America250 Launches Innovation Initiatives at CES, Setting the Stage for America’s 250th

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® announces that it will host America250 at CES 2026 to help officially begin the nation’s 250th year celebration, leveraging the world’s most influential technology event as the first major national gathering to reflect on innovation in America’s Semiquincentennial year.

“For more than five decades, CES has been where the world comes together to see what’s next and to debate how innovation can strengthen economies, societies, and democracy itself,” said Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, CTA. “There is no more fitting place to begin America’s 250th year than CES, where American values of competitiveness and innovation are on full display.”

America250 will anchor a prominent activation in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center, featuring its iconic, America250-branded Airstream trailer and interactive experiences designed to engage CES attendees in reflecting on the nation’s past and imagining its future. CES 2026 brings this milestone to life at a moment, and a place defined by innovation, democratic exchange, and global leadership.

“CES is built around moments like this—bringing people together, creating energy, and putting big ideas in front of a global audience,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “We’re thrilled to host America250 at CES 2026 and to help kick off this historic year in Las Vegas, with immersive experiences and conversations that will reach millions around the world.”

As part of the activation, Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, will deliver remarks on the CTA Stage that preview the organization’s innovation-focused programming plans for 2026. More broadly, the speech will highlight how the Semiquincentennial provides an opportunity to reaffirm shared American ideals—innovation, opportunity, and civic participation—at a time of rapid technological change. 

“CES is a powerful platform to continue our mission to engage all 350 million Americans for the 250th—a goal we call 350 for 250—and continue the incredible momentum we’ve had in just the first week of 2026 to ring in the Semiquincentennial year. CES allows us to reach new audiences, elevate this milestone within the business and technology communities, and spotlight the innovation that has always driven our democracy forward.” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “CES is where America’s spirit of innovation is on full display. America250’s presence here celebrates the creativity that has made America and will shape what comes next.” 

The America250 activation will be open throughout CES 2026, serving as a gathering point for conversation, reflection, and engagement around the next chapter of the American story. 

CES 2026 takes place January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Register at CES.tech.

About CES®:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.  

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.  

About America250 

America250 is the official nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Learn more at www.America250.org.