The 2008 International CES/hometech experienced tremendous growth across all categories, including exhibiting companies and exhibition space. The show floor increased by 50 percent over the 2007 event, with a record-breaking 68,000 net square feet of exhibit space, up from 45,000 in 2007. Exhibiting companies also increased with 250 companies debuting their latest products on the CES/hometech show floor, an increase of more than 35 percent from the 2007 show which featured 181 companies.

“The consumer technology industry in the Middle East marketplace, and specifically in the UAE, continues to thrive, providing incredible opportunities for companies looking to expand their brands internationally,” said Liz Hyman, vice president, international, CEA. “CEA’s partnership with Messe Frankfurt and CES/hometech paves a road for U.S. technology companies to explore new global markets and business opportunities.”

International CES/hometech featured leading U.S. consumer electronics companies including Gibson Guitar and Monster Cable. In addition, government leaders and key executives spoke at the show including Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, who delivered opening remarks; Noel Lee, head monster, Monster Cable and CEA’s Hyman.

This year’s CES/hometech featured several events and exhibits new to the show floor. The 1st Annual Last Gadget Standing competition hosted by technology expert, author and columnist Robin Raskin, featured ten on-stage product demonstrations, with the product drawing the most crowd applause given the title as ‘Last Gadget.’ An annual favorite at the International CES in Las Vegas, the Last Gadget Standing at the CES/hometech attracted a standing-room only audience with the Philips 3D WOW vx  42”, submitted by EON, named as the ‘Last Gadget’ by popular crowd vote. In addition, the show floor included a new Game Zone, which featured the first Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) United Arab Emirates Championship Finals played on high-end gaming PCs. The Game Zone also highlighted the latest PC, console and mobile games coming to market for 2008.

Also new for 2008, the CES/hometech featured a new training program produced by CEA’s partner, Bedrock Learning, and sponsored by UAE-based retailer Al-Futtaim, for professionals in the digital home market, including installation technicians, distributors, integrators, retailers and sales associates. The program educated more than 100 professionals on the latest technology trends and prepared attendees for industry certifications and exams, including the CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ certification.

Additionally, Monster Cable hosted its second annual Monster’s Best Meets Best Awards Dinner, which celebrated the success of key retailers from around the world. Opening remarks for the evening were delivered by U.S. Representatives Tom Davis (R-VA) and Jim Moran (D-VA), who both spoke of the importance of technology in the booming UAE marketplace. Additional speakers included CEA Senior Vice President of Events and Conferences, Karen Chupka, as well as executives from major CE retailers including Best Buy and Al-Futtaim.

As part of its commitment to grow the consumer technology industry and expand international business opportunities, CEA also sponsored a delegation to CES/hometech, which included consumer technology executives whose companies exhibited at the show, as well as media.

The 2009 International CES/hometech will be held in the spring of 2009 in Dubai, UAE.

For more information on CES/hometech, visit www.messefrankfurtme.com/hometech. For more information on CEA and the International CES, visit www.CE.org and www.CESweb.org.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.