2013 International CES Kicks Off with Keynotes from Panasonic, Verizon & Next Generation of Innovators

January 9, 2013

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Las Vegas, NV—The 2013 International CES opened its doors to feature more than 3,250 exhibitors across 1.9 million net square feet of exhibit space, breaking both space and exhibitor records set last year. Major product launches from CE exhibitors and keynotes from the leaders of Panasonic, Verizon and the Next Generation of Innovators panelists kicked off the 2013 International CES on January 8, 2012. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2013 CES runs through January 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Opening day of CES was abuzz with products and technologies that allow seamless connection to devices so that we can do everything from enjoy content to monitor health and find smarter ways to manage our homes,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of International CES and corporate business strategy.

“Some 20,000 new products will launch this week at the 2013 International CES and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off this record-breaking show,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “CES has an incredible story to tell with every major technology company spanning the globe participating in this year’s CES to showcase their innovations.”

Shapiro delivered the State of the Consumer Electronics Industry address Tuesday morning. He projected that CE industry revenues will reach a record-high $209.6 billion, domestically, up nearly 3% from an estimated $203.9 billion for 2012. He compared the strength of the 2013 CES to the success of the global technology industry, which will exceed $1 trillion in 2013.

Shapiro cited innovation as the cornerstone to global industry and economic growth. To stay in front of the pace of innovation, he noted that top companies must operate as an elite strike force, going beyond the ordinary to perform truly extraordinary tasks and take risks along the way.

Panasonic Corp.’s president, Kazuhiro Tsuga, took the stage for the opening keynote, discussing Panasonic's contribution to consumer life beyond the living room. Solutions for home energy, in-vehicle connectivity and energy efficiency, business, in-flight connectivity and infotainment and energy for the community were all highlighted.

Tsuga was joined by journalist Lisa Ling, who served as a moderator for the morning. Among others who took the stage were Panasonic’s CEO of North America, Joe Taylor; Tim Vanderhook, cofounder, president and CEO of Specific Media; Phil Abram, chief infotainment officer, General Motors; former CEO of Air New Zeland, Ron Fyfe, and Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey. Tsuga and Taylor showcased several innovative Panasonic products making their debut at CES, including the world’s first 4K OLED TV and Panasonic’s 20-inch 4K tablet.

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