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Consumer Confidence in Economy Highest in Four Years
Jan 27, 2012 03:06:09

Consumer confidence in the overall economy is the highest it's been since February of 2008, according to the latest CEA Index released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Consistent with post-holiday results in previous years, consumer confidence in technology spending fell this month.

Consumer confidence in the overall economy reached its second highest level ever in January. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) increased to 177.3, up nearly four points from December. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is up nearly two points from January 2011, when the ICE reached its high for the year.

"Overall sentiment continues to improve as the ICE has rebounded since reaching an all-time low in November," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and director of research. "Sentiment has improved by more than 13 percent in the past two months, which is a hopeful sign of consumer expectations for recovery in 2012."

Consumer confidence in technology fell in January. The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) dropped to 88, down five and a half points from December. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, remains consistent with this time last year.

"On a seasonal basis, tech sentiment is even with this time last year and the three-month average remains near an all-time high," said DuBravac. "We always expect a lull in tech spending coming off the holiday season and heading into the model resets in March. But as we saw earlier this month at the 2012 International CES, excitement remains high for the new and innovative tech products hitting the market this year."

The CEA Indexes are comprised of the ICE and ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA has been tracking index data since January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future release dates, log on to CEAindexes.org.

Gary Shapiro on Forbes: Want Innovation? Go to a Tradeshow
Jan 05, 2012 10:14:40

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), which owns and produces CES, has a long line of volunteer chairmen whose companies got their big break at CES. Kathy Gornik, the co-founder of Thiel Audio, packed four days of food before driving to her first CES in 1976. Darrell Issa, now a member of Congress, built his car security company by attending CES shows, as did Loyd Ivey, who started MTX Audio in 1976 at the age of 26, and now operates the mega-company MTI. These giants of industry began as CES presenters who shared a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and the belief that anyone with an idea should be able to expose it easily. Their leadership helped protect a sacred trust that CES must always serve as a platform for new innovators and entrepreneurs.

So we keep the flame lit. This year, CES added Eureka Park, which will provide almost 100 start-ups a special exhibition at the show. Since 2010 we have tripled the iLounge Pavilion space for third-party accessories and software for Apple's iPod, iPhone and iPad products to 300 exhibitors.

Of course, CES isn't the only event around. We also see tremendous innovation at other major U.S. trade shows, including AAPEX, BIO, CEDIA, CTIA, IMTS, InfoComm, ISC, NAB, NAMM, Pack Expo and SEMA. While these may seem to be indecipherable acronyms, each represents an event attracting thousands of businesses coming to see hundreds of cutting edge innovative exhibitors. These and other events are carrying our economy, creating jobs, making news, driving marketing and pushing us rapidly into the future.

Read the full article on Forbes.com and let us know what you think! Did your company get it's big break at a tradeshow?

Webinar Jan. 5 - Furthering the Drive towards In-Vehicle Connectivity
Dec 29, 2011 12:08:45

Furthering the Drive towards In-Vehicle Connectivity

DATE: Thursday, January 5

TIME: 3-4 p.m. (ET)

Presenter: Rhonda Daniel, Manager, Market Research, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)

Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 4. Registration is limited.
Questions? Email the Webinar Team or call 703-907-4354.

Description:
In today's digital world, consumers are connecting to information and content anytime, anywhere and inside the vehicle is no exception. There are a variety of ways consumers can get connected on their journey from built-in OEM and aftermarket systems to devices which connect into the vehicle to simply smartphones themselves. How do consumers view "connectivity" in the vehicle environment and how are they currently connecting and what are the areas of improvement for connectivity?
This webinar, presented by Rhonda Daniel, CEA manager of Market Research, will present the findings of a qualitative research study which examines consumer views on the nature of connectivity and how it's developing with regard to vehicles.

Don't miss this unique research presentation!

Participants will learn:
How consumers define connectivity in the vehicle
Ways in which consumers connect and the tools they use
Consumer attitudes and perceptions surrounding the future of in-vehicle connectivity

Who should attend:
Anyone involved in the manufacturing or selling of in-vehicle technologies and smartphones and anyone involved in the development of smartphone applications.

Presenter Bio:
Rhonda Daniel joined the Consumer Electronics Association in January 2010 as the manager of Market Research at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). She is responsible for consumer research as well as business to business research in the consumer technology market. Prior to joining CEA, Rhonda worked at Arbitron Inc. for six years.

Please note: CEA Webinars are now available to non-members for a fee.
Not a member yet? Join CEA today.

Consumer Electronics Account for Small Share of Residential Energy Consumption
Dec 21, 2011 03:04:06

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today released a new study, "Energy Consumption of CE in U.S. Homes in 2010," showing that despite their popularity in American homes, consumer electronics (CE) account for a relatively small share - roughly 13 percent - of the average U.S. home's electricity consumption.

There are nearly 2.9 billion CE devices in U.S. households and an average of 25 devices per household, including battery-operated CE devices. Home use of CE devices equaled 13.2 percent of overall residential electricity consumption and 9.3 percent of residential primary energy consumption. Within that 13.2 percent, televisions accounted for 34 percent, PCs 16 percent, and set-top boxes 13 percent.

For instance, the study estimated the installed base of televisions rose to 353 million in 2010 from 342 million in 2009, though unit energy consumption declined slightly (details on page 101 of the report) because of the shift from legacy cathode ray tube TVs to more efficient flat-panel TVs. The energy efficiency gains of this trend were detailed in a separate study earlier this year, "Power Consumption Trends in Digital TVs."

"This landmark study provides a recent and comprehensive assessment of CE energy consumption, which is helpful to policy makers and others interested in efficiency trends," said Douglas Johnson, CEA vice president of technology policy. "Energy efficiency improvements in consumer electronics are driven by innovation, competition and market-oriented programs such as ENERGY STAR."

The study was commissioned by CEA and conducted by the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems to quantify the electricity consumption of CE products in U.S. households in 2010. Devices covered in depth in the study include: audio-visual equipment, audio video receivers, Blu-ray players, DVD players, televisions, video game consoles, set-top boxes (cable, satellite, telco and stand-alone), computers and peripherals, PCs, computer speakers, monitors, networking equipment and printers.
"Given the quick pace of change in our industry, it is important to have a comprehensive assessment from time to time," Johnson added. "Too often we have seen unnecessary government mandates advanced on the basis of poor data and analysis. We hope this latest study is a welcome contribution to current and future policy and program discussions."

The Fraunhofer report follows a study released by the Brattle Group last month that estimates U.S. energy consumption will drop five to 15 percent by 2020. According to the authors, economists Ahmad Faruqui and Doug Mitarotonda, the drop will occur due to an increase in ENERGY STAR appliances, less usage of incandescent light bulbs, incentives that encourage users not to consume as much energy during peak hours, and other programs that raise awareness of people's energy consumption.

CEA's Petricone: SOPA 'Not Ready for Prime Time'
Dec 19, 2011 01:15:29

The following statements can be attributed to Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Petricone regarding the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary's markup of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

"After two days of markup, it is clear that the Stop Online Piracy Act is not yet ready for prime time. Numerous and substantive questions were raised about the lack of expert input, lack of process and notice, and potentially serious damage to national security that would be caused by the bill.

"Before continuing the markup, we urge the Committee to get the facts about the impact of the bill on our economy and national security. A good start would be a public hearing featuring Internet engineers and cybersecurity experts. We applaud the thoughtful and serious concerns noted by key members on both side of the aisle. Reps. Issa, Chaffetz, Sensenbrenner, Jordan, Lungren, Lofgren, Polis and Jackson-Lee and others should be commended for raising substantive and fact-based questions about the impact of the legislation.

"We urge all members to support the Issa-Lofgren authored Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act when it is introduced. The OPEN Act would accomplish the worthy goal of fighting rogue foreign websites without causing collateral damage to the innovators driving our economy."

Electronics Among Most Popular Purchases During Black Friday Weekend, CEA Survey Finds
Nov 28, 2011 12:45:17

Electronics were among the most purchased items over the Thanksgiving weekend, with nearly half of all shoppers buying technology, according to interim results from the Black Friday Weekend survey by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CARAVAN. The survey showed that nearly 118 million Americans will shop this weekend (Thursday through Monday).

Once again, consumer electronics (CE) trailed only clothes as the most popular gifts purchased this weekend. Nearly half of all shoppers (48 percent) bought or will buy CE from Thursday through Monday. The survey examined shopping habits, intentions and expectations from Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, through Cyber Monday, Monday, November 27. More than 60 percent of shoppers were purchasing clothes during that time frame. Toys are also a popular gift this weekend. Find out more here on the full survey results.

CEA, Environmental Defense Fund Launch Eco-Challenge on Legacy TV Glass
Nov 14, 2011 03:36:57

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) andEnvironmental Defense Fund (EDF) today are excited to announce the "The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Challenge: New Uses for Recycled Glass," to develop a compelling economic and environmental solution for the challenge posed by recycling old CRTs that have been phased out in favor of liquid crystal and plasma displays.

This Eco-Challenge, sponsored by CEA, officially opens on Nov. 14, and will be accepting submissions for 30 days. The winning solution will be assessed for economic as well as environmental and health benefits, and awarded $5,000 provided by CEA. Up to four additional solutions are eligible for awards of $1,000 or more. CEA and EDF will then broadly publicize and share the solution(s) with manufacturers, retailers and recyclers in an effort to transform how lead-heavy glass is recycled or reused. Additional details about this Eco-Challenge are also available in the EDF Pavilion on the InnoCentive website. Read more on CE.org.

Win a CEA tablet sleeve and other cool prizes!
Nov 08, 2011 11:57:38

Next week starts the Twitter scavenger hunt with CEA's yellow book to the CE industry, the Electronics Industry Business Directory. Starting Monday, keep your eye out for the clues and be one of the first five to tweet back the correct answer using the special hashtag #CEAWIN. Win cool prizes like a CEA tablet sleeve, cell phone holder and more. Make sure to follow CEA on Twitter and Facebook so you don't miss a clue!

Webinar Nov. 7 on CEA's 18th Annual Holiday Purchase Patterns Study
Nov 02, 2011 01:48:08

DATE: Monday, November 7

TIME: 3-4 p.m. (ET)

Presenter: Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist and Director of Research

Please RSVP by Friday, November 4. Registration is limited.
Questions? Email the Webinar Team or call 703-907-4354.

Description:
It's beginning to look a lot like the start of the Holiday shopping season. As consumers begin making their lists and checking them twice, Santa won't be the only wondering what's on those lists. Which products are on consumers' wish lists? Which gifts are consumers planning to give? Will consumers be shopping in-store or online? How much will they be spending? Join Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and director of research, as he explains the results CEA's 18th Annual Holiday Purchase Patterns Study.

Participants will learn:
- Black Friday's impact on the remaining holiday season.
- How tech will fare this holiday season.
- How this holiday will compare to last year.
- The current state of the economy and projected fourth quarter outlook for the CE industry.
- Results from CEA's 18th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study.
- Current consumer sentiment toward the overall economy, CE and how it will impact holiday shopping.
Who should attend:
Everyone involved in the consumer tech industry including key decision makers, company executives, industry analysts, manufacturers and retailers.

Presenter Bio:
Shawn DuBravac is the chief economist and director of research for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), where he helps direct CEA's economic analysis and market research initiatives. Located just outside Washington D.C., CEA is a top 15 trade association representing some 2,000 technology companies.

DuBravac holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and serves on the Board of the CFA Society of Washington, D.C. He is an adjunct professor in George Washington University's MBA program. You can follow Shawn on Twitter at @twoopinions.

Please note: CEA Webcasts are now available to Non-Members for a fee.
Not a member yet? Join CEA today.

Renew your CEA membership by Dec. 31 and save!
Oct 28, 2011 11:19:10

The holidays are almost here, don't let the new year sneak up on you. Renew your membership today and save 10% on annual dues. The early-bird discount will last until Dec. 31, and the final renewal deadline is Feb. 29. Renew online today. Questions? Contact Jamie Recio at (703) 907-4346.

CEA Wins "Show Photography" Award from IAEE
Oct 17, 2011 10:44:40

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) recently won the "Show Photography" award in the International Association of Exhibitions and Events' (IAEE) 2011 Art of the Show Competition. The award recognizes promotional images used to market the International CES, CEA's flagship event and the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow. CEA also received honorable mention awards in the Attendance Promotion Brochure category and the Show Daily category for its promotion of the International CES.

"CEA is honored to receive these IAEE awards, recognizing the innovative photography and promotional marketing that makes the International CES a success," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. "We are thrilled to receive recognition the tradeshow industry for the creative promotions that help the International CES distinguish itself from other shows."

Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, is scheduled January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2012 CES will feature more than 2,700 global technology companies unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across 15 major product categories including the latest in audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging, electronic gaming, entertainment/content and more. For more information on the 2012 International CES, visit CESweb.org.

Learn to Develop TV Apps!
Sep 13, 2011 10:11:39

CEA is hosting its first-ever TV Apps Developer University event on Sept. 29 in partnership with Flingo, LG and Panasonic. TV apps are an exciting, growing area of the media-consumption landscape and now you can learn how to develop and deploy TV apps directly from the experts. Register now and get a head start on the next big thing. For more information, contact us at tvapps@CE.org or visit tvapps.CE.org.

Working Group Launched to Ensure Seamless IPv6 Transition
Sep 01, 2011 04:07:17

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today announces the formation of the IPv6 Transition Working Group. The working group will coordinate consumer electronics (CE) manufacturer, service provider and retailer activities as the Internet transitions from IPv4 addressing to IPv6 ensuring internet-enabled devices continue to operate without interruption.

"Anticipating that the limited number of IPv4 addresses would run out, a replacement address system called IPv6 was created more than 10 years ago," said Brian Markwalter, senior vice president of Research and Standards for CEA. "IPv6 has not been uniformly adopted to date, but as IPv4 addresses are running out - with the expectation that the U.S. will exhaust its supply by early- to mid-2012 - it's time for industry to work together to ensure a seamless transition for businesses and consumers alike."

Chaired by John Brzozowski, Chief Architect, IPv6 and Distinguished Engineer, Comcast, the working group will serve as a forum for retailers, broadband service providers and CE manufacturers to share information and work together on the IPv6 transition for consumer electronics.

"If your company makes Internet products, provides Internet service to consumers or relies on the Internet for services like streaming content, you may be impacted by the IPv6 transition, and you should get involved in this working group," said Brzozowski. "As part of a wider community of companies working on a successful transition to IPv6, Comcast is excited to lead this CEA effort involving manufacturers, retailers and content providers."

For more information, or to join the IPv6 Transition working group, please contact Melissa Matalon at mmatalon@CE.org.

CEA leads technology manufacturers in fostering CE industry growth by developing industry standards and technical specifications that enable new products to come to market and encourage interoperability with existing devices. CEA maintains an unmatched reputation as a credible and flexible standards-making body and has earned ANSI accreditation. Through more than 70 committees, subcommittees and working groups, the CEA Technology and Standards program provides a unique and efficient forum in which technical professionals throughout the industry develop a unified technology roadmap and address technical issues critical to CE industry growth. For information about CEA Technology and Standards, visit www.CE.org/standards.

Aneesh Chopra to Keynote at Industry Forum
Aug 29, 2011 04:29:58

CEA announced yesterday that Aneesh Chopra, United States chief technology officer, will deliver the luncheon keynote on Tuesday, October 25 at CEA's 2011 Industry Forum . As Assistant to the president and Associate Director for Technology within the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, Chopra works to advance the president's technology agenda by fostering new ideas and encouraging government-wide coordination to help the country meet its goals from job creation, to reducing health care costs, to ensuring national security. Industry Forum highlights include a major, new digital health and fitness program and several major research announcements, including Five Technologies to Watch and the 2011 Holiday Sales and Forecast report, as well as a Monday lunch keynote from Don Jones, vice president wireless health, Qualcomm. To register to attend the 2011 Industry Forum information visit CE.org/IndustryForum. Registration for media is free.

Call for Entries Open for 2012 Innovations Awards
Aug 17, 2011 09:43:40

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that entries for the 2012 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards will be accepted through September 16, 2011. This industry-recognized annual competition honors outstanding design and engineering across 32 consumer electronics product categories. The 2012 Best of Innovations Honorees will be announced November 8, 2011 at the New York Press Preview and showcased at the 2012 International CES, January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Innovations awards are sponsored by CEA, the producer of the International CES.

"Since 1976, this prestigious awards program has given consumer technology innovators the opportunity to have their newest products judged by our preeminent panel of independent designers, engineers and trade press," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of conferences and events, CEA. "The Innovations Award display at the 2012 CES is the place to see the future of technology, as we honor cutting edge technological breakthroughs in our industry."

For 2012, the Innovations Awards product categories have been revamped to include two trend-focused new categories: Tablets, e-Readers & Netbooks and Software & Mobile Apps. At the 2012 CES, the Innovations Showcase will open on Monday, January 9, in the Venetian ballroom offering exclusive access to pre-show attendees and press.

Now in its 35th year, the Innovations Awards program allows companies or public relations firms to upload their product nominations via a simple and intuitive online tool.

Media and analysts will also see this year's Innovations Design and Engineering Honorees during CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of CES, featuring dozens of tabletop product demonstrations and industry networking. CES Unveiled runs from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Only credentialed media and analysts are permitted to attend this exclusive event.

The Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards program is open to all companies, regardless of CES exhibitor status. Products entered must debut for sale in U.S. retail outlets or on the Internet between April 1, 2011, and April 1, 2012.Register before August 31 and save $200.

Realtors Believe Installed Home Technologies Will Play an Important Role in Home Sales
Aug 11, 2011 10:17:27

A new survey from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) found that interest among Realtors and their clients for home technology is high.

Almost two-thirds of realtors report that their clients are excited to see technologies in homes, and more than half of realtors themselves share that enthusiasm. CEA provides tools for realtors to find local technology integrators at TechHome.com.

Most realtors report having encountered homes on the market with installed technologies. In fact, in the past 24 months nine in 10 realtors have been involved in buying, selling or showing a home with technology ranging from more established systems such as monitored security (71 percent) and home theater pre-wired/systems (64 percent) to newer technologies like home automation/management systems (12 percent) and energy management systems (16 percent). As realtors' exposure to home technology grows, it�s not surprising that half of realtors expressed interest in learning more about installed home technologies.

CEA will reveal further results and insights of the study in a webinar on Wednesday, August 17 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST. Webinars are free for CEA members and available for a fee for nonmembers at the CEA Store. Members of the press should speak with Laura Hubbard at lhubbard@CE.org or 703-907-4326 if they are interested in attending the event.

Read the full release here.

Qualcomm to keynote at Industry Forum
Aug 01, 2011 03:18:08

The Health and Fitness Tech track at Industry Forum will start with a bang as Don Jones, one of the leading minds at Qualcomm in the area of digital health and fitness technologies keynotes our lunch with a focus on the power of wireless innovation and how it will revolutionize health and wellness.

Registration for Industry Forum is open to CEA members as well as non-members. If you want the chance to learn from and network with some of the brightest people in the electronics industry today, you do not want to miss Industry Forum and the new Health and Fitness Tech track. Complete event details including an event schedule and sponsorship opportunities are available online. Make sure to register by August 10 to save up to $175.

Flat-Panel TVs Weigh 82% Less Than Bulky Predecessors
Jul 22, 2011 09:42:39

The report, Materials Footprint Reduction of Televisions and Computer Monitors: 2004-2010, found flat-panel TVs are 82 percent lighter and 75 percent smaller than their cathode ray tube (CRT) TV predecessors of a similar screen size. The report also found today's 40- to 70-inch flat-panel TVs weigh 34 percent less than 13- to 36-inch CRT TVs.

Read more here on CE.org.

CEA Applauds Obama's Efforts on Electronics Stewardship
Jul 20, 2011 05:02:52

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) applauds the efforts on electronics stewardship and electronics recycling announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) along with consumer electronics companies.

"Electronics recycling is a national problem that deserves a national solution. Today's announcement from EPA, GSA and CEQ echoes the principles our industry laid out this spring with the eCycling Leadership Initiative," said Walter Alcorn, CEA vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability.

The eCycling Leadership Initiative, an industry-led effort launched in April to recycle one billion pounds of electronics annually by 2016, is coordinated by CEA and aims to bolster consumer education of eCycling and increase the number of recycling locations and infrastructure needed to reach the one billion pound annual target.

Additionally, the initiative is committed to transparency and measurement, as well as supporting the voluntary implementation of recycler certification systems so that the one billion pounds of electronics is recycled in third-party certified facilities. In fact, all the companies who helped develop the eCycling Leadership Initiative use third-party certified recyclers or ones pursuing certification, and the initiative is committed to practices prohibiting the use of recyclers and downstream processors who dump end-of-life electronics in developing nations.

"We look forward to continuing our dialogue with EPA, GSA and CEQ in the hopes of fortifying a robust public-private partnership that ensures consumers across our nation have ample opportunities to recycle electronics responsibly," Alcorn said. "A formidable partnership is the best way to develop a national approach to eCycling that replaces the patchwork of costly and confusing state regulations."

Mobile Connected Device Sales Bolster Industry Forecast
Jul 18, 2011 10:53:06

The consumer electronics (CE) industry will have stronger than anticipated growth in 2011, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The industry is estimated to surpass $190 billion in overall shipment revenues this year, a growth rate of 5.6 percent, which is higher than the previous projection from January. The U.S. Consumer Electronics Sales and Forecast (July 2011) also projects industry shipments will grow in 2012, reaching an all-time high of $197 billion. Read more here.

CEA Calls Evaluations of Spectrum Allocations
Jul 11, 2011 01:29:14

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released the comments it filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pertaining to broadband use of fixed/mobile spectrum allocations in the 2GHz range.

In the filing, CEA called on the FCC and the Obama Administration to "continue their diligent efforts to evaluate all commercial and federal government spectrum allocations, to promote flexible use of spectrum based on market forces and demand, and, if appropriate, to reallocate additional spectrum for licensed or unlicensed wireless broadband services."

"Wireless broadband triggers innovation that will fuel the economy," CEA said in its comments.

The trade association also advised that the Administration should take further measures to ensure timely reallocation of federal spectrum to commercial use, as well as timely and equitable relocation of federal users from that spectrum.

SINOCES Kicks Off in China
Jul 08, 2011 10:22:25

This week, SINOCES, China's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, kicked off in Qingdao, China. As sponsor of SINOCES, CEA led a delegation to the show, which included Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA and Randy Fry, president of Fry's Electronics Inc. and chairman of CEA's Executive Board. You can read Shapiro's keynote speech here on CE.org.

More than 80,000 attendees were expected at this year's SINOCES, along with 500 global technology companies, including Haier, Hisense, Panasonic and Microsoft. Read more on our blog, Digital Dialogue.

Sign the Declaration of Innovation
Jun 23, 2011 11:01:36

Today Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), announced the launch of the Declaration of Innovation, an online pledge for Americans to sign in support of policies that ensure innovation remains the strategic advantage of the United States of America.

"As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 235th birthday on July 4th, CEA's Innovation Movement is calling on all Americans to sign our Declaration of Innovation, pledging to return innovation to its rightful place as the center of America's economic policy," Shapiro said.

"The key priorities of CEA's Innovation Movement - free trade, skilled immigration, spectrum and lower deficits - are echoed by Democrats and Republicans alike, from President Obama's State of the Union address to the House Republican Technology Working Group's 2011 Technology Priorities. The American economy may be struggling, but innovation is our way forward."

Shapiro made this announcement in his keynote address as part of CE Week in New York City, the consumer electronic industry�s new technology showcase and citywide industry celebration of the products and services that are driving the U.S. economy.

Retailer Webinar June 16
Jun 13, 2011 10:31:39

Get a quick overview of CEA's new Retailer Council followed by webinar, "The State of the CE Retail Business" presented by Jay Buchanan, Retailer Council chairman and electronics division director for Nebraska Furniture Mart. The webinar is FREE to all CEA members and CEA retailer members are especially encouraged to participate. To register, email the Webinar Team or call 703-907-7797. For questions about CEA's Retailer Council, contact Kerry Moyer at 703-907-7694. Not a CEA member? Join today.

CEA Praises Senate Spectrum Bill
Jun 13, 2011 10:31:05

The Senate Commerce Committee today passed a major spectrum bill, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, introduced by Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Hutchison. The following statement can be attributed to Michael Petricone, senior vice president of government affairs at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA):

"The Senate Commerce Committee's action today marks a major milestone in ensuring that our nation's spectrum resources are put to the highest use. Authorizing the FCC to conduct incentive auctions will result in billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury, while securing our nation's wireless future. We urge Congress to move forward on legislation to free up additional spectrum for wireless broadband as expeditiously as possible."

CEA Calls for New Energy Policies to Reduce Consumption
May 19, 2011 10:19:04

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) released a whitepaper recommending new policies to improve the way Americans understand and manage energy consumption. This new whitepaper is a product of CEA�s new Smart Grid Working Group, through which CEA member companies are advancing the deployment of smart grid systems across the country.

The comprehensive whitepaper, "Unlocking the Potential of the Smart Grid - A Regulatory Framework for the Consumer Domain of Smart Grid," calls for dynamic pricing programs and real-time consumption and pricing information to reduce energy usage and improve consumer awareness of consumption practices.

"This whitepaper offers important recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders on how to best create a smart grid, which could reduce peak energy demand by 20 percent," said Brian Markwalter, CEA senior vice president, research and standards. "These changes are necessary so consumer electronics manufacturers can create the innovative devices of tomorrow that will empower consumers to take control of their energy consumption."

Studies have found consumers don't actively monitor their energy use and need economic incentives to do so. Therefore, in the paper CEA urges federal and state regulators, utilities, third-party smart grid providers and consumers to coordinate on the creation of dynamic pricing programs and real-time consumption and pricing information.

Read the full release here and find the whitepaper here.

Retailer Best Practices: Protecting Cash Flow
May 17, 2011 02:31:24

DATE: Thursday, May 26

TIME: 3-4 p.m. (ET)

Questions? Email the webinar team or call 703-907-7797.

As a retailer, if you are out of cash, you are out of choices-and, most likely, out of business! Severe cash flow problems are the #1 killer of retail businesses. This webinar will address the best way to avoid a cash flow problem. You'll find out how to look ahead, see when cash flow problems are coming and learn what to do to avert them. Find out more here.

CEA Focuses Policymakers on National Innovation Strategy
May 10, 2011 01:15:23

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) unveiled the latest innovation in Capitol Hill education - the first-ever video-in-print materials designed for lawmakers. As more than 40 leaders from the consumer electronics industry fly in this week for meetings with members of Congress and their staff, the group will use multimedia materials never-before produced for a Congressional audience to educate lawmakers about CEA's Innovation Movement positions regarding spectrum, trade, immigration and eCycling.

For the very first time, lawmakers and their staff will receive educational information in the form of an interactive video player embedded in a four-panel brochure titled "America is Ready for a Comeback," which contains information regarding CEA's Innovation Movement public policy agenda and the organization's recently published New York Times bestselling book, authored by CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro, The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream. Upon opening the brochure, an original video from CEA's Shapiro begins to play. Readers then have the option of selecting from five buttons, each containing additional video content:

America is Ready for a Comeback - An introduction to CEA's Innovation Movement;
2011 International CES Sets the Agenda for American Competitiveness - Global business leaders John Chambers (Cisco), Jeffrey Immelt (GE) and Ursula Burns (Xerox) discuss our national competitiveness at the 2011 CES Innovation Power Panel - Exclusive footage from 2011 International CES;
National Leaders Reinforce CEA's Innovation Movement Priorities - Featuring remarks from President Barack Obama, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA), Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) and Representative Greg Walden (R-OR).
Blueprint for the Innovation Economy - A message from 2011 International CES; and
About The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream - An in-depth conversation with author Gary Shapiro about the book and its proscriptions for the American economy.