2008 International CES: Special Events

With all the star-studded stages, competitions and parties, CES always offers something to keep your energy level up from the minute the doors open. Save plenty of time for key attractions and special displays, too, including Wireless World, Content@CES and many others.

Many of these special events are available in audio and video podcasts.

Sunday, January 6 | Monday, January 7 | Tuesday, January 8 | Wednesday, January 9


The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Daily Performance 4-6 p.m. daily, CES Concierge Center, CES Central Plaza CES marks the unveiling of the new John Lennon Educational Tour Bus with state-of-the-art technology. The non-profit mobile audio and video studio travels across the U.S. and Canada bringing hands-on experiences to students of all ages. Featured are the latest Maxell, Sony and Roland products, to name a few. Stop by for free gifts and happy hour musical performances.

Sunday, January 6, 2008
Pre-show Keynote: Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 6, 2008, The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom 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. What's on his mind this year? More.

Monday, January 7, 2008
Day 1 Opening Keynote Address: Panasonic AVC Networks Company President Toshihiro Sakamoto 8:30 a.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro opens this morning keynote with the annual state of the industry address. Here's where to learn about the challenges and bright spots in the future of consumer technology. Then, Toshihiro Sakamoto takes center stage to share his plans to drive digital consumer technology forward. More.


Industry Insider: Yahoo! CEO and Chief Yahoo! Jerry Yang 11 a.m.-Noon Monday, January 7, 2008, Las Vegas Hilton Theater Jerry Yang kicks off the 2008 International CES Industry Insider Series the first day of the show at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. Prepare to hear Yang’s views on the evolution of Internet technology and its impact on consumer technology products. More.


TECHNOLOGY IMPACT: The Shaping of Hollywood Decision Making 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, Las Vegas Hilton Theater Variety hosts top studio digital media executives to discuss how technology advances impact the strategic decisions made by studios. Moderator: Charlie Koones, President & Publisher, Variety Entertainment Group. Panelists: Dan Fawcett, President, Fox Entertainment Group; Tom Lesinski, President, Parmount Pictures Digital Entertainment. More.


Day 1 Keynote Address: Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini 4:30 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom See how Intel continues to change how people use computers, electronics and devices to learn, live, work and communicate. More.


Accessories Division Reception 6-8 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, LVCC, South Hall, International Food Market For the perfect close of the first day of CES, enjoy something shaken or stirred! Join the CEA Accessories Division for a martini and an opportunity to relax and network with your peers while watching the BCS Championship football game.


The Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards 7 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008, The Venetian, Bellini 2101 CES will host the Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards for the second year in a row! These awards honor achievements in two areas: Science & Technology for Television - broadcast, cable and satellite distribution and Advanced Media Technology - interactive television, gaming technology and the Internet, cell phones, private networks and personal media players. See the Emmy winners.


Mobile Electronics Division Reception 6-8 p.m. Monday, January 7, LVCC, Grand Lobby, Banner’s Restaurant Join professionals from the mobile electronics industry for an evening of networking and “tailgating” while watching the BCS Championship football game in Banner's Restaurant. If you have a passion for cars and the gadgets that enhance them, don’t miss this event! Sponsored by Dual Electronics

Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Day 2 Keynote Address: Comcast Corp. Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts 9 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom CES welcomes the leader of the nation’s largest provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services to the lineup of 2008 keynote speakers. More.


CNET's Best of CES Awards: Finalists Announced 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, LVCC, South Hall 3, Upper Level Lobby, CNET Stage, SL3 Thousands of products make their debut at the International CES, and CNET is there to find the best of the best. Editors search the show floor looking for the most promising new technology for 2008. Recognizing the most promising products at the 2008 International CES, CNET’s Best of CES Awards will be given in 10 categories, plus a Best of Show and People’s Voice Award. See the Best of CES winners.


Industry Insider: One-on-One with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and CEA President Gary Shapiro 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, LVCC, North Hall, N255-257 Join FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro for a public conversation about the digital television transition, cable compatibility, spectrum, broadband and other issues critical to the consumer electronics industry. More.


Spotlight on Imaging 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, Renaissance Hotel, Ballroom 1 Don’t miss these exclusive tabletop displays highlighting the hottest digital imaging products at the 2008 International CES. The event, co-produced by Picture Business and CEA, also features a retail-specific education session and the chance to learn more about industry trends and revenue opportunities. The afternoon ends with the prestigious CEA Digital Imaging Reception – a great networking opportunity in a quiet, relaxed environment.


Tapping into the “New” Digital Imaging Revenue Streams 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, Renaissance Hotel, Ballroom 1 How has today’s digital imaging consumer changed from previous years and how have these changes affected the way they use imaging in their lives? What excites consumers today about digital imaging technology? How are consumers using imaging to tell their stories? Attend this session to hear about opportunities for the photo book, kiosk, retail and online print markets from industry leaders. Moderator: Audrey Gray, Napco Panelists: Simon Bryant, Understanding and Solutions Jim Dugan, Albumprinter Mitch Goldstone, 30 Minute Photos Etc. & ScanMyPhotos.com Andy Hatkoff, Pantone This session is part of the Spotlight on Imaging event listed above.


International Retail Power Panel 2:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, Las Vegas Hilton Theater The industry’s leading retail giants join Gary Shapiro for a frank discussion about the recent holiday selling season, the hottest selling technologies and what they expect in the coming year. Panelists: Bradbury H. Anderson, Vice Chairman and CEO, Best Buy Co. Inc. Phil Schoonover, Chairman, President and CEO, Circuit City Stores, Inc. Steve Eastman, Vice President and GMM, Consumer Electronics, Target Corporation Vishesh L. Bhatia, Group Director, Electronics, Engineering & Technologies Division, Al Futtaim Mr. Chen Xiao, CEO and President, Gome More.


Day 2 Afternoon Keynote Address: General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom Consumers want more innovation and functionality from in-vehicle electronics products. Learn what the world’s largest automaker is doing to keep these interconnected markets revved up. More.


CEA Digital Imaging Division Reception 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, Renaissance Hotel Ballroom 1 Join the CEA Digital Imaging Division for its annual CES reception for an excellent opportunity to network with your peers in a quiet and relaxed environment.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Technology and Emerging Countries: Advancing Development Through Technology Investments 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008, Las Vegas Hilton Theater This new Industry Insider event is a high-profile program focusing on technology partnerships and investments that support successful development projects in emerging countries. 9:10 - 9:50 a.m. - Opening Keynote: Nicholas Negroponte, Founder of the MIT Media Lab and One Laptop Per Child Project 9:50 - 11 a.m. - Session I: Technology’s Role in Long-Term Development 11-11:30 a.m. - Session II: Technology in Practice 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Session III: Building a Better Tomorrow with Technology Details.


CNET's Best of CES Awards: Winners Announced 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, LVCC South Hall Upper Lobby, CNET Stage, SL3 See the Best of CES crowned at the CNET Stage. CNET's Best of CES Awards include winners in 10 categories as well as Best of Show and People's Voice awards. See the Best of CES winners.