Tomorrow begins the unofficial geek holiday – The International CES. From January 7-9 in Las Vegas, over 2,500 exhibitors will unveil their latest innovations at the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. I'm looking forward to it, although it's torturous for two reasons:

1. I'm stuck in Detroit ( and freezing). I love Vegas.
2. It's like going to Best Buy and seeing a bunch of stuff you can't buy.

What I love most about CES is that it's a great springboard for ideas. As an experiential marketer, I'm constantly on the lookout for new trends and ways to engage and interact with consumers. With more than 20,000 new products on display, it's the ultimate Vegas buffet. I've downloaded the vendor information to my phone. I won't be able to talk to them this weekend, but if I like what I see, I will be calling them soon.

Talking to vendors is key. You won't know "the next big thing," unless you talk to the people who are making it happen. And yes, they will talk to you. Some will talk your ear off if you let them. Remember, they are trying to make a sale. Your promotion may be the exposure they need. And their product or service may be the one thing that puts your promotion over the top.

It's also important to listen to the pitch. You need to become an authority on the product. Don't get gimmicky because it's cool. The tactic better serve your client's needs. Don't lose the message in the engagement. Becoming knowledgeable about the product/service helps you sell it, too, because you can help your client see its value. More importantly, it will help turn you into the go-to person at your agency. Great vendors make you look good.

My best contacts are those who are still helpful, even when they know they may not win the business this time around. But it's their commitment to customer service that keeps you coming back to them, and maybe awarding them some business later.

So I'm going to check out the smart thinkers of 2010 this weekend and hopefully add a few of them to my phone directory — and my list of business partners who make me look good.

And in case you would like to download the vendor info too: