Although the iLounge Pavilion conveniently collects many (but not all, as we found) of the exhibitors of the Apple ecosystem, it’s still a small sliver of space compared to the rest of the massive consumer electronics event. With multiple halls, floors, and even locations, CES is a sprawling mini-city where you’re lucky if you can see a tiny fraction of it before going completely mad.
Jessica Cole, who handles product marketing for , (the company exhibited at both events) told me that the foot traffic at Macworld 2011 has been much better than at CES, due to everything being in a single hall. At a smaller show, you’re much more likely to see things, and therefore companies are much more likely to get noticed.
Macworld Expo is a consumer-focused show, whereas CES is a trade event. Unless you’re in the industry (or a member of the media), you can’t even get in the door in Las Vegas. Just check out the and you’ll find this: