1999 International CES Exceeds All Expectations Enthusiasm High As CE Industry Prepares For Record Year

Attendees and exhibitors alike are calling the 1999 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the biggest and best show ever, reflecting the growth and technological innovation of an industry in the midst of a digital revolution. In its 32nd year, CES is the world's largest annual showcase of consumer technology. Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) which produces the CES, called this year's show ""an unprecedented success."" He added, ""The amount of energy at the show surpasses anything we've seen before. As the walls between consumer lifestyles and workstyles continue to fall, our industry is driving the technologies that will define the digital age. CES continues to be the place where everyone in the business of technology can get the information and build the relationships they need to succeed.The consumer electronics industry is anticipating a record year in 1999, with projected overall factory sales of $79 billion. The growth of the industry was reflected in record numbers at this year's CES. The 1999 CES featured more than 1,800 exhibiting companies, showcasing technologies over a record setting 1,090,000 square feet of space. Final attendance numbers also increased significantly at 97,334, up 6.5 percent over last year. Attendance gains included an increase in international attendees, media, financial and market analysts, IT builders, and corporate (non-retailer) buyers.""Consumer technology used to mean a wired den or wired living room or even a wired oar - now it means a digital lifestyle and workstyle. As our industry changes and consumer electronics, telephony and computing products blend, technology businesses are redefining themselves every day. CES is their best resource in this evolution,"" said Shapiro. The 2000 International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology, will be held January 6-9, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The show will be the world's biggest showcase of workstyle and lifestyle technology. Early indications are that CES exhibits will continue to grow into the new millennium.CEMA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 75-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing. CEMA represents more than 500 U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, accessories, mobile electronics, communication, information and multimedia products that are sold through consumer channels.CEMA also sponsors and manages the International CES, the world's largest annual trade event showcasing workstyle and lifestyle technologies All profits From CES are reinvested into industry Services, including technical training and education, product promotion, engineering standards development, market research, and governmental and legal affairs support.