Arlington, VA–The Consumer Electronics Association has announced that Craig Barrett, chairman of Intel Corp., and John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, will speak at the 2009 International CES as a part of the second annual Technology and Emerging Countries Program (TEC), which focuses on the role technology plays to further economic growth. Produced by CEA, the 2009 International CES, the worlds largest tradeshow for consumer technology, returns to Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2009.
The TEC program, which will be featured as a keynote session at the 2009 CES, is scheduled for 1 4 p.m., Friday, January 9, in the Venetians Palazzo Ballroom.
The Technology and Emerging Countries program at CES is an excellent opportunity for industry and government leaders to discuss technologys impact on developing economies and share ideas for future advancement, said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. Craig Barrett and John Chambers are long-time advocates for education and sustainable development in emerging countries. Their commitment to innovation and passion for utilizing technology for economic growth are inspirations, and we are thrilled to welcome back these compelling speakers to the 2009 International CES.”
Craig Barrett has served as chairman of the board of Intel Corp. since May 2005, and has been a leading advocate for improving education in the U.S. and around the world. He is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards globally. In addition to serving as Intels chairman, Barrett also is chairman of the Intel Foundation which contributes tens of millions of dollars to education and nonprofit organizations in communities around the world. Barrett is also chair of the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (UN GAID), and co-chairs the Business Coalition for Student Achievement and the National Innovation Initiative Leadership Council. Through his role with the UN GAID, Barrett partnered with the International Telecommunications Union and World Bank to develop the Connect Africa initiative to improve Internet connectivity across the continent. He is also one of the business executives co-leading the Partnership for Lebanon, delegation in partnership with the U.S. State Department to provide resources for the reconstruction of Lebanon.
John Chambers is chairman and CEO of Cisco. Since January 1995, when he assumed the role of CEO, Chambers has grown the company from $1.2 billion in annual revenues to approximately $40 billion. In November 2006, he was named Chairman of the Board, in addition to his CEO role. Chambers plays an active role in philanthropic activities worldwide. Chambers recently traveled to China with other U.S. private and public sector leaders as members of a U.S. Business Roundtable delegation. Cisco has committed $45 million to support rebuilding efforts in China’s earthquake-affected Sichuan Province. He also received the Award for Corporate Excellence for Ciscos partnership with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and the World Economic Forum to develop the Jordan Education Initiative, to improve education to Jordans citizens. Chambers was also on the forefront of the 21 st Century School Initiative, working to improve educational opportunities for the Gulf Coa st areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Additionally in 2006, in partnership with the U.S. State Department, he co-led a delegation to form the Partnership for Lebanon, a group of business leaders working to provide resources for the reconstruction of Lebanon.
The 2009 International CES will feature more than 2,700 exhibitors debuting their latest consumer technology products across 30 product categories including digital entertainment, wireless, digital imaging, audio and more. For more information and to register to attend the 2009 International CES, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.
