| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Jenny Miller tel: 7039077079 e-mail: |
CEA Study Finds Current Visa Policies Hamper Tradeshow Participation
Study Underscores Need For Streamlined Visa Processing
| Arlington, Virginia | 6/4/2004 |
Problems obtaining visas continue to prevent international business travelers from attending the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), according to a study completed by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of the International CES. The study found that 20 percent of those surveyed cited difficulty obtaining a visa as a reason they did not attend the 2004 show. A full 18 percent identified visa difficulties as the main reason for missing the tradeshow.
"Potential tradeshow attendees from nations with emerging economies provide U.S. business owners with the greatest opportunities for business growth and development, yet are the most likely to be denied visas today," said Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO. "This occurs even if they have been repeat business visitors to the U.S. who have not violated our immigration policies or law. The result is lost business opportunities for tens of thousands of entrepreneurial American companies and a lost opportunity for the U.S. to become the preeminent destination for international business."
The 2004 International CES, which attracted 2,400 exhibitors and 130,000 attendees, 14 percent of whom are international, was held January 8-11 in Las Vegas, NV. For the international non-attendees who required a visa, 59 percent indicated they encountered difficulties during the visa application process. For these individuals, 17 percent indicated that "the process takes too much time," and another 17 percent indicated that the local U.S. embassy or consulate was "difficult to work with." The CEA study also showed that 16 percent did not get the required visa interview scheduled early enough, and that 10 percent were denied a visa.
"The backlog and processing delays for business travel visas are unacceptable, especially with respect to tradeshows," says Mr. Shapiro. "Most exhibition attendees make a decision to attend an event on average three months before the event. We are losing many international attendees who simply cannot complete the business travel visa process in time.
"A trade show or exhibition brings buyers, sellers, media and investors together to see new products, exchange ideas and build relationships," Mr. Shapiro continues. "In an already difficult economic environment, U.S. exhibition organizers and exhibitors are being routinely and materially harmed by the loss of international participation in these events.
"While we agree that national security must remain our nation's highest priority, we also believe our national security depends upon U.S. economic growth and our continued ability to do business with those from outside the U.S."
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 1,500 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 $90 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.