On an annual basis, January in the United States is highlighted by two of the country's largest trade events of the year: The North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Both events are regularly used as a measure of future technological innovations, and the level of economic optimism existing in the market as seen through the number of conference attendees and the type of goods present. January 2009, for instance, showed dramatic signs of economic decline at both CES and the Detroit Auto Show. As MSNBC's report of last year's auto show described: "For a show that's normally all about ritzy parties and celebrity appearances, there's an unusual sense of practicality at this year's Detroit auto show, and it extends right down to the showroom floor."

Yet with 2010, there seems to be a growing sense of invigoration in the two consumer driven trades. "The year optimism returned", proclaimed the Globe and Mail, describing the auto sector's sentiments as humbled by past trials, yet looking positively towards the coming year. Year-over-year sales growth, in part due to the cash for clunkers program of last summer, but also due to a growing sense of recovery in the American consumer, is being grasped like a life preserver, according to industry analysts.

In the case of CES, industry representatives, each having felt the sting of industry contraction last year, see much reason to celebrate in 2010. Reflecting 2008 and 2009, one industry watcher argued "Who wants to buy an iPod when you just lost your job?" President and CEO of CES, Gary Shapiro, however, argues that the industry has begun "edging away from the cliff". Describing the 2010 showcase, Shapiro proclaimed: "With a record number of new exhibitors, scores of new product introductions, several new spotlights of the show floor and a dynamic lineup of keynotes sessions, the 2010 International CES will be our best show." The glitz has also returned to replace the more humbled approach to recent conferences, including tech-zones and Apple's hip i-Lounge, which on its own takes up nearly 25,000 square feet.

Yet it is the American auto industry, the receiver of controversial government bail-out packages and employer of over 200,000 Americans, that remains at the center of every economic and industry watcher's attention. From a technological stand point, the world's auto makers appeared to be continuing their trend towards greener vehicles, employing experimental technologies to reduce emissions via more effective hybrid engines , hydrogen fueling, and electricity.

Looking at Detroit's Big Three (GM, Ford, and Chrysler), it was clear that Ford was the big winner of the show, winning numerous awards including best car and best truck. GM and Chrysler, however, continued to be timid amidst the enthusiasm of the show room floor. GM's vice-chairman, Bob Lutz, gave a cautious address before the industry, prefacing his difficulty in making industry predictions. Meanwhile, Chrysler was noted among the industry elite for its rather "dismal" presence in Detroit this year.

Related:

• Brookings Discussion: General Motors, Federal Action, and American Innovation
• In the Spotlight: Avoiding a Post-CARS Crash
• Teaching Module: Improving Cross-Border Integration and Regulation of the Automotive Industry, Guy Stanley
• Past Event: Innovation Nation: Building a Culture and Practice of Innovation in Canada
• Library: Are We Legislating Away Our Scientific Future?
• In the Spotlight: Detroit: The Great American Labratory

(Image Credit: Flickr user Corvair Owner)