Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to Deliver Preshow Keynote Address at the 2012 International CES

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® announced today that Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Corporation, will deliver a preshow keynote address at the 2012 International CES^®. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, is scheduled January 10-13, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are pleased to welcome Microsoft back to the CES keynote stage”

“We are pleased to welcome Microsoft back to the CES keynote stage,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “From mobile to desktop to gaming and beyond, Microsoft has a significant impact on all aspects of the consumer technology industry, and Steve Ballmer's keynote is a great way to kick off the exciting 2012 International CES. We are excited to hear Microsoft’s latest initiatives and Ballmer’s vision for where consumer technology is heading.”

Ballmer’s preshow keynote address is slated for 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 9, in The Venetian. Microsoft has used the CES keynote stage in previous years to unveil innovative new products, including the original Xbox and Avatar Kinect.

The full line-up of 2012 International CES keynote addresses will be announced in coming months.

The 2012 International CES will feature more than 2,700 global technology companies unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across 15 major product categories including the latest in audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging, electronic gaming, entertainment/content and more. For more information on the 2012 International CES, visit CESweb.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $186 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org and www.Innovation-Movement.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• CEO Summit and Board Retreat
  October 1-3, 2011, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy

• CEA TechHome Mediterraneo 100 Summit
  October 3-5, 2011, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy

• Digital Hollywood Fall
  October 17-20, 2011, Marina Del Ray, CA

• CEA Industry Forum
  October 23-28, 2011, San Diego, CA

• CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
  November 8, 2011, New York, NY
• Digital Hollywood New York City
  November 15-17, 2011, New York, NY

• Future of Television East
  November 18, 2011, New York, NY

• 2012 International CES
  January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV