With more than 3000 exhibitors from around the world showcasing their tech innovations at CES, one country is notably absent – Russia.
Despite having a presence in previous years, they have been barred from CES 2023 due to their invasion of Ukraine.
Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Technology Association, which runs the respected trade event, says simply that Russia is “not welcome”.
“We did not welcome them this year given the political situation. We just didn’t feel it was appropriate,” he explains.
While the US is just one of about 30 countries that have sanctioned Russia over the invasion, Shapiro says that isn’t necessarily the reason for the ban.
“It wasn’t a matter of legal policy for the United States, it’s a matter of our policy as an organisation.”
While a few Russian countries did ask if they could exhibit, Shapiro wasn’t putting out the welcome mat.
“We said they could relocate to another country if they were interested.”
Meanwhile, about a dozen Ukrainian tech companies and startups are showcasing, many pushing sustainability concepts.
