UPDATE, 2:40 p.m.: CES officials say the power outage at the Las Vegas Convention Center Wednesday morning was a result of Tuesday’s rain storm.
UPDATE, 1:40 p.m.: Power is now fully restored on the show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Power has been fully restored. We are opening Central Hall. Again, thank you for your patience during this time.
— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018
We have confirmation that #CES2018 is indeed lit
— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018
UPDATE, 1:05 p.m.: Security teams have reopened the doors, and major exhibitors like LG and Samsung are starting to reboot their booths after a power outage knocked them offline for close to two hours.
LAS VEGAS — Big chunks of CES are currently in the dark as power to parts of the Las Vegas Convention Center went out Wednesday morning.
There is an isolated power outage at the Las Vegas Convention Center. We are working hard to resolve this and appreciate your patience.
— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018
Electronics giants like Samsung, LG, Panasonic and more suddenly lost power to their booths a little after 11 a.m. PT. LG’s exhibit in the center portion of the hall is enclosed, and when the power dropped out it drew audible gasps from attendees, and for a minute it seemed like some sort of surprise announcement. But everyone quickly realized that there was a problem and brought out their phones to provide a modicum of light as attendees exited the hall.
Other parts of the hall remain up and running, but CES attendees outside were locked out of the convention center after the outage.
I am locked out of #CES2018 pic.twitter.com/qDXSLayGJS
— Ronan Glon (@EuropeanCarNews) January 10, 2018
Update, 12:48 p.m. PT — CES said that Nevada Power is “in the process of restoring power.”
We've been informed by Nevada Power that the outage has been addressed and they are in the process of restoring power. We will continue to restrict access until full power has been restored. Thank you for your continued patience. We encourage you to visit other open show areas
— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018
The outage is a bit ironic, given CES’ status as one of the world’s biggest technology conferences. And this wasn’t even the first major mishap of the week — on Tuesday, the opening day of the show, heavy rains spoiled the unveiling of Google’s massive outdoor booth.
We’ve reached out to CES, and we’ll update this post as we learn more. At around 11:35 a.m., an announcement came over the PA system saying officials are working on restoring power. CES recommended people download the LiveSafe app for updates.
While we work through this isolated power outage feel free to visit our exhibitors in South Hall and North Hall. Also get outside on this beautiful Las Vegas day and check out Central and South Plaza. #CES2018
— CES (@CES) January 10, 2018
The outage quickly gained attention online, given the presence of a huge gaggle of tech media and socially inclined attendees.
Juggler making most of #lightsout at #ces pic.twitter.com/u0XeJ72yO5
— Ty Pendlebury (@typendlebury) January 10, 2018
#CES Central Hall electricity went out. After leaks in the ceiling yesterday this is not a good look. pic.twitter.com/o5PYIGYN45
— Julia Boorstin (@JBoorstin) January 10, 2018
Apparently some people who had their phones in those charging towers can not get their phones out again as they are locked in due to the power cut in North and Central halls at CES. #ces2018 #CNETatCES
— Drew Stearne (@drewstearne) January 10, 2018
Welcome to the darkness. We hope you find it enlightening. https://t.co/eTKVpDxk8n
— Black Mirror (@blackmirror) January 10, 2018
Brands are frantically scrambling their CES war rooms right now for that killer #CES18 power outage tweet. pic.twitter.com/VtFEzpv6UP
— Tim Baker ⛄️ (@IAmTimBaker) January 10, 2018
'Daylight' will now win every major Tech Award at #CES. #dtces #cespoweroutage pic.twitter.com/ffVg1iqq6U
— Greg Nibler (@GregNibler) January 10, 2018