CES organizers expecting near-record turnout

The organizers of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) are anticipating a high attendance rate at this year's event, where the Ultrabook™, tablet computers and other electronic gadgets will be featured heavily.

According to technology news provider Venture Beat, the trade show, which takes place from January 10 to 13, is expected to attract some 149,000 people to Las Vegas. This is roughly the same number of attendees as in 2010 and just a few thousand short of the record-high 152,000 in 2006.

Jason Oxman, CES senior vice president, says the Ultrabook will be the fan favorite at this year's event. Earlier reports indicate that anywhere between 30 and 50 Ultrabooks from dozens of manufacturers could be displayed at CES.

"If 2011 was the year of the tablet, 2012 will be the year of the Ultrabook," Oxman tells the news provider.

Both the Ultrabook and the tablet are poised to have a strong year in 2012. As consumers and business users alike shift their focus to portability, these two devices are expected to see huge sales figures next year and beyond.