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Sports Legends from the Past and Present Highlight Packed Line-Up of CES Special Events


Business Editors
2003 International CES

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2002--


NFL, "Extreme" Sports Stars and Award-Winning Musicians to Attend World's Largest Consumer Technology Tradeshow

Imagine watching NFL playoffs with sports legends Charles Mann or Cliff Branch or perhaps take sporting enthusiasm to the extreme by witnessing live performances from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk or BMX biker Dave Mirra. That dream becomes a reality when the 2003 International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, returns to Las Vegas, Nev. January 9-12.
"Celebrities young and old will roam the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES, headlined by NFL legends and demonstrations of `extreme' sports," said Karen Chupka, vice president of events and conferences for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of CES. "Our line-up of celebrities and special events give credence to the notion that CES is more than just a tradeshow, it's a must-attend event where leaders of various industries come together to accomplish everything from networking to business to education while seeing the hottest technology to hit the global marketplace."
The brand-new Xtreme Entertainment Pavilion, a venue showcasing the hottest entertainment technology by such exhibitors as Gibson Guitar, Case Logic, Creative Labs, Wildseed and Ellula, also will showcase the latest in extreme sports. Case Logic will host demonstrations in a huge in-house half-pipe by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. This cultural icon's career has taken him from his beginnings as a 12-year-old Bones Brigade rookie to 14-year-old pro, through the mega-limelight of today's Warped Tours, X-Games and skateboard video games. Hawk will be joined by BMX biker Dave Mirra, a four-time champion of ESPN Summer X-Games, and snowboarder Shaun Palmer, named NEA Extreme Athlete of the Year in 2000 and World's Greatest Athlete by USA Today.
The brand-new HDTV Sports Bar, showcasing the latest in high-definition digital televisions, also will attract two legends from the National Football League (NFL). Former Washington Redskin Charles Mann and Oakland Raider Cliff Branch will be on-hand at the sports bar to sign autographs and chat about the pigskin during CES. Mann ranks second in team history with 82 sacks during six productive seasons, including a Super Bowl victory over Denver in the 1987 season. Mann will be joined by Cliff Branch, who amassed 8,565 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns during his NFL career while playing in four Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls. The HDTV Sports Bar also features a sweepstakes where attendees can enter a drawing to win the ultimate 2003 Super Bowl vacation.
The CES conference track features two stars from the music industry. Artist and performer Janis Ian will participate in the Digital Download SuperSession on Saturday, January 11. Herbie Hancock, winner of five Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, will participate in the Surround Music Summit on Thursday, January 9 at the Alexis Park Resort.

Other Special Events

On CES Press Day, Wednesday, January 8, CES Innovations winners will be highlighted during the first exclusive press/analyst reception from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Innovations booth #55083 in the Las Vegas Hilton. Innovations recognizes the best designed and engineered products in consumer technology.
On the opening day of the show, CES plays host to the MECP Challenge at 10:00 a.m. in the Silver Lot of the LVCC. Attendees will witness the "best of the best" installers compete in a two-day competition to build the best car. Before or after the MECP Challenge, attendees can head over to the Gold Lot across the street to experience first-hand the latest vehicles from Mercedes-Benz at the CES Mercedes-Benz Tech Drive.
Closing out the opening day of CES, an exclusive international reception for press and attendees will be held at 6:00 p.m. in room S222 of the LVCC. This is the best opportunity to meet and network with exporting exhibitors and international guests from around the world attending the show.
On Friday, January 10, Gateway CEO Ted Waite will keynote at the annual CES Leaders in Technology dinner. This invitation-only dinner brings together CEA's government guests and senior executives from CEA member companies.
Preceeding the dinner, Fast Company magazine and CEA will hold the CES Executive Conference: The New Digital Economy at the Bellagio Hotel from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The event analyzes what's driving the digital consumer today with a select group of leading executives including Nokia's Pekka Vartiainen, SEGA's Charles Bellfield, iN DEMAND's Steve Brenner and NetFlix CEO Reed Hastings.
Attendees rise and shine Saturday morning, January 11, and lace up their sneakers for the first annual CES 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Electronics Industries Foundation (EIF). Held at 8:00 a.m. behind Caesar's Palace, this fun test of physical fitness raises funds for programs focusing on youths and technology.
Later that day, CES focuses on the industry's environmental awareness during the first annual Green Saturday at CES. This day features discussions on environmental issues during conference sessions and a luncheon focusing on the dynamics of electronics recycling and energy efficiency.
Building off a successful charity auction at CES in 2002, eBay will hold 17 eBay University classes in the Las Vegas Hilton during the show. Taught by eBay experts, these free seminars will include general training about how to buy and sell on eBay. For sellers, the classes will provide insight into using eBay as a complementary channel to reach new customers. Sessions will cover tips and tricks for buyers of all levels, selling for individuals, and selling for manufacturers, retailers and small businesses.
CES is North America's largest technology tradeshow. The 2003 International CES will showcase the latest innovations from 2,000 international exhibitors in wireless communications, gaming, digital video, high-end or "extreme" audio, accessories, CE fashion, consumer technology networking, broadband, mobile electronics, content media, new business technology, delivery systems and the Internet.

About CEA

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 1,000 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 $80 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 Technology's Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING EVENTS



-- Electronic House Expo - Spring
February 26-March 1, 2003, Orlando, FL

-- CEA 2003 Winter Technology & Standards Forum
February 24-February 28, 2003, Scottsdale, AZ

-- 2003 CEA Winter Summit
March 4-6, 2003, St. Regis Aspen, Aspen, CO

-- HDTV Summit & the Academy of DTV Pioneers 2002 Awards
March 10, 2003, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC

-- CEA 2003 Spring Leadership Retreat
May 5-6, 2003, Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.

-- Connections 2003
May 7-9, 2003, Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, CA

-- Asian Home Electronics Fair
May 14-17, 2003, Shanghai, China

-- 7th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 18-20, 2003, Vail, CO

-- CEA 2003 Summer Technology & Standards Forum
August 1-4, 2003, Location TBA

-- CEA 2003 Fall Conference and Industry Forum
October 13-15, 2003, Carlsbad, CA

-- 2004 International CES - Defining Technology's Future
January 8-11, 2004, Las Vegas, NV




--30--JAP/la* hb/la dsc/la

CONTACT: Consumer Electronics Association
Jeff Joseph, 703/907-7664
[e-mail]
http://www.CE.org
or
Lisa Fasold, 703/907-7669
[e-mail]
onsite tel: [phone]
or
Brad Jones, 703/907-7060
[e-mail]
http://www.CESweb.org

KEYWORD: VIRGINIA NEVADA TRACK
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
ELECTRONIC GAMES/MULTIMEDIA COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TRADESHOW
SOURCE: Consumer Electronics Association

Sports Legends from the Past and Present Highlight Packed Line-Up of CES Special Events


Business Editors
2003 International CES

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2002--


NFL, "Extreme" Sports Stars and Award-Winning Musicians to Attend World's Largest Consumer Technology Tradeshow

Imagine watching NFL playoffs with sports legends Charles Mann or Cliff Branch or perhaps take sporting enthusiasm to the extreme by witnessing live performances from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk or BMX biker Dave Mirra. That dream becomes a reality when the 2003 International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, returns to Las Vegas, Nev. January 9-12.
"Celebrities young and old will roam the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES, headlined by NFL legends and demonstrations of `extreme' sports," said Karen Chupka, vice president of events and conferences for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of CES. "Our line-up of celebrities and special events give credence to the notion that CES is more than just a tradeshow, it's a must-attend event where leaders of various industries come together to accomplish everything from networking to business to education while seeing the hottest technology to hit the global marketplace."
The brand-new Xtreme Entertainment Pavilion, a venue showcasing the hottest entertainment technology by such exhibitors as Gibson Guitar, Case Logic, Creative Labs, Wildseed and Ellula, also will showcase the latest in extreme sports. Case Logic will host demonstrations in a huge in-house half-pipe by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. This cultural icon's career has taken him from his beginnings as a 12-year-old Bones Brigade rookie to 14-year-old pro, through the mega-limelight of today's Warped Tours, X-Games and skateboard video games. Hawk will be joined by BMX biker Dave Mirra, a four-time champion of ESPN Summer X-Games, and snowboarder Shaun Palmer, named NEA Extreme Athlete of the Year in 2000 and World's Greatest Athlete by USA Today.
The brand-new HDTV Sports Bar, showcasing the latest in high-definition digital televisions, also will attract two legends from the National Football League (NFL). Former Washington Redskin Charles Mann and Oakland Raider Cliff Branch will be on-hand at the sports bar to sign autographs and chat about the pigskin during CES. Mann ranks second in team history with 82 sacks during six productive seasons, including a Super Bowl victory over Denver in the 1987 season. Mann will be joined by Cliff Branch, who amassed 8,565 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns during his NFL career while playing in four Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls. The HDTV Sports Bar also features a sweepstakes where attendees can enter a drawing to win the ultimate 2003 Super Bowl vacation.
The CES conference track features two stars from the music industry. Artist and performer Janis Ian will participate in the Digital Download SuperSession on Saturday, January 11. Herbie Hancock, winner of five Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, will participate in the Surround Music Summit on Thursday, January 9 at the Alexis Park Resort.

Other Special Events

On CES Press Day, Wednesday, January 8, CES Innovations winners will be highlighted during the first exclusive press/analyst reception from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Innovations booth #55083 in the Las Vegas Hilton. Innovations recognizes the best designed and engineered products in consumer technology.
On the opening day of the show, CES plays host to the MECP Challenge at 10:00 a.m. in the Silver Lot of the LVCC. Attendees will witness the "best of the best" installers compete in a two-day competition to build the best car. Before or after the MECP Challenge, attendees can head over to the Gold Lot across the street to experience first-hand the latest vehicles from Mercedes-Benz at the CES Mercedes-Benz Tech Drive.
Closing out the opening day of CES, an exclusive international reception for press and attendees will be held at 6:00 p.m. in room S222 of the LVCC. This is the best opportunity to meet and network with exporting exhibitors and international guests from around the world attending the show.
On Friday, January 10, Gateway CEO Ted Waite will keynote at the annual CES Leaders in Technology dinner. This invitation-only dinner brings together CEA's government guests and senior executives from CEA member companies.
Preceeding the dinner, Fast Company magazine and CEA will hold the CES Executive Conference: The New Digital Economy at the Bellagio Hotel from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The event analyzes what's driving the digital consumer today with a select group of leading executives including Nokia's Pekka Vartiainen, SEGA's Charles Bellfield, iN DEMAND's Steve Brenner and NetFlix CEO Reed Hastings.
Attendees rise and shine Saturday morning, January 11, and lace up their sneakers for the first annual CES 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Electronics Industries Foundation (EIF). Held at 8:00 a.m. behind Caesar's Palace, this fun test of physical fitness raises funds for programs focusing on youths and technology.
Later that day, CES focuses on the industry's environmental awareness during the first annual Green Saturday at CES. This day features discussions on environmental issues during conference sessions and a luncheon focusing on the dynamics of electronics recycling and energy efficiency.
Building off a successful charity auction at CES in 2002, eBay will hold 17 eBay University classes in the Las Vegas Hilton during the show. Taught by eBay experts, these free seminars will include general training about how to buy and sell on eBay. For sellers, the classes will provide insight into using eBay as a complementary channel to reach new customers. Sessions will cover tips and tricks for buyers of all levels, selling for individuals, and selling for manufacturers, retailers and small businesses.
CES is North America's largest technology tradeshow. The 2003 International CES will showcase the latest innovations from 2,000 international exhibitors in wireless communications, gaming, digital video, high-end or "extreme" audio, accessories, CE fashion, consumer technology networking, broadband, mobile electronics, content media, new business technology, delivery systems and the Internet.

About CEA

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 1,000 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 $80 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 Technology's Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

UPCOMING EVENTS



-- Electronic House Expo - Spring
February 26-March 1, 2003, Orlando, FL

-- CEA 2003 Winter Technology & Standards Forum
February 24-February 28, 2003, Scottsdale, AZ

-- 2003 CEA Winter Summit
March 4-6, 2003, St. Regis Aspen, Aspen, CO

-- HDTV Summit & the Academy of DTV Pioneers 2002 Awards
March 10, 2003, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC

-- CEA 2003 Spring Leadership Retreat
May 5-6, 2003, Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.

-- Connections 2003
May 7-9, 2003, Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, CA

-- Asian Home Electronics Fair
May 14-17, 2003, Shanghai, China

-- 7th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 18-20, 2003, Vail, CO

-- CEA 2003 Summer Technology & Standards Forum
August 1-4, 2003, Location TBA

-- CEA 2003 Fall Conference and Industry Forum
October 13-15, 2003, Carlsbad, CA

-- 2004 International CES - Defining Technology's Future
January 8-11, 2004, Las Vegas, NV




--30--JAP/la* hb/la dsc/la

CONTACT: Consumer Electronics Association
Jeff Joseph, 703/907-7664
[e-mail]
http://www.CE.org
or
Lisa Fasold, 703/907-7669
[e-mail]
onsite tel: [phone]
or
Brad Jones, 703/907-7060
[e-mail]
http://www.CESweb.org

KEYWORD: VIRGINIA NEVADA TRACK
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
ELECTRONIC GAMES/MULTIMEDIA COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TRADESHOW
SOURCE: Consumer Electronics Association