trade-only event, strictly for people who are 18 or over and affiliated with the consumer technology industry. That covers a broad range of sectors, from retail and media to healthcare tech and manufacturing, but you will need to prove your credentials. When you apply, you’ll upload a photo and declare which industry category you fall into. If you’re genuinely working in or around tech, you’ll find a category that fits. If you’re purely a consumer hoping to browse the latest gadgets on a day out, this isn’t the show for you.
Booking Travel: Start Now, Not in December
This is where I see people make expensive mistakes every year. I’ve attended CES around eight times over the years, and the same pattern repeats itself. People assume early January is a quiet time in Las Vegas. It is absolutely not. CES 2026 drew roughly 148,000 attendees, with over 55,000 of those coming from outside the US. When that many people descend on Vegas at once, hotel prices climb, flight prices climb, and everything costs more the moment you land on the Strip.
Book your flights and hotels as soon as you register, ideally within the same week. Don’t wait. If you need to cancel later, CES does offer refunds on paid registrations if you cancel in writing by 9 December 2026, minus a $50 processing fee. After that date, nothing is refundable. So get the travel sorted early, and if plans fall through, you’ve still got time to pull back.
For UK travellers specifically, the process is straightforward. You don’t need to apply for a full US visa. The UK is part of the Visa Waiver Programme, which means you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly. It’s an online application, approved quickly in most cases, and once granted it covers multiple trips to the US over two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply for it early. Don’t leave it to the night before your flight.
If you’re travelling from outside the Visa Waiver Programme countries, when you register for CES you can indicate that you’re an international attendee, and they will provide a letter of invitation. That letter is a useful supporting document when applying for your US visa. The US Government recommends applying for a visa as early as possible, and depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need to schedule an in-person interview at a consulate. Don’t leave that until November.
One last practical note: Vegas is expensive at the best of times. During CES week, it’s a different level. Budget more than you think you’ll need. Everything from a coffee to a cab across town costs more than you’d expect.
My Verdict
I’ve been to CES enough times to know that the registration process catches people out every single year. They either leave it too late and miss the free window, or they underestimate the travel planning involved. This year, with registration opening in September, you genuinely have enough lead time to do this properly. Register the moment it opens, sort your ESTA within the week, and book your flights and hotel before October if you can. The show itself is worth every bit of the planning. CES 2026 hosted over 4,100 exhibitors across more than 2.6 million square feet of floor space, covering everything from AI and robotics to vehicle tech and digital health. Just don’t leave it all until December and then wonder why everything costs a fortune.
What to Do Right Now
Head to ces.tech and sign up for registration notifications if you haven’t already. That way you’ll know the exact moment registration opens and can get your free pass locked in before the window closes. Then start looking at flights and hotels. Seriously, do it today.
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