CES Overview: Why Timing Is So Important

CES usually runs for about four days in the first or second week of January. But here’s the kicker: much of the action happens before the official event even begins. While CES is a tech lover’s dream, it’s also a tightly choreographed schedule of keynote speeches, press conferences, and exclusive unveilings.

The importance of timing at CES can’t be understated. Early announcements can set the tone for the rest of the event, and it’s often where the biggest surprises drop. Whether you’re attending in person, following from home, or a company trying to make waves, you need to know when the major moments happen.

Official CES Dates

The Consumer Electronics Show traditionally takes place during the first full week of January. In 2024, for example, CES will be held from January 9 to January 12. While the expo floors are open during these dates, the show really begins in the days before with press-only events and keynote announcements.

Pre-Show Events

• CES Unveiled: This is a special sneak peek event held the Sunday before CES officially begins, typically by invitation only. Major tech media and influencers get early access to groundbreaking tech products.
• Press Day: Held on the Monday and Tuesday before CES opens, this is when some of the biggest names like Samsung, Sony, and LG hold their press conferences. These announcements often steal the spotlight before the show even starts.

Exhibit Days

Once the show floor opens, it’s go-time for all attendees. Here’s what a typical CES daily schedule looks like:

• Day 1 (January 9): The event kicks off with high-profile keynote speakers, usually from companies like Intel, NVIDIA, or Google. Meanwhile, the exhibit floors open to the public, with over 2 million square feet of tech displays and product demos.
• Day 2 & 3 (January 10-11): The bulk of CES happens during these days. Tech enthusiasts, investors, and media members walk the exhibit halls, attend panels, and take part in industry-specific sessions.
• Day 4 (January 12): The final day of CES usually winds down by the afternoon. Many companies will still be showcasing, but most of the big news and releases have already been revealed.

Timing Strategies for Attendees

Whether you’re attending CES in person or following the coverage, the timing of when you show up can make or break your experience. Here are some tips:

For Press and Media

If you’re part of the media, you want to arrive early. CES Unveiled and Press Day are goldmines for exclusive scoops. The earlier you are, the better your chances of getting a hands-on look before the general public. Mark January 7 and 8 on your calendar for those early opportunities.

For Exhibitors

As an exhibitor, consider when to schedule your product launches. The earlier in the event, the more attention your product is likely to receive. If your announcement happens too late, it risks being overshadowed by earlier news.

For Attendees

If you’re just a tech enthusiast attending CES for the experience, be strategic about which days you attend. The exhibit floors can get incredibly crowded, especially during the first two days. If you’re more interested in seeing a broader variety of smaller startups, visiting on Day 3 or 4 might be a better option when the crowds have thinned out a bit.

Virtual CES: Adjusting to a New Normal

Since 2021, CES has embraced a hybrid format, allowing virtual attendees to take part in the event. This means that for those who can’t attend in person, CES is still accessible globally, though you’ll need to account for time zone differences when planning to stream keynotes or sessions live. Typically, the show adheres to Pacific Time (PT), so make sure to adjust your schedule if you’re attending virtually from different regions.

Virtual Keynotes and Sessions

Live streams for major keynotes and product unveilings are often available. Companies like Microsoft, Intel, and NVIDIA will broadcast their sessions, usually held in the early afternoon (PT). Be ready to tune in earlier than you’d expect if you’re overseas.

How CES Timing Shapes the Industry

CES is more than just an event—it shapes the tech calendar for the entire year. The announcements, trends, and concepts introduced at CES set the tone for product releases and innovations that will trickle out throughout the year.

• Early Releases: Many companies aim to time product releases for CES or just after it, banking on the buzz from the event to drive sales.
• Trendspotting: The timing of CES in early January is strategic, giving companies a fresh start for the year. What happens at CES can influence how markets and industries evolve over the next 12 months, from smart home devices to automotive technology.

Conclusion

CES is a whirlwind of innovation, and knowing the timing of key events is crucial to maximizing your experience—whether you’re attending in person, following virtually, or planning an announcement of your own. CES’s schedule is tightly packed, with pre-show events and major announcements that can set the pace for the rest of the year in the tech industry. Plan wisely, arrive early, and stay tuned for the industry-shaking moments.

FAQs

1. When does CES usually take place?
CES is typically held in the first or second week of January. In 2024, CES will run from January 9 to January 12.

2. What happens before CES officially opens?
Before CES opens, CES Unveiled and Press Day give select media early access to product unveilings and announcements. These take place in the days leading up to the event.

3. How can I attend CES if I can’t be there in person?
CES has embraced virtual attendance options, offering live streams of keynote speeches, panels, and product demos. Just adjust your schedule to match Pacific Time (PT).

4. Which companies typically make the biggest announcements at CES?
Tech giants like Samsung, Sony, Intel, and NVIDIA often headline CES with major product reveals, keynote speeches, and press conferences.

5. What’s the best time to visit the CES show floor?
If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, consider visiting on the later days of CES. Day 3 and Day 4 tend to be less crowded compared to the opening days.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)

A golden ticket, a mysterious chocolate factory, and a reclusive genius—this is the recipe for one of Dahl’s most beloved tales. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows young Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins the chance of a lifetime to tour Willy Wonka’s factory. Along with a handful of other children, Charlie discovers a world of sweet delights and bizarre surprises. Dahl’s vivid imagination shines in this novel, with scenes featuring chocolate rivers, Everlasting Gobstoppers, and Oompa-Loompas. Beneath the whimsical surface, the story also critiques greed, gluttony, and bad behavior, showing that kindness and humility triumph in the end.

Themes and Legacy:
At its heart, the book celebrates the virtues of humility and goodness. The contrast between Charlie’s selflessness and the other children’s faults is clear. Its film adaptations, including the iconic Gene Wilder version and Johnny Depp’s reimagining, have helped the story maintain its popularity.

2. Matilda (1988)

Matilda is the story of a brilliant little girl with telekinetic powers, who uses her abilities to overcome her neglectful parents and her tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Despite her genius, Matilda is misunderstood by her family and mistreated by her school, except for the kind Miss Honey. As Matilda’s powers grow, so does her confidence, leading to a showdown with Miss Trunchbull that remains one of Dahl’s most thrilling climaxes.

Themes and Legacy:
The tale of Matilda resonates with anyone who has ever felt overlooked or underappreciated. It’s a book about intelligence, courage, and standing up for what’s right, no matter your size. Matilda has since been adapted into a successful film and a hit musical, further cementing its place in popular culture.

3. The BFG (1982)

In The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant), Dahl takes readers on an adventure between a young orphan girl, Sophie, and a kind-hearted giant who captures dreams. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other, less friendly giants from eating human children. The book is a blend of dreamlike whimsy, with Dahl inventing an entirely new language for the BFG, and moments of true peril as Sophie and the BFG confront their much larger, more dangerous counterparts.

Themes and Legacy:
This story highlights the importance of friendship, bravery, and kindness. The book was adapted into an animated film in 1989 and a live-action version directed by Steven Spielberg in 2016. Dahl’s wordplay and the warm bond between Sophie and the BFG remain unforgettable.

4. James and the Giant Peach (1961)

James and the Giant Peach tells the story of a young boy who, after losing his parents, embarks on a journey inside a giant, magical peach. Accompanied by a group of anthropomorphic insect friends, James travels across the ocean, facing challenges and discovering courage within himself. The story is one of resilience, where James overcomes adversity and finds friendship in the unlikeliest of places.

Themes and Legacy:
Dahl’s exploration of loss, hope, and adventure in James and the Giant Peach has made it a staple in children’s literature. Its stop-motion film adaptation has also become a cult classic, bringing the strange world of James’s peach to life in a unique way.

5. The Witches (1983)

One of Dahl’s darker works, The Witches is about a young boy who stumbles upon a secret convention of witches plotting to eliminate all the children in the world. With the help of his wise grandmother, the boy must outwit the witches and thwart their evil plans. Dahl’s witches are no fairy tale villains—they’re depicted as dangerous creatures hiding in plain sight, which adds an element of real terror.

Themes and Legacy:
The book plays with the idea of hidden danger and the power of resourcefulness. It’s a cautionary tale that reminds readers to be vigilant but also brave. The book was adapted into a 1990 film, as well as a 2020 remake starring Anne Hathaway. Despite the dark tone, it remains a favorite among Dahl’s readers.

6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970)

Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful tale of cunning and survival, featuring the sly Mr. Fox as he outwits three ruthless farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. With his family at risk, Mr. Fox devises a plan to steal food from the farmers while evading their traps. The story is simple yet filled with excitement and showcases Dahl’s ability to blend humor with suspense.

Themes and Legacy:
Dahl emphasizes the themes of family, loyalty, and cleverness. The story has been adapted into a stop-motion film directed by Wes Anderson, which gave the tale a quirky, modern twist while maintaining the essence of Dahl’s writing.

Roald Dahl’s Influence and Writing Style

What sets Roald Dahl apart as a writer is his ability to blend dark themes with humor and heart. His works often contain elements of danger, cruelty, and moral lessons, but they are presented in a way that children can grasp without being overwhelmed. Dahl doesn’t shy away from portraying the world as a sometimes harsh place, but he always offers hope through characters who exhibit kindness, intelligence, and bravery.

Dahl’s storytelling is also famous for its absurdity and playful language. He invented words, particularly in books like The BFG, that have become iconic in themselves. His villains are often grotesque exaggerations, and his heroes tend to be underdogs, making his stories relatable to readers of all ages.

Conclusion

Roald Dahl’s books remain as popular today as when they were first published, continuing to enchant and inspire new generations. His ability to tap into the imagination and emotions of children, while subtly teaching lessons about bravery, kindness, and wit, ensures his stories stand the test of time. From the magical worlds of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the thrilling escapades of Matilda and The BFG, Dahl’s legacy as one of the greatest children’s authors will forever be cemented in literary history.

FAQs

1. What are Roald Dahl’s most famous books?
Some of Dahl’s most famous works include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

2. Why is Roald Dahl’s writing style so popular?
Dahl’s unique blend of dark humor, inventive language, and the ability to connect with readers on an emotional level makes his writing enduringly popular.

3. Are Roald Dahl’s books only for children?
While Dahl wrote primarily for children, his books contain layers of humor and social commentary that appeal to adults as well.

4. What themes are common in Roald Dahl’s works?
Common themes include the triumph of the underdog, the importance of kindness, cleverness, and standing up to bullies or villains.

5. Have Roald Dahl’s books been adapted into films?
Yes, many of his books, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG, have been adapted into successful films, musicals, and animated features.

What is a Square Metre?

A square metre (m²) is a unit of area measurement. Imagine a square with sides that are each 1 metre long—that’s a square metre. It’s the standard unit used worldwide to measure areas of spaces like rooms, homes, land, and more.

But how do you calculate it? It all boils down to two basic things: length and width.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Square Metres

Step 1: Measure the Length

First, grab your tape measure and measure the length of the area you want to calculate. Make sure to measure in metres (m), but if your tape measure is in centimetres (cm), don’t worry—we’ll show you how to convert that later. Write this number down.

Step 2: Measure the Width

Next, measure the width of the area. Again, stick to metres if possible, but if it’s in centimetres, we’ll sort it out. Write this number down as well.

Step 3: Multiply Length by Width

Now that you have both the length and width, simply multiply these two numbers together. The result will give you the area in square metres.

Here’s the formula:

markdownCopy codeArea (m²) = Length (m) × Width (m)

Example:

• Length = 5 metres
• Width = 3 metres

Area = 5 × 3 = 15 square metres

So, the area of this space is 15 square metres.

What if My Measurements Are in Centimetres?

No need to panic! If your measurements are in centimetres (cm), you’ll need to convert them into metres first. There are 100 centimetres in a metre, so simply divide your measurement by 100 to get the value in metres.

Example:

• Length = 450 cm → 450 ÷ 100 = 4.5 metres
• Width = 200 cm → 200 ÷ 100 = 2 metres

Now, multiply the converted values:

Area = 4.5 × 2 = 9 square metres

Measuring Irregularly Shaped Areas

Not every space is a perfect rectangle or square. If your area is oddly shaped, break it down into smaller, manageable rectangles or squares, calculate the area for each one, and then add them all together.

Example:

You have an L-shaped room. Break it into two rectangles:

• Rectangle 1: 4m by 3m → 4 × 3 = 12 m²
• Rectangle 2: 2m by 3m → 2 × 3 = 6 m²

Total Area = 12 + 6 = 18 square metres

Square Metres for Different Shapes

• Rectangle/Square: Multiply the length by the width.
• Triangle: Multiply the base by the height, then divide by 2.
• Circle: Use the formula πr² where r is the radius of the circle.

Example (Circle):

• Radius = 2 metres
• Area = π × (2²) = π × 4 ≈ 12.57 m²

When to Use Square Metre Calculations

You’ll find that knowing how to calculate square metres is useful in several everyday scenarios:

• Buying Flooring: Calculate the area of the room to know how much flooring to purchase.
• Painting Walls: Measure your walls to estimate how much paint you’ll need.
• Gardening: If you’re laying turf, you can figure out how many rolls to buy based on your garden’s area.

Tools That Make Calculating Square Metres Easy

If you find yourself working out square metres often, consider using these handy tools:

1. Tape Measure: Always useful for accurate measurements.
2. Laser Distance Measurer: Quick and precise, especially for larger areas.
3. Online Area Calculators: Just plug in your measurements, and it will do the math for you.
4. Smartphone Apps: Many apps are available that can calculate square metres using augmented reality (AR) or input values.

Conclusion

Calculating square metres is easier than it sounds. With just a few measurements and some basic multiplication, you can work out the area of any space—whether it’s a simple room or an oddly shaped garden. Understanding square metres will not only help with home improvement projects but also save you money by ensuring you buy the right amount of materials.

FAQs

1. How do I measure square metres for flooring?

Measure the length and width of the room in metres, then multiply them to get the area in square metres. For irregular spaces, break the area into smaller rectangles and sum the areas.

2. Can I use a phone to measure square metres?

Yes, many smartphone apps can measure square metres, using either manual input or augmented reality (AR) technology.

3. What if the room isn’t a perfect rectangle?

Break the room into smaller rectangles or squares. Measure each one, calculate the square metres for each, then add them all together.

4. Is it the same process for outdoor areas?

Yes, the same method applies for outdoor areas. Just measure the length and width in metres, multiply them, and you’ll get the area in square metres.

5. What if my room has an arch or rounded section?

For curved areas, calculate the square metres of the main space first. For the curved part, use formulas like those for circles or triangles, then add the results to the main area.