Although CES this year was not exciting for new devices or exciting breakthroughs there are several advantages for going.  One of the advantages is the opportunity to meet up with "old" friends, share experiences and talk about what's happening in the "mobile world".  Again, this year, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a variety of folks, have lunch and share experiences.  Last year I met and had lunch with John Philips from Astraware and Judi Lipsett from Gear Diary.  This year we had a "reunion lunch" scheduled but unfortunately John came down with the flu and was down and out for the almost the entire show.

But Judi and I met up up again along with Jerry Raia and Scott Jordan from SCOTTEVEST.  So Judi and I had to re-do our "pose" eating those great French Fries from Quarks at the Hilton.

I had lunch at Piero's while in Las Vegas and again met up with Judi and Jerry from Gear Diary as well as Steve Hughes from Boston Pocket PC, Mike Temporale from Smartphone Thoughts, and fellow MVP Eric Hicks who is a frequent contributor at Boston Pocket PC.  The waiter took the group shot ... ah, next time he'll learn how to focus the shot but you get the idea!

The renewal of friendships was a terrific experience but the discussions on devices, trends and what we might expect in the future make it an invaluable opportunity.