January 7, 2025—The First Day of CES, by Terri Nakamura

An Early Start for the Delta Keynote

Mornings and I aren’t the best of friends, but today was an exception. At 7 AM, I was up and ready to head to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall. Why the early start when doors didn’t open until 10 AM? Delta. After missing out on tickets earlier, I wasn’t taking any chances on securing seats for CEO Ed Bastian’s keynote presentation. Adding to the excitement, this year I had my brother Dave with me for his first-ever CES—so the stakes felt even higher.

Navigating Challenges to Secure Tickets

The day started with a detour. Instead of a quick entry with our media passes, we found ourselves on a wild goose chase. The West Hall was open only to non-media attendees, forcing us to trek what felt like half a mile to find an alternative entrance. Inside, we were greeted by an already long ticket line.

Not one to sit idle, I left Dave in line and headed to the information desk. That’s when luck struck. Two women at the desk shared my impatience and suggested starting a second line. We struck up a rapport with the ticketing staff, and in a stroke of serendipity, they agreed to issue us tickets as soon as the desk opened. What could have been an hour-long wait turned into a quick win—proof that “bias for action” and “invent and simplify” truly pay off!

Exploring the West Hall

With tickets secured, Dave and I explored the West Hall—a showcase of cutting-edge innovation. Familiar brands like John Deere, BMW, and Audi displayed their latest marvels, while Jaguar leaned on its classic logo (though I prefer the updated design). The standout? Honda’s sleek and stunning Honda 0 SUV.

Traveling Through the Loop and Visiting Eureka Park

Next, we hopped into the Loop—Tesla-driven underground tunnels whisking attendees between halls—and made our way to the Central Hall before shuttling to the Venetian Expo. The buzz of Eureka Park greeted us, a hotbed of global startups. Two companies caught my attention: Kara Water, which transforms air into drinkable water, and Mixi, creators of small, charming companion robots.

The Sphere: A Venue Unlike Any Other

Then came the highlight of the day: the Sphere. Just stepping inside was awe-inspiring. Its sheer scale and the energy of the crowd felt electric, and the state-of-the-art venue itself was a masterpiece. Endless lines reminded me of Disneyland, but the anticipation was worth it.

The Delta Keynote: Innovation and Inspiration

The Delta keynote was nothing short of extraordinary. Ed Bastian’s presentation showcased Delta’s commitment to using technology to forge human connections in the next century of aviation. Leveraging the Sphere’s cutting-edge features—like the Exosphere, the world’s largest LED screen, and HOLOPLOT-powered immersive sound—Delta delivered a sensory-rich experience that set a new standard for CES presentations.

Bastian revealed partnerships with YouTube and Uber, while Viola Davis, Delta’s iconic “voice,” captivated the audience with her poetic reflections on the miracle of flight. Then came the surprise guest: Tom Brady, introduced as a content creator for Delta’s inflight entertainment—a surreal moment for sure!

Lenny Kravitz Brings the Night to a Close

The keynote ended on a high note with a show-stopping performance by Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz. Between free food, drinks, and a swag bag brimming with goodies (sweatshirts, hats, snow globes, and a $20 Uber gift card), Delta raised the bar for CES events. It was easily one of the best I’ve attended.

Final Thoughts: Delta and the Sphere Shine Bright

If you ever have the chance to attend an event at the Sphere, seize it. As for Delta, I wasn’t prepared for such an informative, engaging and impressing presentation. They’ve officially earned my loyalty. After today, they’re my go-to airline for the future.