CES 2025: How Emerging Tech Will Transform Guest Experiences

Arlene Wszalek, EVP, Strategy & Innovation , 01.17.25

01.17.25 Arlene Wszalek, EVP, Strategy & Innovation

As the dust settles on CES 2025, we’ve identified five key technology trends with the potential to transform hospitality and location-based entertainment experiences. From massive displays to AI-powered interactions, here's our strategic analysis of what's next.

1. IMMERSIVE DISPLAY INNOVATIONS

Key Trend: The dropping price point of large-scale and see-through display technology is revolutionizing how venues approach digital installations. This shift makes cutting-edge visual experiences attainable for businesses of every size, encouraging creative experimentation with minimal financial risk.

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LG’s Transparent, Wireless 4K OLED TV

Marketing Implications:

  • Create more impactful digital environments at lower costs
  • Design innovative storefront and exterior experiences
  • Integrate transparent displays into themed environments for layered storytelling

Strategic Opportunities:

  • Partner with content creators for custom interactive experiences
  • Develop modular display systems for flexible event spaces
  • Create innovative advertising platforms for brand partnerships
  • Design scalable solutions for different venue sizes
  • Explore mixed reality integration possibilities

2. AI-POWERED INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

Key Trend: Moving beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations, AI technology now offers practical, scalable solutions at reasonable operating costs. This advancement enables truly customized visitor experiences while keeping implementation and maintenance manageable..

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NVIDIA’s Project Digits: The World’s Smallest AI Supercomputer

Marketing Applications:

  • Multi-language guest experiences without traditional barriers
  • Personalized visitor journeys and recommendations
  • Dynamic content optimization based on audience engagement

Strategic Opportunities:

  • Build proprietary AI models for unique venue experiences
  • Develop predictive analytics for visitor behavior
  • Create AI-powered personalization engines
  • Partner with AI infrastructure providers for edge computing
  • Design adaptive content systems for real-time optimization

3. ADVANCED WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

Key Trend: The widespread acceptance and improved design of smart eyewear and augmented reality devices marks a crucial shift in consumer behavior. Venues can now leverage visitors' personal devices rather than investing in and maintaining their own hardware fleet.

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Meta’s ubiquitous Ray-Bans

Marketing Applications:

  • Create shareable AR-enhanced photo/video moments
  • Deliver contextual, location-based promotions
  • Enable friction-free service interactions (reservations, orders, etc.)
  • Track and reward exploration via loyalty programs
  • Facilitate multilingual guest communications
  • Generate personalized highlight reels and memories
  • Enable virtual merchandise previews and purchases

Strategic Opportunities:

  • Partner with device manufacturers for venue-specific features
  • Develop exclusive AR content and experiences
  • Create data-driven marketing campaigns based on visitor patterns
  • Design viral-worthy AR moments and challenges
  • Build brand partnerships for sponsored AR activations

4. ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION

Key Trend: Robotic systems have transformed from attention-grabbing gimmicks into dependable platforms for both guest services and entertainment features. Enhanced interaction capabilities and enhanced safety capabilities make them increasingly valuable for direct customer engagement.

Marketing Applications:

  • Interactive robotic characters for attractions
  • Automated guest services and assistance
  • Novel forms of human-robot entertainment experiences

Strategic Opportunities:

  • Develop unique character IP for robotic entertainers
  • Create hybrid human-robot entertainment programs
  • Build scalable automation solutions for various venue types
  • Partner with robotics companies for custom applications
  • Design innovative service delivery models

5. INTEGRATED ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Key Trend: The future of entertainment delivery lies in flexible, cloud-powered platforms that emphasize personalization and connectivity. This transformation streamlines content management while creating more dynamic, adaptable guest experiences.

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Delta’s new in-flight entertainment system

Marketing Applications:

  • Create seamless multi-device entertainment experiences
  • Deliver personalized content based on user preferences
  • Enable social sharing and group interaction features
  • Integrate real-time content updates and live elements
  • Develop synchronized multi-screen experiences

Strategic Opportunities:

  • Partner with content providers for exclusive experiences
  • Create innovative content delivery platforms
  • Design hybrid physical-digital entertainment solutions
  • Build interactive social entertainment features
  • Develop new revenue streams through premium content offerings

Turning Innovation into Action

As these technologies evolve from CES showpieces to practical solutions, the opportunities for innovation are endless. Ready to explore what's possible for your brand? Let's connect.

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