Now that you’ve begun planning for CES 2017, it’s time to start thinking about your goals. Of course, the main goal of any consumer electronics brand attending this monstrous tradeshow is to increase exposure. What better way to do that than to make some worthwhile connections with media professionals and outlets who can put your product in front of their massive audiences?
Here is a list of six top influencers you should look out for on the CES showfloor:
Top 3 Journalists
Mashable (65.7 Million Visitors Per Month)
Founded by Pete Cashmore in 2005, Mashable is one of the leading publications in the digital culture space. Covering everything from tech products to the latest Netflix original series, Mashable is a global outlet for those living a connected lifestyle.
Lance Ulanoff is Chief Correspondent and Editor-at-Large of Mashable. He has been working in the tech journalism space for years, having previously served as Editor-in-Chief at PC Magazine. He makes frequent appearances as a tech commentator on national programs like Good Morning America and The Today Show. After his coverage of last year’s show, Onalytica named Lance one of CES’ top influencers. Lance has a special interest in mobile and cyber security.
CNET (62.5 Million Visitors Per Month)
Considered by some to be the father of tech magazines, CNET is one of America’s largest consumer electronic-focused publications, offering product reviews, news, commentary and original programming. Over 20 years old and owned by CBS Interactive, CNET is both a web and print publication that some of the best tech reviewers of our time have called home.
With 15 years in the field, Scott Stein is a Senior Editor at CNET in New York. His repertoire includes laptop reviews, Apple event coverage, gaming commentary and more, with numerous television appearances under his belt. Scott is a regular CES attendee, known for co-hosting CNET’s annual CES recap video series, while last year garnered nearly 50,000 views!
The Verge (23.1 Million Visitors Per Month)
First hitting the tech scene in 2011, The Verge has grown to be one of the internet’s most beloved tech publications in just five short years. The outlet is best known for its long-form, opinionated content focused on all things geek culture, from cult TV shows like Stranger Things to the hottest consumer electronics to hit Kickstarter.
As one of the most influential people at The Verge, Executive Editor Deiter Bohn is a force to be reckoned with in the tech journalism space. Bohn previously founded the Mobile Nations websites, including iMore and Android Central. With 10 years of experience covering consumer electronics under his belt, he has made several appearances on MSNBC and CNN offering commentary on the current state of tech. Deiter was last seen at CES 2016 walking the show floor with Walt Mossberg, who from 1991 through 2013, was the principal technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal.
Top 3 YouTubers
Marques Brownlee, @MKBHD (3.7 Million Subscribers)
Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD on YouTube, is a 23-year old internet personality and technology reviewer. After making his first video at 16, Brownlee has been able to amass a following of nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers. It is safe to say Marques changed the face of tech on YouTube, offering a unique spin on his video quality, using as a professional-grade camera to film his content. MKBHD videos have been featured on major publications, such as Forbes, USA Today and Fast Company, increasing his overall exposure exponentially.
Austin Evans, @austinnotduncan (1.5 Million Subscribers)
Longtime CES attendee and tech enthusiast, Austin Evans is a technology reviewer who has been making YouTube videos since 2011. Having grown an audience of over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, Austin has a loyal fanbase of all ages and all interests, ranging from gamers to Apple users. As a member of #TeamCrispy, Austin partners with various other tech YouTubers, such as TLD Today and MKBHD, to offer high-resolution (crispy) production value in the consumer electronics space.
Jonathan Morrison, @tldtoday (1.5 Million Subscribers)
Jonathan Morrison is a longtime YouTuber, having covered major consumer tech brands like Apple, Samsung and Sony. Jonathan’s unique spin is a passion for innovative gadgets that are also beautifully designed. TLD’s Dream Desk series, where Jon puts together a gorgeous tech setup for one lucky viewer, has been viewed nearly 5 million times alone! At CES 2015, Jon was featured in The Verge’s CES Roundtable, alongside top YouTubers, Austin Evans and Marques Brownlee.
And there you have it! Let’s just say that if you see one of these guys exploring your CES booth, be sure to expand your hand, introduce yourself and start conservation.