Putting the "Consumer" into the Consumer Electronics Show

Before CES 2008 Mania begins, I want to make note of one of my big gripes about CES 2007.

"Consumer Electronics."

CES is huge. Really huge. Extremely large. Everyone wants to get booth space to show off the newest and hottest toys. However, a good deal of floor space (1/5 by my rough estimate last year) is dedicated to electronics or concepts that aren't meant for the consumer at all. Examples:

• Semiconductors. Yes, they may make it into consumer electronic devices some day, but until then they're for manufacturers/designers. Showing off a fantastic chip that won't make it to market until 2010 (if ever) can wait.
  
• Robotics. The Roomba is a consumer electronics device. The Robosapien is a consumer toy. Industrial robotic technology doesn't belong at a consumer technology show.
• Retail resources. Point-of-sale terminals, RFID tracking, and marketing concepts belong at retail trade shows.
• Professional grade audio/video. People who are willing to spend $20,000 on a camera or $5,000 on a microphone would certainly be willing to go to a more specialized trade show. Those are professionals, not consumers.

That "good deal of floor space" translates to a good deal of extra walking and wasted time for attendees. I think CES could be made smaller and more efficient - just remove everything that doesn't count as "consumer electronics."