CES is like the 12th day of Christmas!

As I write this, there are 9 days 17 hours 48 minutes and 23 seconds remaining until the start of the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

My 6-year-old son, Cooper, had a similar approach to Christmas – asking me every 20 minutes how much longer until Santa was coming to visit (I finally got smart and downloaded an iPad application so he could check for himself).  Anyway, the point is that for me, CES is like Christmas morning – here’s my proof:

Cooper:  Waking up and running to find out if Santa came to the house!

Me: Waking up in Vegas and running to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Cooper: Presents under the tree.

Me: The latest in consumer electronics – especially emerging technologies.

Cooper: Family coming to visit.

Me: Keynote speeches.

Cooper: Playing with all the new toys.

Me: Playing with all the new toys.

Cooper: The pageantry of Christmas – music and holiday specials.

Me: The pageantry of the booths – music and women in bikinis draped over a Bentley (which is somehow supposed to show off speakers).

Cooper: The feeling of goodwill among people (not exactly his words, but his sentiment).

Me: The feeling of goodwill that vendors pretend to have in order to sell you stuff.

I could keep going, but I think you get the general idea.  My point is simply that to people in the industry, CES is a magical place.  It’s not just about seeing the latest gadgets – it’s about having those gadgets in one place to identify emerging trends.  It’s about building relationships and networking.  It’s about trying to find an unintended use for products that help give you an edge over the competition.  I also dig that it’s in Vegas.  I encourage you to visit if you haven’t already been.  It’s really worth attending.

The International CES attracts more than 120,000 of the top executives, retail buyers, content providers, entertainment executives, venture capitalists, engineers, government officials and media from more than 130 countries.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the producer of the International CES. CEA is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $165 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org. 

Thursday, January 6: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, January 7: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, January 8: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, January 9: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

International CES is not open to the general public. You must be in the consumer electronics industry to be eligible to attend the show. Our attendees are made up of more than 120,000 individuals including manufacturers, retailers, content providers and creators, broadband developers, installers, engineers, corporate buyers, government leaders, financial analysts and the media — representing the United States, Canada, Mexico and more than 130 other countries. All attendees must be at least 16 years of age. Two forms of identification are required on-site (one photo ID and one proof of business affiliation/business card).

More than 1,200 technology companies from outside the Unites States, a 25 percent increase over 2010, will be among the 2,500 exhibitors showcasing the latest consumer electronics (CE) products at the 2011 International CES. The 2011 International CES will run January 6-9 and is expecting more than 120,000 attendees from more than 130 countries.

As the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, the International CES attracts industry leaders from around the world, with 22,000 attendees from outside the United States. CES participates in the International Buyer Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. As part of this program, buying delegations from more than 25 countries will attend the show, looking to meet their next business partner and experience the latest technologies.

“The 2011 International CES is a renewed opportunity for Morel to exhibit its latest, innovative products at the world’s prominent venue,” said Nir Paz, Morel’s sales and marketing director, based in Ness-Ziona, Israel. “Morel designs, engineers and manufactures a wide range of handcrafted, award-winning speakers and raw drivers for the mid to high-end OEM, home and car audio markets with over 35 years of renowned experience. CES is the place to unveil our new loudspeakers and latest technological achievements.”

CES will feature 20 market-specific TechZones, including new destinations: 3D@Home, with content creators, service providers and TV manufacturers that make 3D in the home a reality; Access on the Go, with devices changing the way content is accessed, showcasing the most innovative devices in eBooks, netbooks, smartbooks and tablets; Broadband Communications, highlighting the role of the underlying infrastructure in expanding broadband capacity; and Connected Home Appliances which will bring white goods to the show floor for the first time in CES history, including the latest interactive, energy efficient and SmartGrid enabled appliances.

Other new TechZones include: Mobile DTV, featuring consumer devices that bring the digital living room to the car and portable devices; the Electric Vehicle TechZone, highlighting a full range of high and low speed vehicles, energy storage devices and charging equipment; and Sports and Fitness Tech, focused on tools for the sports enthusiast and key trends impacting the multi-billion dollar sports, fitness and outdoors markets.

The 2011 CES is also bringing back the popular EHX@CES, the Gaming Showcase, HDMI, Home Plug, the iLounge Pavilion, CES’ fastest growing TechZone, Location Based Services, Robotics, Safe Driver, Sustainable Planet, USB, Wireless Mobility and Zigbee. In addition, the 2011 CES will feature these lifestyle TechZones:Digital Health, HigherEd Tech, Kids@Play, Mommy Tech and Silvers Summit.

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