November 15, 2007
CES 2008 Preview
Earlier this week, I attended the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Preview, which was held in New York City. According to
CEA (Consumer Electronics Association), the 2008 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, returns to Las Vegas, January 7-10, 2008. The latest developments in the content and digital entertainment industries will take center stage at the 2008 International
CES, with the largest exhibition of digital entertainment in show history on display, reinforcing CES as the global intersection for the content and technology markets.
The exhibit space covers more than 1.7 million net square feet, which is equivalent to 35 football fields. This does not include manufacturers, who exhibit privately off side in large hotel venues or suites. There will be more than 2,700 exhibitors at the show. Last year, there were about 140,000 attendees. For 2008, the figures could be even higher. Reportedly, there were more than 25,000 international attendees last year along with 5,000 members of the press (worldwide).
New for the 2008 International CES, Sony Pictures Television will showcase its entertainment content together with its parent company's electronics. This marks the first time Sony Pictures Television has exhibited its wide variety of content for all platforms on the show floor at the International CES.
CES will also have it's first-ever "Official Broadcast Partner" -- NBC Universal. NBC will be broadcasting live from the CES exhibition floor, covering the many exciting product debuts and special events. In addition, NBC Universal will debut an interactive and multi-faceted show floor exhibition at CES, highlighting the wide range of digital programming produced by its television, cable and motion picture properties.
The 2008 CES also will feature Content@CES, a new attraction on the exhibition floor highlighting the latest developments in the content community and the market's impact on technology. Complete with meeting rooms and a lounge, CES attendees will witness the companies that create, deliver and distribute content in one central location among key exhibitors including EchoStar, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and TV Guide.
Also at the 2008 CES, the Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards will take place for the second year, honoring achievements in two areas: Science & Technology for Television, which includes broadcast, cable and satellite distribution and Advanced Media Technology, which include interactive television, gaming technology, the Internet, cell phones, private networks and personal media players. This year's International CES will house more than 175 conference sessions, including various sessions focused on the content and entertainment industry.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. 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, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
