As many if you already know, the world’s largest electronics trade show, the Consumer Electronics Showcase (otherwise dubbed as CES) is set to kick off next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are expected to be close to 120,000 people in attendance for this year’s event, including tons of industry big wigs, press and bloggers — there’s sure to be a celebrity or two in the building as well. It looks like we can officially strike one name off of the guest list, and this one is a pretty important name from the industry.

Verizon announced today that CEO Lowell McAdam would not be attending this year’s event and is cancelling his scheduled keynote appearance due to a conflicting change in schedule. This is quite perplexing, considering the scope and importance of the yearly Las Vegas-based technology event.

This news comes fresh on the heels of Microsoft’s announcement that this year’s event would mark their last keynote. Microsoft noted that their product release schedule just does not pan out with the January timing of the event, and word has it the company will look to hold Microsoft exclusive events from here out.

As a first timer, I’m a bit bummed to miss out on a Big Red keynote, but there will still be plenty of action to go around, and we’ll still be there taking in as much as possible. Our schedule is booked up pretty tight and it looks like we’re going to need more than a few 5-hour Energy shots to get through this one. Make sure to stay tuned next week for all the juicy details from the desert!

As for this story, what are your thought on Big Red bailing at the last second? Make sure to hit us with a comment to share your thoughts.

Via: SlashGear