CMOs at CES 2026: A Sample Itinerary
December 16, 2025
- Author: CTA Staff
As a Chief Marketing Officer or marketing professional, CES® 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how technology is transforming marketing, consumer engagement and brand storytelling. From AI-powered search to commerce media innovations, C Space® at ARIA serves as your headquarters for cutting-edge marketing insights. Whether you're exploring how to leverage retail media networks, decode consumer behavior with data or harness AI for creative campaigns, this guide will help you navigate CES and maximize your time at the world's most powerful tech event.
What is C Space®?
Monday, January 5
Today's Game Plan: Arrive Early and Set the Stage
This is your chance to arrive, get settled and start thinking about how to transform your marketing strategies in 2026 and beyond. Use the afternoon to prepare for the intensive programming ahead at C Space, and then head to the Venetian for a visionary keynote from AMD CEO, Dr. Lisa Su.
Sample Agenda
3-5 PM |
Arrive and Check In |
6:30-7:45 PM |
CMO Tip:
Tuesday, January 6
Today's Game Plan: C Space Kickoff at ARIA
The show floor officially opens Tuesday morning! Your focus today should be C Space at ARIA, but before heading there, you can kick off the show with the CTA State of the Industry and Siemens Keynote at the Venetian. Once at C Space, dive into sessions covering retail media, creator-led content and AI-powered advertising. This is where marketing leaders gather to discuss the future of the industry.
Sample Agenda
Choose Your Own Adventure:
Accordion
Noon-1 PM |
Networking Break Use this time to connect with other CMOs and marketing leaders between sessions. The ARIA property offers numerous spots for informal meetings. |
1-1:40 PM |
Retail Media’s Full-Funnel Future: Instacart, TikTok & The Trade Desk, presented by Instacart |
2-2:40 PM |
Redefining Content in the Creator Led Economy, presented by Amazon Ads |
3-3:40 PM |
From Clicks to Customers: Converting Engagement into Sales, presented by Omnicom |
Choose Your Own Adventure:
Accordion
Wednesday, January 7
Today's Game Plan: Deep Dive into Marketing Innovation
Today continues your C Space immersion with sessions focused on AI, retail media and consumer behavior. The programming explores how algorithms shape consumer choices, how brands can stand out in an irrational marketplace and how automation and control must balance in performance marketing.
Sample Agenda
9-10 AM |
Caterpillar Keynote at the Venetian |
11-11:40 |
Take Back Your Taste: Self-Discovery in a World of AI and Algorithms, presented by Pinterest |
Noon-1 PM |
Strategy Session Use this break to review insights from the morning sessions and plan follow-up conversations with solution providers. |
1-1:40 PM |
Irrational Consumers: How to Grow Brands in an Unreasonable World, presented by Kroger |
2-2:40 PM |
|
3-3:40 PM |
Tech x Football: FPT & Chelsea FC Playbook for Innovation, presented by FPT |
Choose Your Own Adventure:
Accordion
CMO Tip:
Thursday, January 8
Today's Game Plan: CMO Insights Track Focus
Thursday features the dedicated CMO Insights track - sessions specifically designed for marketing leaders covering data-driven consumer behavior prediction, AI-powered search and the commerce media landscape. This is your day to gain actionable insights you can implement immediately.
Sample Agenda
9-9:40 AM |
|
10-10:40 AM |
|
11-11:40 AM |
Inside the Commerce Media Gold Rush: Why Every Brand Wants In |
Noon-1 PM |
Lunch and Strategic Networking Connect with other CMOs who attended the morning sessions. Exchange contacts and discuss potential partnerships or shared learnings. |
1-1:40 PM |
AI, Creativity, and Control: Who Owns the Future?, presented by SAG-AFTRA |
Choose Your Own Adventure:
Accordion
Friday, January 9
Today's Game Plan: Final Connections and Follow-Through
C Space is closed today and the rest of the show floor closes at 4 PM. Use this final day to make strategic connections, visit any must-see exhibitors and conduct final meetings with potential partners or vendors. With lighter crowds, you'll have better access to deeper conversations.
Sample Agenda
9-11 AM |
Final Exhibitor Visits |
Noon-1 PM |
Strategic Planning Session |
2-4 PM |
Follow-Up & Future Planning |
CMO Tip:
We Can't Wait to See You at CES 2026
CES 2026 represents a pivotal moment for marketing leaders. The convergence of AI, retail media, creator economies and data-driven personalization is reshaping how brands connect with consumers. C Space at ARIA serves as your command center for understanding these shifts, while the broader show floor provides hands-on experience with the technologies that will power your marketing in 2026 and beyond.
Come prepared to learn, connect, and transform your marketing strategy for the AI-powered future. See you in Las Vegas!
CES is the Global Stage for Innovation
CES is where innovators show up — where the business of technology happens, deals are made, and partnerships spark real growth.
