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Businesses in Las Vegas adapt to CES 2021 being virtual

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Posted at 9:01 PM, Jan 12, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-13 09:15:18-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — CES is usually one of the biggest moneymakers of the year in Las Vegas, but this year businesses who rely on the convention are trying to forge ahead.

For the first time ever, CES is being held virtually in 2021.

RELATED: Las Vegas feels the economic impact of CES going virtual

“This theme of conventions canceling and switching to digital isn’t something that’s going away, so we’ve had to completely change how we operate,” said Amanda Signorelli of Golden Steer Steakhouse.

Golden Steer Steakhouse misses the private dining experiences that they’re used to serving up, especially during CES each year.

Now, the classic restaurant has a different experience on the menu to keep guests coming back for more.

“We do a cook along with our chef for 90 minutes and ship out all the ingredients for the attendees ahead of time,” said Signorelli.

It’s no secret that countless businesses were impacted by CES’ switch to being virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rideshare drivers say CES had been a cash cow previously, as they were shuttling attendees around the Strip.

“CES is always a golden ticket,” said rideshare driver Frankie Guarino.

Guarino says in years past the money always came pouring in during New Year’s Eve, CES and EDC.

“Those are all moneymakers put into one compacted time,” says Guarino.

RELATED: CES 2021 going digital, will not return to Las Vegas in January

Guarino says many Uber drivers are not driving due to the pandemic, or are delivering on Uber Eats, which he says doesn’t have as big of a return.

It’s a shared hope that events will again return to being in-person so incomes can bounce back.

“We’re welcoming people for the conventions when there’s a physical footprint, and we’re doing the virtual experiences at night," said Signorelli. "And being able to do both is the key to being able to succeed."