International CES is ending its nearly two-decade relationship with GES and has selected Freeman to be its general service contractor beginning with the 2014 show.

Karen Chupka, senior vice president for events and business strategy with the Consumer Electronics Association, says the decision was the result of a review process in which both major service contractors presented proposals.

“In the end, we selected Freeman because we believe they will provide a fresh eye and approach that will greatly benefit our show and our customers as we plan for the 2014 International CES,” Chupka says in a statement.

She also notes GES and Freeman probably were the only two companies that could service an event as large as CES.

“We greatly appreciate our long relationship with GES,” Chupka says, “but we felt it was time for a different approach and view of our event.”

The move is significant because CES, held each January in Las Vegas, is usually one of the largest annual tradeshows in the United States, sprawling over the Las Vegas Convention Center and multiple other venues throughout the city.

The 2013 edition of the show had 1.92 million square feet of exhibit space with more than 3,250 exhibitors and 150,000 attendees.

“We are proud of the service that we have provided to CEA to help make International CES a highly successful event,” says GES President Steve Moster. “While we are disappointed by CEA’s decision, we wish them continued success.”

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