Every early January, Las Vegas temporarily becomes the hub of the tech world – drawing 170,000 people from 400,000 companies to the Consumer Electronics Show. Here are a few key take-aways– courtesy of ANA/BMA – we found interesting to marketers like ourselves – not in any particular order:

• Tech-Based Infrastructure: With the potential coming investment in our crumbling bridges, roads, and electric grids – it can be argued that they are replaced with “smart” infrastructure – from bridges with sensors that can monitor their own structural health… to connected roadways… to full-on smart cities. There must be something in here for marketers – like Samsung’s smart fridge encouraging us to re-stock with certain grocery brands.

• Digital Assistants: Like Amazon’s Alexa, there are now digital assistants for children, for security – and not to mention, robotics to help you cut the lawn, fold clothes, vacuum, and take pics.

• 5G Connectivity: Higher internet speeds, greater capacities, and lower latency rates. With potentially 40 times the power of 4G, 5G connectivity may pave the way for smart cities, self-driving cars, and wireless virtual reality (VR).

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Going way beyond the Internet of Things. Software learns from data like humans learn from experience. One example: Nvidia’s AI CoPilot, an AI assistant to drivers that pulls in data from sensors inside and outside the car to build a profile of current conditions and to warn drivers of any potential dangers.

• Biometrics: A secure way to authenticate our identity on devices via iris scans, fingerprints, vein patterns, or voice identification. But as these devices are more personalized, data security becomes more of an issue.

• Drones: Massive industrial and commercial application, including governmental or agricultural uses, protection for military personnel. And for brands and marketers, for photo shoots and filming, outdoor advertising, and delivery service.

• Self-Driving Cars: Benefits include reducing accidents, delivery services, and making commuting accessible for people with disabilities. Consumer research shows a high interest in these, but this technology may eventually put 2 million + truckers out of a job over the next decade.

• Virtual Reality (VR): VR experiences are now available across industries like entertainment, health and medical, enterprise, and education. In general, consumers are intrigued by VR technology, but may not know how or where to use it.