Public Relations for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025: What You Need to Know

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 is a prime opportunity for companies to showcase their latest innovations to a global audience. With thousands of exhibitors vying for attention, a well-crafted public relations (PR) strategy is essential to stand out. Here's what you need to know to effectively manage PR for CES 2025 and ensure your company captures the spotlight.

1. The Most Crucial Tip of All – Start Early

A successful PR strategy for CES 2025 begins months before the event, typically with outreach beginning in October. It’s crucial to start planning your media outreach and press activities well in advance so you can identify key messages, target media outlets, and develop a timeline for your PR activities. Early planning allows you to secure prime media opportunities and ensures that your messaging is polished and consistent. 

2. Create a Compelling Press Kit

A press kit is a comprehensive package of information about your company and products, designed to help journalists quickly understand your story. Your CES 2025 press kit should include:

• A company overview
• Detailed product information and specifications
• High-resolution images and videos
• Relevant press releases released pre-show
• Contact information for your PR team

Make your press kit available digitally and ensure it's easily accessible on your company website. Some companies will even create a landing page for their CES activities to keep everything housed in one place and easily accessible. 

3. Craft Newsworthy Press Releases

Press releases are a cornerstone of your CES PR strategy, especially if you are planning to announce new products, partnerships, or major updates before or during the show. To break through the noise, you’ll need to identify the right publications to go after well ahead of time, distribute the news accordingly, and make sure complimentary content is timed out for your website (blogs, visuals, product landing pages, etc). 

4. Engage Early with the Media

Build relationships with journalists and media representatives who cover your industry. Reach out to them before CES with personalized pitches and invitations to visit your booth. To land high-value coverage, provide select media with exclusive previews or interviews to generate interest and build authentic relationships. During the event, have your PR team ready to be responsive to media inquiries and facilitate interviews with key company spokespeople.

5. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for amplifying your PR efforts at CES. Use platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram to share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and live streams from your booth. Make sure to create a dedicated CES hashtag for your company and engage with the event's official hashtags to cement your presence in the conversation. 

6. Host Press Events and Demos

Hosting press events and product demos at CES can generate significant media coverage. Plan exclusive events for journalists and influencers where they can get hands-on experience with your products. Ensure your presentations are engaging, informative, and highlight the unique features of your offerings. 

7. Maximize Visibility with Strategic Partnerships

Partnering with other companies or organizations can enhance your PR efforts at CES. Collaborative announcements, co-hosted events, and joint marketing initiatives can increase your reach and credibility. Identify strategic partners whose audience aligns with yours and work together to create mutually beneficial opportunities.

8. Monitor Media Coverage

It’s key that your PR team tracks media coverage of your company and products throughout CES. Analyzing this coverage helps you understand how your messages are being received and identify opportunities for further engagement. To boost your social output and build authentic relationships with the media, share positive coverage on your own channels to amplify its impact.

9. Evaluate and Adjust Your PR Strategy

After CES, evaluate the effectiveness of your PR efforts. Review the media coverage, social media engagement, and feedback from journalists and attendees. Identify what worked well and areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine your PR strategy for future events and maintain momentum throughout the year.

10. Follow Up

The work doesn’t end when CES is over. Follow up with the contacts you made, thank journalists for their coverage, and provide any additional information they might need. Keep the conversation going by sharing updates, new announcements, and exclusive content with the media you made inroads with at the event – they don’t just cover CES and also use the event to get a better understanding of who they should keeping an eye on across their target beats. 

Need Agency Support for CES? 

CES 2025 is a great opportunity to elevate your company's profile and connect with a global audience.  A well-executed PR strategy can make all the difference in ensuring your brand stands out amid the noise. By starting early, crafting compelling content, engaging with the media, and leveraging social media, you'll be well-positioned to make a lasting impression at CES 2025.

If you’re interested in kicking off a public relations strategy for the big show, kindly contact a member of the Wise Up PR team here to learn about how to make the most out of your attendance.