Full Breakdown
CES 2026: Expanding Programming and Government Participation
12/17/2025, 6:09:38 AM
Overview of CES 2026 Programming
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, set to take place in Las Vegas, will feature an expanded lineup of programming, including two significant summits hosted by Variety. The annual Entertainment Summit will occur on January 7, while the inaugural Business of Creators Summit, presented by Samsung Ads, will follow on January 8. These events aim to highlight the evolving role of creators in the media landscape, particularly within streaming platforms.
Key Sessions at the Business of Creators Summit
The Business of Creators Summit will include several notable panels. One session, titled “New Hollywood Power Players: The Rise of Creators on TV,” will explore the increasing influence of creators on streaming services, especially on FAST platforms like Samsung TV Plus. Moderated by Cynthia Littleton, co-editor-in-chief of Variety, the panel will feature industry leaders such as Ryan Wilson from Samsung Ads and Takashi Nakano from Samsung TV Plus. Another session, “State of the Creator Economy in Media and Entertainment,” will discuss current trends and challenges in the creator economy, featuring Cathy Oh from Samsung Ads.
Additionally, a fireside chat titled “Zooming In on the Creator Ecosphere” will delve into the significance of engagement quality over mere follower counts, featuring media expert Evan Shapiro. Other sessions will cover topics like live shopping and the future of creator marketing.
Highlights from the Entertainment Summit
The Entertainment Summit will also see new programming additions. Notable sessions include “How Smarter Partnerships Are Reshaping Media,” featuring Walmart Connect's Khurrum Malik, and “Harnessing Fandom through Live Sports Content,” with representatives from Amazon Ads and WPP Media. The summit will also include discussions on the future of content and marketing strategies, with speakers from major companies like Fox Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Government Participation at CES 2026
CES 2026 will also host a range of government officials, including U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and Presidential Science & Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios. These leaders will participate in discussions on technology policy and innovation. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and government to drive American innovation.
The event will feature over 175 government officials from various levels, including international representatives from countries such as Canada, Singapore, and the European Union. These discussions will cover pressing issues in technology, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and trade.
Implications for the Future of Technology
The expanded programming at CES 2026 reflects a growing recognition of the role of creators and policymakers in shaping the future of technology. As Kinsey Fabrizio, President of CTA, noted, CES serves as a platform for defining the innovation agenda for the upcoming year. The convergence of media creators and government leaders at this event underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At Samsung Ads, we recognize the profound impact of creators in shaping culture and forging meaningful connections with audiences,” — Cathy Oh, VP and Head of Marketing, Samsung Ads
- “CES is where the world comes to do business and define the future of technology,” — Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA
This comprehensive programming at CES 2026 aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among creators, industry leaders, and policymakers, setting the stage for future innovations in technology and media.
