Aug 27, 2007

Arlington, Va., July 5, 2007 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that top executives from Microsoft, Panasonic and Intel will deliver keynote addresses at the 2008 International CES®. Produced by CEA, the 2008 International CES is the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology and returns to Las Vegas, Nevada, January 7-10, 2008.

Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corp., will deliver a pre-show keynote address on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. Toshihiro Sakamoto, president, Panasonic AVC Networks Company, will kick off the 2008 International CES at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7 with an opening keynote, immediately following a State of the Industry Address by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. Paul Otellini, CEO, Intel Corp. will round out day one with a keynote address at 4:30 p.m., Monday afternoon. All CES keynote addresses will take place at The Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom.

“What an incredible line up of industry visionaries to kick off the 2008 International CES. Bill Gates, Toshihiro Sakamoto and Paul Otellini are industry pioneers who have revolutionized the consumer technology industry through innovative and ground-breaking ideas,” said Shapiro. “We look forward to hearing their visions for the future of consumer technology, particularly the impact new consumer technology products will have on digital content and services.”

Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft has continually advanced and improved software technology. With the full attention of the consumer technology world, Gates has previously used the International CES to preview products and technology on the horizon for consumers. Microsoft’s previous product debuts at CES include consumer technologies and services such as the Xbox, Tablet PC, eBook, Microsoft TV and Windows Vista.

Toshihiro Sakamoto is President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company, the consumer electronics and PC manufacturing arm of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Sakamoto has been responsible for creating and driving the company’s digital consumer electronics device strategies for flat panel displays and other High Definition networkable products. A seasoned global manager, his career includes two years as president of Taiwan Matsushita Electric and three assignments to Panasonic companies in the U.S. which totaled 14 years.

Paul Otellini became CEO of Intel Corp. in 2005, after serving as the president and chief operating officer for three years. Otellini, who joined Intel in 1974, previously held senior management positions where he managed all Intel microprocessor product divisions as well as the company’s global sales and marketing operations. Otellini was responsible for driving Intel’s shift from focusing solely on producing fast microprocessors, commonly known as the PC’s “brain,” to combining high-performance, energy-efficient microprocessors with additional integrated technologies -- that are changing how people use computers, electronics and devices to learn, live, work and communicate.

Additional industry leaders will keynote at the 2008 International CES.  Details will be announced this fall.

The 2008 International CES will feature the hottest product debuts from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product areas, including the latest in content, wireless, digital imaging, mobile electronics, home theater and audio. For more news on the 2008 International CES before, during and after the show, visit www.CESweb.org , the interactive source for CES information. 

Note to Journalists:
General press and analyst registration is available at www.CESweb.org . Detailed press conference information will be available later this year. Journalists are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Saturday, January 5 to take advantage of all the CES press events.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.