Top Government Officials Kickoff 2006 Technology Policy Debates in Las Vegas During CES; Elite Public Policy Leaders Explore Technology and Related Policy Issues at World`s Largest Consumer Technology Tradeshow

2006 International CES

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2005--More than 100 top international, federal and state government officials will travel to the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES(R)) in Las Vegas to see, hear, touch, understand and debate the hottest technology products and services. These ``Leaders In Technology`` as they are known at CES, will descend upon Las Vegas with more than 130,000 trade attendees January 5-8 at the 2006 International CES, the world`s largest consumer technology tradeshow.

``Government officials recognize the International CES as the must-attend event for anyone involved with legislation and regulation relevant to the consumer electronics industry. Not only will these officials get to experience first hand the latest cutting-edge technologies; they will also share their insights into coming policy decisions that may drive, influence or impact some of these technologies,`` said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)), the producer of the International CES. ``It is an extreme honor to have distinguished members of the U.S. House and Senate and representatives from so many state, federal and international government bodies attend this spectacular celebration of technology. We`re proud to host and recognize them as our leaders in technology.``

The top U.S. federal government officials include members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, along with key officials representing the White House, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Department of State and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The International CES is honored to welcome FCC Chairman Kevin Martin for a one-on-one with CEA`s Shapiro on Friday, January 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the Sands Convention Center, Galileo room 904. This not-to-be-missed event will be the first public conversation between Martin and Shapiro. The discussion will include insights into the digital television transition, broadband deployment, consumer home recording rights and other issues critical to the consumer electronics industry.

On Thursday, January 5, CEA`s annual International CES Congressional panel will be held from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) North Hall, room N253. Honorable Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) and other top policymakers will discuss fair use, digital television and other crucial high-tech issues facing the 109th Congress.

On Friday, January 6, from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. in the LVCC North Hall, room N253, the International CES is placing a special emphasis on government leaders from abroad at the International SuperSession. At this session, attendees will learn which country has the magic regulatory formula that best supports sales of consumer technology products and services. Top high tech policy makers from around the world will share their recent regulatory accomplishments and describe how their markets are handling the transition to digital broadcasting, the allocation of wireless spectrum for new services, and the promotion of residential broadband access. Moderated by Andreas Kluth of The Economist, the panel`s senior officials include: Honorable Nicolas Curien, member, executive board, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, France; Honorable Matthias Kurth, president, Federal Network Agency, Germany; Honorable Yoshihide Suga, senior vice-minister for internal affairs and communications, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan; and Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, Department of State, United States.

On Friday, January 6, Peter Chernin, President and Chief Operating Officer, News Corporation, will deliver a keynote presentation during the Leaders in Technology Dinner. This invitation-only dinner attracts CEA`s government guests and senior executives from throughout the consumer electronics, content, broadcast and many other industries.

January 7 is ``Green Saturday: Environmental Awareness Day.`` The day`s activities, co-sponsored by CEA and the Environmental Protection Agency, will focus on the consumer electronics industry`s efforts in ecodesign, recycling and reuse.

On January 4 and 5, the International CES will hold a special conference featuring key government leaders like Senator George Allen, Congressman Tom Davis and former Attorney General John Ashcroft. This event will provide those involved in the government sector a comprehensive look at key issues around technology and data sharing between government entities.

In addition, the 2006 International CES conference program features a number of sessions focusing on technology policy, including:

Taking Sides - Music Industry vs. File Sharing Consumers session will take place on Thursday, January 5 at 12:00 p.m. in the LVCC North Hall, room N262. This panel will address the repercussions of the Grokster Supreme Court ruling for the music industry and for consumers. Hosted by Benny Evangelista of the San Francisco Chronicle, the panel will include five top stakeholders and advocates deeply involved in this issue. To demonstrate many of the issues and solutions discussed during this panel, the consumer technology and music industries come together to celebrate innovative and legal content sharing products and technologies at The Download - a new TechZone showcased at Innovations Plus at the Sands, the newest CES venue located at the Sands Exhibition and Convention Center

Since its inception at the 1998 International CES, high-definition television (HDTV) has been a highlight of every CES. Beyond the usual array of dazzling sets and displays, the 2006 International CES will showcase a wave of new products that enhance high-definition (HD), expand its reach on the show floor and leverage its wonders. The Playing on Broadway 2009 conference session, Thursday, January 5 at 3:00 p.m. in the LVCC North Hall, Room N253, will bring together top leaders in the midst of the transition to digital. Moderated by Gary Arlen, president, Arlen Communications, panelists include FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein; Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX); Kyle McSlarrow, president and CEO, National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA); Josh Sapan, president and CEO, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC; and CEA`s Gary Shapiro.

The Green Factor will bring stakeholders together to discuss the challenge of e-waste on Friday, January 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the LVCC North Hall, room N254. Panelists will debate who should bear responsibility (consumers, government, manufacturers or retailers), how products can be disposed of and recycled, as well as the ways in which several states and other countries are dealing with this issue. John Rennie, editor-in-chief of Scientific American will act as moderator and panelists will include Bob Farris, WM Recycling America; Paula Prahl, Best Buy; Douglas Smith, Sony; David Thompson, Panasonic; and Benjamin H. Wu, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, The Technology Administration.

On Saturday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the LVCC North Hall, room N254, the Public Policy and Technology conference session panelists will debate one of the most controversial issues that will be addressed in Washington, D.C. this year - telecommunications regulation. Leading government and industry experts will participate, including Howard Waltzman, majority counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee; Johanna Shelton, minority counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee; Thomas Navin, chief, Wireline Competition Beureau, FCC; John Godfrey, Pioneer; Alan Davidson, Google; and Link Hoewing, Verizon.

For more information and news on the 2006 International CES before, during and after the show, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

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 2,000 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 $122 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.