A destination for bold ideas, groundbreaking insights, and unparalleled networking

Meet us at the WPP Media Lounge

  • The WPP Media Lounge offers experiences designed for our clients at CES 2026. It is a space to relax and recharge, connect with brand and agency leaders, and be inspired by programming curated by WPP Media.

    Refreshments will be available throughout the day in the pantry, along with two suites that can be reserved for quick meetings with colleagues. The main room is where our speaker sessions take place, as well as immersive experiences.

    When there is no scheduled programming, the soft seating can be just what every CES attendee desperately needs after walking (and running) from event to event.

  • Centrally located on the Promenade Level at the ARIA (Convention Center East Wing on Level 2), the WPP Media Lounge occupies the space also known as the Cypress Executive Lounge adjacent to Mariposa Ballroom, and across from Salt & Ivy.

    The WPP Media Lounge is open:

    • Monday, 5:00-7:00PM (Welcome Reception)

    • Tuesday, 9:00AM-5:00PM

    • Wednesday, 9:00AM-5:00PM

    • Thursday, 9:00AM-3:00PM

  • The WPP Media Lounge is for our clients and agency team members. Clients will only need to register once at our registration desk and will be given a wristband for access throughout the week. If you lose your wristband, see the registration desk for a replacement.

    During programming and content sessions at the WPP Media Lounge, access to open seating may be limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Partners will also have access to the space at certain times.

    During private events, portions of the lounge may be closed.

  • Check out the full lineup of sessions featuring leaders from WPP Media and the world’s most innovative minds.

    WPP Media will also host a welcome cocktail event in our space on Monday, Jan. 5 starting at 5 p.m. to kick off CES 2026.

    Throughout the week, there will be a “Magic Making Station” where guests can customize limited swag items.

  • There are two small suites at the WPP Media Lounge that can be used for casual meetings with colleagues (reservation only). Please note that these rooms are not soundproof and are located next to the pantry area, so they may not be suitable for meetings requiring privacy.

    WPP Media does offer limited private meeting spaces at the ARIA Sky Suites, available for booking. Contact your client lead for information on how to reserve these meeting spaces.

Explore the magic of media and storytelling

Beyond a place to relax and for some refreshments, the WPP Media Lounge brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and brands for engaging content and experiences in an intimate setting exclusively for our clients and brands.

The WPP Media Lounge is steps away from other C Space venues at the ARIA on Level 2 (also known as the Promenade Level). Our doors are open to WPP Media clients and agency team members.

Content sessions will occur in the Lounge area, which will be closed for general use during programming and private events (see below for times). The pantry with refreshments and amenities, along with casual meeting rooms, are open during WPP Media Lounge hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Thursday).

With limited seating due to the intimate setting and room capacity, access to open seating at sessions will be on a first-come, first served basis.

The Lounge will also be home to a “Swag Customization Bar” where you can customize swag items that celebrate fandom and community. Check our schedule for times to participate in this immersive experience.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in the Lounge during the week (check back for updates on new sessions to be added):

MONDAY, JANUARY 5

5:00-7:00 p.m.
SOCIAL EVENT | WPP Media Welcome Reception
Kick off CES 2026 with WPP Media at our Welcome Reception, presented by EA Advertising. This social event at our private WPP Media Lounge is a perfect opportunity to connect, network, and set the tone for the exciting week ahead.
> RSVP and add event to calendar

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

9:00 a.m.
LOUNGE OPENS

10:00-11:00 a.m.
PRESENTATION | The Magic of Media: Architecting Growth in the AI-Powered Economy
The magic of media outcomes isn't luck; it's masterfully architected intelligence. WPP Media CEO Brian Lesser will share WPP Media's blueprint for enduring brand growth in the AI-powered economy. Brian will discuss three pivotal principles for marketers: putting data at the core, fueling creative with media, and building agile, interconnected ecosystems to empower brands to cultivate lasting, profound impact. 

Hollywood producer turned Google Cloud AI lead Buzz Hays will also join for a fireside chat on implementing responsible AI at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and creativity, sharing insights from his recent work on the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.
> RSVP and add event to calendar

Noon-1:00 p.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION | The Next-Gen Fan: How to Drive Human Engagement in a Hyper Connected World
Fandom has always been active, but today’s hyper-connected world has transformed it into something deeper and more dynamic. Social platforms, interactive entertainment, and athlete-driven communities are reshaping how fans discover, connect, and stay loyal. The shift has created new opportunities for brands and new expectations for how they show up. This session will explore : 

  • How athletes are building direct, personal connections with global fan bases, transcending traditional media boundaries—and how brands can come along for the ride

  • The evolution of interactive entertainment into rich ecosystems that foster deep community and personalized fan experiences

  • Strategies for sports franchises and marketers looking to redefine sports fandom through immersive experiences (bringing IP into IRL and making brand moments playable) 

  • How to measure the true value of engagement in an era of fragmented attention and diverse media consumption 

Speakers:

  • Alex Morgan, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist

  • Julie Foster, SVP & Managing Director, EA Experiences, Electronic Arts

  • Ryu Yokoi, Chief Media & Marketing Capability Officer, NA, Unilever

  • Nancy Hall, Chief Client Officer, WPP Media US (Moderator) 

> RSVP and add event to calendar

1:00-4:00 p.m.
EXPERIENCE | Magic Making Station
This is where creativity meets craft. Stop by the Lounge to customize limited swag items (while supplies last) fit for celebrating fandom and community.

5:00 p.m.
LOUNGE CLOSES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

9:00 a.m.
LOUNGE OPENS

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
EXPERIENCE | Magic Making Station
This is where creativity meets craft. Stop by the Lounge to customize limited swag items (while supplies last) fit for celebrating fandom and community.

Noon-1:00 p.m.
PRESENTATION | The Next Big Thing: Trends in Technology
Brian Cooley delivers his signature annual trends forecast at CES by demystifying what powers the hits and what underlies the misses in consumer technology trends. In this exclusive session for WPP Media clients, he will distill the innovation and trends influencing consumer behavior and what they mean for brands. A CNET partner and former editor-in-large, Brian is a renown industry thought leader in disruptive technology and innovation.
> RSVP and add event to calendar

2:00-4:00 p.m.
PRIVATE EVENT
The general lounge area will be closed for a private event. Pantry remains open.

5:00 p.m.
LOUNGE CLOSES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

9:00 a.m.
LOUNGE OPENS

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
EXPERIENCE | Magic Making Station
This is where creativity meets craft. Stop by the Lounge to customize limited swag items (while supplies last) fit for celebrating fandom and community.

9:30 a.m.-Noon
PRIVATE EVENT
The library will be closed for a private event. General lounge area and pantry remain open.

3:00 p.m.
LOUNGE CLOSES