• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, January 14, 2021

CES normally is renowned for its parties in some of Las Vegas' hottest venues, especially when they are hosted by companies like iHeartMedia and MediaLink, but this year's biggest shindig was as virtual as the conference itself.

Billed as an "intimate VIP networking event," iHeartMedia and MediaLink kept partygoers socially distant via an all-digital virtual interface designed to approximate a real-world hobnobbing experience, featuring the likes of singer Dia Lupa being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest.

The virtual shindig, hosted via Beneville Studios and SpatialWeb's technology, also featured appearances by iHeartMedia's brass, including CEO Bob Pittman, MediaLink chief Michael Kassan, and a special performance by Billie Eilish.