Microsoft’s Gates, Motorola’s Zander and Disney’s Iger Slated for Keynote Addresses, Reinforcing CES as the Global Event for Technology and Content
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced today that top executives from Microsoft, Disney and Motorola will deliver keynote addresses at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), reinforcing the International CES as the global event at the intersection of technology and content. The 2007 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, will be held in Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2007 and will celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary.
Bill Gates, chairman and chief software designer of Microsoft Corp., will return to CES for his ninth pre-show keynote address on Sunday, January 7, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. Ed Zander, chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc., will kick off the 2007 International CES with an opening keynote, immediately following a State of the Industry Address by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, which starts at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 8. Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co., will round off day one of the International CES with his company’s first CES keynote address at 4:30 p.m., Monday afternoon. All keynotes for the 2007 show will take place at The Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom.
“What an amazing and unprecedented lineup to kick off the 2007 International CES. Bill Gates, Ed Zander and Bob Iger are industry greats who will electrify the audience at the 2007 International CES in a very informative and entertaining way,” said Shapiro. “These three industry visionaries will present their views of where the industry – particularly digital content and entertainment – is heading from their unique positions as heads of some of the world’s most influential companies.”
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 such as the Xbox, Tablet PC and eBook.
Ed Zander became chairman of the board and CEO of Motorola Inc. in January 2004. Since then, Zander has successfully reorganized Motorola, overseen the introduction of several exciting new products and sharpened Motorola’s focus on innovation and operational efficiency. He joined Motorola with more than 25 years of experience in the technology industry, including serving as the managing director of Silver Lake Partners and the president and COO of Sun Microsystems.
Motorola exhibited in the first CES in 1967 and has participated in the show throughout CES’s 40 year history.
Robert Iger was named president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company in March 2005 and has served on Disney’s board of directors since 2000. In his previous role as president and COO of The Walt Disney Company, Iger helped oversee all aspects of the company’s worldwide operations including its filmed entertainment, theme parks and resorts, media networks and consumer products businesses. He began his career at ABC in 1974 and held a series of senior management positions there. During Mr. Iger’s tenure as Disney CEO, Disney became the first company to offer television shows for download on Apple’s iTunes Music Store, and, furthering its strategy of delivering outstanding creative content, acquired computer animation leader Pixar.
The 2007 International CES will feature the hottest product debuts from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product areas, including the latest in wireless, digital imaging, mobile electronics, home networking and more. For more news on the 2007 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 6 to take advantage of all the 2007 International 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 $125 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.
