Mini-Meet at CES

sounds like a few of us will be at CES in Jan. Would anyone be up for getting together at some point? Perhaps if we ask nicely the Empeg guys could give us a private booth tour or demo of their gear.

I already suggested this. I got no reponse (I think).

I will be there Thursday morning. However, I may not go to the show till Friday.

I might end up there. It's only about 10 hour drive for me, and being a college student I won't have much to do that week. I havn't really checked it out too much, are there any interesting "educational" conference sessions or are we just talking fun toys to look at?

Matthew

It takes about two days just to look at the toys. I have never attended a conference there.

We're not exhibiting at CES (SB will be, but not on the show floor). I doubt I'll be there, but if I am I'll let you know.

As Hugo mentioned, we expect that one of our customers will be showing some fun stuff.

Rob

There are some conferences, but i'm not certain what the educational value is, more trend discussion for the next 6 months. either way, its more fun to look at the toys

I will be in Vegas on wed night and be at the show thurs and fri. i didn't see your first message rob, but at least we know there are 4 potential empeg owners there. any others?

Rob, can you disclose who the customer is who will be showing off your "fun" stuff? i'd definitely stop by. i guess i could troll through your press release, but for the sake of time...

SONICBlue will be at the Hilton. See here.

I can't say anything before it is announced elsewhere.

Rob

I didn't expect a clear response, but interesting never the less. Mind if I speculate? I remember this text being in the EOL press release:

Despite its withdrawal from the aftermarket, SONICblue is now actively working with partners within the automotive industry - car manufacturers, audio component suppliers and existing aftermarket brands - to bring the advances made in SONICblue products such as the Rio car to the wider automotive market. SONICblue recognises that for compressed audio to be widely adopted within the automotive industry, car manufacturers will need to adopt technology which integrates fully into current and future car systems. SONICblue have already developed such a product in partnership with a major component supplier and will continue to push the boundaries of in-car music systems.

any coincidence Mercedes is the only auto maker listed with a booth at CES?

I don't expect a response, because this is probably complete bs, however the mind wanders sometimes.

I'll be there on my annual pilgrimage (12th year straight!). This'll be my third year driving, but the first with an Empeg equipped vehicle. YeeHaw!

In reply to:

---

any coincidence Mercedes is the only auto maker listed with a booth at CES?

---

Don't get your hopes up, Merc had a booth last year too. They were showing cars.

Well, hot dog.

I've never been to a CES or COMDEX, but you piqued my interest. I've been sitting on a soon-to-expire $100 apology coupon from Untied, and they had a $210 fare from Seattle, soooo.... $110 for airfare and a hotel room for $45 (Thursday night) +$70 (Friday). I'm gonna do it. I'll have all day Friday and Saturday AM to check it out.

Cool. I've been thinking of a place to meet since there will be no Rio booth on the show floor. I figure a low-traffic booth would be best. While thinking about last years show, Broksonic had a great booth for this purpose. Check out their 2002 booth:


It was large, empty, easy to spot, and right next to Panasonic (probably the biggest "booth" in the show). So, any other suggestions?

I am coming in for the show, staying at Mandalay Bay. I had to back out of the Cincy meet at the last minute due to work obligations, but I am looking forward to meeting everyone from the Empeg community who is in attendance.

Cheers,

Rob

Mandalay Bay

I am at Circus Circus because I am a cheap-ass.

I figure a low-traffic booth would be best.

Wow, that *is* big and empty. No wonder they're going brok.

Well, you are obviously the elder CES spirit guide, so if you want to pick a place to meet up Friday afternoon, you get to pick. I'm sure I would recognize you, and you would no doubt recognize me assuming you bring your opthalmoscope.

I am at Circus Circus because I am a cheap-ass.

I am am at the Stratosphere because I am (I think!) an even bigger cheap-ass!

OK. There is a company that we buy stuff from that will be exhibiting. I will try and get a floorplan from them to determine who the smallest company with the biggest booth is. Broksonic is going this year, but they may have learned their lesson.

Another potential pick is Home Shopping Network. Last year they were broacasing live from the show floor and nobody really cared to stand around and watch.

Cool! United, eh? You can fly in on a plane held together with tape!

Excellent, sounds like a mini meet is in the works. i'll be around and am pretty flexible on meeting up. Any empty booth suits me.

I may have to show up too... Only a 5-6 hour drive for me... (SLC) Plus it would be my first road trip with my empeg!

edit/addon: I have never attended one of these. Looking at the application I was wondering. Is it free to attend, and wander the booths? Then you pay for the extra stuff, as in training sessions? Thanks for the newbie questions.

Cool! United, eh? You can fly in on a plane held together with tape!

Tape is the exception, not the rule (I hope!)

I wish UA all the best -- hope they can emerge form bankruptcy like Continental.

In the meantime, I am working my butt off trying to turn ~600K frequent flyer miles into paper tickets before the bankruptcy judge decides that they should be exchanged for S&H Green Stamps!

Hey, anybody on the board from Copenhagen? Just got a ticket there...

Looking at the application I was wondering. Is it free to attend, and wander the booths? Then you pay for the extra stuff, as in training sessions?

I found this CES web site and filled out the form. I hope that when I get home I will find a free pass in my mailbox. Yes, it looks like the exhibits-only pass is free.

Keep in mind that they require to see a photo ID and and business card to pick up your pass and/or badge holder. I just made a couple up on a laser printer last year which worked fine.

I just made a couple up on a laser printer last year which worked fine.

Thanks for that tip, really.

Jim Hogan
Chief Didliology Officer
Substandard Component Technologies

Whaddya think?

Well, if those are the credentials you signed up with, go for it!

Keep in mind that they require to see a photo ID and and business card to pick up your pass and/or badge holder.

vistaprint has free business cards (pay for shipping) if you need it.

I have the floor plan for CES in front of me. It seems that Broksonic's booth may be a wise choice.

It is in the main hall

It is large

If last year is any indication, it will be relatively empty.

The booth number is 11343 and it's 50'x60'. If anyone has another suggestion, I can look it up on the floor plan. Unfortunately, I cannot easily look at a booth and tell who is occupying it.

sounds good to me.

My pass is free this year because i went last year. But i don't remember if i had to pay last year. sorry

The booth number is 11343 and it's 50'x60'.

What day and time?

Keep in mind that they require to see a photo ID and and business card to pick up your pass and/or badge holder. I just made a couple up on a laser printer last year which worked fine.

From what I understand, I'm getting my badge in the mail, in advance. If I show up with my badge in hand, I don't have to go through the rigamarole of presenting my ID and business card, do I?

Actually, you do. ID & business card are required to pick up your Badge Holder.

Yes, you need to pick up your badge holder. You must bring ID.

What day and time?

I think Friday at Noon would be good. Since almost none of us will have our cars, we should all go to lunch somewhere instead of just loitering at the Broksonic booth.

Sounds good to me. I'm still confirming that I'll be able to make it, but if I go I'll make sure to keep friday lunch free. If I'm coming, I've still got lable-stock from the last empeg meet I went to with tags/badges so people could recognize people based on their bbs handle and not just their snazzy CES name tag.

Matthew

Um, I won't be there until much later than that on Friday. I was hoping Saturday some time.

OK, Noon Saturday.

Allllllllrighty then.

Damn, I wasn't planning to being there saturday, but perhaps my plans could change. Is friday evening booked for everyone? I'm not even sure I'll be making it at all, so don't let me change everyone elses plans.

What do they require you be in the industry then have the show run through the weekend? Just about every other conferece i've been to was weekdays only.

Matthew

Evening meet is definitely doable. I am just making suggestions. I was actually planning on not attending the show on Saturday since I will be in early Thursday.

Attached is a map with our meeting point (if we meet at the show) illustrated.

Ok, I'm all signed up for CES.

Do you guys know if there are restrictions on bringing outside cases/electronics/etc into the show? I figure most of us don't want to leave their precious Empeg in the cars if we can help it. But I remember restrictions on outside bags on the show floor for past shows of this type.

And how about free SonicBlue t-shirts?

In my recent email from CES, I checked out this link which looks interesting. On Wednesday the 8th so most of us will probably miss it.

I figure most of us don't want to leave their precious Empeg in the cars if we can help it.

Car? You're driving your car to the convention center? Ick.

I plan to just leave the car at the hotel, the empeg safely in my hotel room, and take the courtesy shuttle to the convention center.

The show is just-about 1 week away! Gotta make a plan.

Is Saturday the official meet-date now?

Far as I know.

Everyone agreed on the location?

First road trip with an empeg well prepare to be amased they cut most journeys done by an incredable margin on the boredom factor.

last leave i drove to southampton and back twice from aberdeen about 700 miles and the empeg sailed along they are the best for that

My friend and I will try to stop by and say hey. We are both Rio Car owners also. He had a Mark I until someone stole it.
Saturday is reserved for the "Adult" part of the show for us. Doors don't open until 1pm so we should have plenty of time.
You people know about the Adult Expo at the Sands Right? My digi cam is all prepped and ready to go.

Yes, actually!
I
m living in Copenhagen right now, nad I've just dug my car out of the snow and started listening to empeg music instead of bus-nioses to work every day, and I'm tryin g to catch up with all my unread messages n the BBS...

Marius (Escort Cab + Mark II)

Yes, actually! I'm living in Copenhagen right now, nad I've just dug my car out of the snow...

Heh, I figured out the snow part and it turns out I didn't go to Copenhagen this time. I *do* want to go, though, but during the spring or summer, eh? I was looking at maps and guides and it seems like it is even feasible now with all the new bridges to rent a car and maybe visit across the way in Sweden, too. Maybe next summer.

(edit: Oh, and to the original topic, it looks like work is not going to hose me up and keep me away from Las Vegas. It looked bad for a few minutes, but the problem went away. just have to stop by Office Depot to pick up my cheesy business cards...)

Well, I've made my reservations and I'll be arriving thursday night and be at the show friday and saturday. Does anyone know a good spot saturday to meet and get lunch or something?

From going through this thread, it looks like the following people have a chance of showing up:
Robricc
Tfabris
maurij
Miltoid
jimhogan
RobRoy
az_max
coolsi (x2)
waterman981 (?)

I've got blank empeg name tags I can make up and bring...

Matthew

I'll be there until about noon on Saturday. Rob sounded like he had the meet point all worked out....
....although maybe we'll bump into each other at the Intel booth. Wink, wink.

Since there is no concrete meeting point yet, maybe we should just crash the AVS Forums Party. Admission is free with free finger foods. After checking out that party, maybe we can go get some dinner together.

Just throwing another idea out there...

I've got blank empeg name tags I can make up and bring...

If we're at CES, we'll already have the CES badges....

Since there is no concrete meeting point yet,

I thought we'd agreed Noon at the Brooksonic booth?

OK, I am in agreement.

Unfortunately things have come up for this weekend, and I won't be able to come... I really need to get to one of these meets! So nobody wait for me.

I will try and make it. I will be there saturday. Is it still at the Broksonic's Booth at noon??

Do they let you bring digital cameras to take photos of the "toys"

I might show up too.

Is it still at the Broksonic's Booth at noon?

As far as I know.

Do they let you bring digital cameras to take photos of the "toys"

I believe so, yes. Hugo had some pics from last year...

Do they let you bring digital cameras to take photos of the "toys"

Yes, definitely. Here are my pics from last year.

I have been without internet access for the past week, apologies for not replying sooner. I am leaving on saturday morning so will not be able to make it in the afternoon. I can make a friday afternoon or evening. I realise it may be a little late now, but thought i'd throw it out there.

does anyone know how i can get free tickets to CES, i did not register in time! any ideas?

I don't think they have scalpers trolling the parking lots.

I think it's $75.00 or something like that if you didn't register in time. All details at www.cesweb.org if you want to find out how to get in.

yeah, i know, my friend and i are going from our company, but we both thought the other was getting the tickets until now! So i'm stuck getting them, i thought i would try my connections here on the bbs to see if i can find someone with any extras, i found out that i can change ownership of any un-used with a simple note on company letter head, etc. Its worth a try, right?

If you look at www.cesweb.org, they have a link that says "I didn't register on time, how do I get my badge?" or something like that. It'll tell you what you need to do.

I hope you guys have a good time! I also hope you guys will post pictures of the new goods the empeg guys have been working on for all us poor saps who can't make it...

I didn't think any of the empeg guys were going...

We're not. Some of our forthcoming stuff will be buried in a suite, but some of it will be on the show floor with one of our partners. One or two people can probably work out where to find it, and then post here

Well hey, it makes the show more fun!

That would frickin rock!

Any chance us loyal empeggers could get a sneak preview of whatever is buried in a suite? I know we'd all appreciate it... Otherwise I've got two days combing the show floor to look for empeg-derived producs.

Either way, I'm about to get in the Yuppie Mobile and sit down for my 8.5 hour drive. I'll see everybody saturday, at noon, at the brooksonic booth. (I assume the VA Linux of the CES world will sponsor internet terminals somewhere so I can check my email and catch up on the BBS for free?)

Matthew

On the Rioworld site, there's a post referencing a Sony/SonicBlue/SomeOtherCompanyThatICan'tRecall digital video walkman, but I doubt that's it.

Any chance us loyal empeggers could get a sneak preview of whatever is buried in a suite?

If it's hidden in a suite, the reason is that you need an NDA to see it. They don't give those out to just anyone.

Yeah that's not it. OK here's a clue (I could just come out and tell you at this point but it would spoil the fun).

The product(s) on the show floor are automotive in nature.

The stuff behind closed doors isn't going to get a wider audience for several months yet.

Rob

Why not, I haven't been paid anything for an NDA yet...

Just got back home to phx. Wow, great to meet all of you. That Visteon product looks spectacular, I'm looking forward to getting one of those for my 2006 Lexus. Tony, do you have the pics of the boot logo?

My legs are sooo tired from walking around, I'll probably take two days off to recooperate. Got lots of signed posters from the booth babes, plus a bunch of literature.

I just got home myself. (For those that flew out of the airport, what did you think of those security lines?!?!!? - damn near missed my flight, and we arrived early!)

Anyway, it was really cool to at least stop by and say hello and put some faces to the names from here.

Cheers,

Rob

Tony, do you have the pics of the boot logo?

Posted it in another thread where Rob's pics of the player were posted...