The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) today announced that the Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, will deliver opening keynote remarks as part of an International SuperSession at the 2007 International CES®. Produced by CEA, the 2007 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, returns to Las Vegas January 8-11 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Secretary Gutierrez's opening address titled, "International Competitiveness in the 21st Century: Maintaining an Environment for Innovation," will kick off the International SuperSession, slated for 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall N262. Secretary Gutierrez is the first U.S. Cabinet member to serve as a featured speaker in International CES history.
"Secretary Gutierrez has been instrumental in expanding international markets for U.S. companies and enabling consumers around the world to purchase the consumer technology products they desire," said CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro. "We are honored to have Secretary Gutierrez speak at this year's International CES and share his views on international competitiveness and technology policy issues crucial to the continued growth and dynamism of the consumer electronics industry."
Following Secretary Gutierrez's address, the International SuperSession will feature a panel discussion with top government officials from Brazil, Japan and the United States focused on consumers' access to broadband networks, the availability of wireless spectrum and the transition to digital broadcasting.
Carlos M. Gutierrez was sworn into office on February 7, 2005, and is the 35th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the voice of business in government. The former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Kellogg Company, Secretary Gutierrez is a core member of President Bush's economic team and oversees a diverse Cabinet agency with some 40,000 workers and a $5.8 billion budget focused on promoting American business at home and abroad.