Policy Professionals at CES 2026: A Sample Itinerary
December 18, 2025
- Author: CTA Staff
Technology policy isn't written in isolation — it's shaped where innovation happens. At CES® 2026, policymakers and tech leaders come together to tackle the pressing questions that will define how technology transforms our lives, economy and society. From AI governance to trade policy to digital health innovation, this is where the conversations that set the 2026 innovation agenda take place. Here's your day-by-day guide to the policy discussions that matter most.
Monday, January 5
Today's Game Plan: Plan Your Week
Use Monday to get organized and plan your CES experience. Download the CES app, presented by Panasonic, to build your personal agenda by bookmarking must-see sessions and flagging key exhibitors you want to visit.
Evening Highlight
Tuesday, January 6
Today's Game Plan: Global Innovation and Digital Health
Start your day early with the CTA State of the Industry Address and Siemens Keynote (8:30–10 AM, Venetian Level 5, Palazzo Ballroom). Siemens CEO Roland Busch will reveal how AI, digital twins and automation are driving a new era of AI-ready manufacturing and infrastructure — innovations that are reshaping industrial policy worldwide.
Morning and Afternoon
Dive into critical policy discussions. Choose your path based on your policy priorities:
Track 1: Innovation Policy Summit at LVCC North Level 2, N258
11–11:40 AM |
Innovation Without Borders: The Global Policy Frontier Global policymakers explore how innovation, trade and technology shape our shared future and what global cooperation means in the age of AI. Featuring leaders from South Korea's National Assembly, Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development and Ireland's Consulate General. |
1–2 PM |
Trusted Tech: Securing Innovation in a Connected World Leaders will explore solutions to secure devices, safeguard national security and build trust in a global tech ecosystem. Featuring Singapore's Embassy Digital Counselor and Samsung's Executive Vice President of US Public Affairs. |
2:20–3:20 PM |
Innovating Health: Policy for a Tech-Driven Future Discover how smart policy can accelerate breakthroughs in digital health, from remote monitoring to AI-enabled care. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O'Neill will share Administration priorities to accelerate breakthroughs in digital health. |
3:40–4:40 PM |
Breaking Barriers: Broadband Access for Every Community Broadband fuels economic growth and equity. Explore innovations delivering inclusive connectivity worldwide. |
Track 2: Global IPS at Venetian Expo Level 1, Hall G, Startup Stage
2:40–3:25 PM |
Governance in the Age of Digitalization & AI Leaders examine how digitalization and AI can reshape public services, enhance decision-making and build future-ready governments that better engage with startups and innovators. Featuring Austria's State Secretary. |
3:30–4:15 PM |
Governing for Innovation: Policy for the Future This panel explores how governments can modernize policy, strengthen innovation ecosystems and upgrade public services to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world. Featuring Estonia's Ambassador. |
Between Sessions
Visit the SME Advanced Manufacturing Showcase (Booth 15425, LVCC Central Hall) to see firsthand how policy decisions impact American manufacturing. Experience the latest advances in AI, automation, robotics and materials science that are driving economic growth and national security. Throughout the week, catch Knowledge Bar presentations from industry experts on manufacturing technologies that require thoughtful regulatory frameworks.
Evening Highlight
Wednesday, January 7
Today's Game Plan: AI Policy and Autonomous Vehicles
Start the day with Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed's keynote (9–10 AM, Venetian Level 5, Palazzo Ballroom) as he unveils how the company is transforming from a traditional equipment manufacturer into a high-tech innovator.
Morning Policy Sessions at LVCC North Level 2, N258:
9–10 AM |
Competing in a Trade-Disrupted World With tariffs and upheavals reshaping markets, discover how global innovators adapt, respond and seize opportunity amid disruption. |
10:20–11:20 AM |
Where Will Global Tech Trade Go in 2026? Learn how ongoing trade negotiations and the 2026 USMCA review will create challenges and opportunities for tech supply chains. |
Choose Your Midday Path:
Option A: America's AI Strategy
Head to CES Foundry at Fontainebleau for a must-see conversation:
11:30 AM–12 PM |
America's AI Future: A Fireside Chat with Michael Kratsios Presidential Science & Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios joins CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio to discuss America's AI strategy and competitiveness. (Fontainebleau, Foundry Stage) |
Stay at CES Foundry to experience the epicenter of AI and quantum innovation. This brand-new destination features two stages of programming, immersive demos and networking opportunities with global innovators. See cutting-edge AI and quantum technologies in action and engage directly with the startups and enterprises shaping the regulatory landscape for emerging tech.
Option B: Explore the Show Floor
Visit the SME Advanced Manufacturing Showcase and explore exhibitors showcasing technologies at the intersection of policy and innovation.
Afternoon Policy Sessions at LVCC North Level 2, N258:
1–2 PM |
Inside Washington: Hot Topics in Tech Policy Join us for a series of one-on-one, policy-focused conversations with senior U.S. government officials. |
2:20–3:20 PM |
The New Renaissance: AI and the Next Era of Innovation From governance to global competition, today's choices will chart the course of the new innovation renaissance. |
3:40–4:40 PM |
Road Rules: Governing the Global Shift to Autonomy Self-driving vehicles are crossing borders and industries. How can policy, innovation and collaboration ensure safe and trusted deployment worldwide? |
Thursday, January 8
Today's Game Plan: Federal Leadership and Emerging Tech
Morning Highlights:
9–10 AM |
Competing for the Future of Digital Assets (LVCC North Level 2, N258) Will the U.S. lead or lag? Explore how digital assets are reshaping economic sectors and what it takes to win global leadership. |
10:20–11:20 AM |
Inside Washington: Hot Topics in Tech Policy (LVCC North Level 2, N258) Join us for a series of one-on-one, policy-focused conversations with senior U.S. government officials. |
11–11:50 AM |
Fireside Chats with the FTC and FCC Chairs (LVCC West Level 2, W232) Join FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson and FCC Chair Brendan Carr for candid conversations with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro on how their agencies are navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape. |
Afternoon: Choose Your Policy Focus
Track 1: National Security and Innovation (LVCC West Level 2, W232 and North Level 2, N258)
1–1:30 PM |
Technology, Security & U.S. Power: A Conversation with Jacob Helberg (W232) Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will discuss how tech, security and statecraft shape U.S. competitiveness amid global challenges, from AI and semiconductors to China. |
2:20–3:20 PM |
Quantum Computing: Unlocking Tomorrow's Breakthroughs (N258) From supply chains to science, quantum is poised to transform every sector and unlock new breakthroughs. Hear where technology stands today and what's next. |
Track 2: Legal and Product Safety Policy (LVCC North Level 2, N258)
1–2 PM |
The Litigation Tax: How Lawsuits Stifle U.S. Innovation America's innovators face a hidden tax from abusive lawsuits. Learn how litigation drains resources and blocks the next wave of breakthroughs. |
3:40–4:40 PM |
Charging Ahead: Building a Safe Battery-Powered World In today's battery-powered world, hear from experts on innovative solutions and best practices for safely managing consumer batteries and preventing fires. |
Return to CES Foundry to explore quantum computing demonstrations and AI applications that are raising new regulatory questions. Understanding these technologies firsthand is essential for crafting effective policy frameworks.
4–4:40 PM |
How States Can Lead in Innovation: A Governors Panel (LVCC West Level 2, W232) Governors discuss how states can drive innovation through partnerships, smart regulation and strategies that strengthen economic growth. |
OR
4:40 PM - 5:15 PM |
Building the Next Health Tech Era (Venetian, Level 4, Marcello 4404) Senior federal government leaders discuss what’s coming next in AI, data, digital health innovation, policy, and payment. Add the Digital Health Track or Deluxe Conference Pass to your registration to attend. |
Evening Celebration
Friday, January 9
Today's Game Plan: Congressional Perspectives
Make final rounds at the SME Advanced Manufacturing Showcase to see how manufacturing technologies intersect with policy priorities around workforce development, supply chain security and economic competitiveness.
Before you leave, catch this essential session:
11–11:40 AM |
Senate Perspectives on Emerging Tech Policy (LVCC West Level 2, W232) Senators Jacky Rosen and Ben Ray Luján will discuss advancing tech innovation and federal priorities for Congress in 2026. |
Additional Government Leaders at CES 2026
Throughout the week, you'll have opportunities to hear from additional senior U.S. federal officials including Under Secretary for Science Dr. DarÃo Gil (Department of Energy), Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, Dr. Michelle Tarver (Director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, FDA), FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty and many more.
Ready to shape the future of tech policy? CES is where policymakers and innovators come together to define the innovation agenda for the year ahead. Whether you're a government official, policy advisor, industry leader or first-time attendee, this agenda ensures you'll catch the most important policy conversations at CES 2026.
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.
