CEA's Shapiro Shares Key Strategies to CE Innovation at Accenture Global Convergence Forum in Rome

Digital technology can be disruptive to established business
models, but is ultimately good for the world economy and should be
embraced by all, according to Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
President and CEO Gary Shapiro who delivered a morning keynote today
at the 2007 Accenture Global Convergence Forum in Rome, Italy. Shapiro
addressed roughly 500 executives from 30 different countries and
shared his insights on what it takes to succeed in today's digital
world and the future of the consumer electronics industry.

"Companies must adapt to technological change in order to
survive," Shapiro said. "It is in our global interest to see
technological innovation continue to spread. This requires an
environment that fosters innovation and competition and encourages
growth."

Shapiro outlined five key strategies to create an
innovation-friendly environment: Embrace digital technology; resist
restrictions on innovation such as DRM; support free trade; ensure
intense competition among broadband service providers and focus on the
positive attributes of energy efficiency in today's consumer
electronics.

Challenging the audience to look past the doomsday predictions
raised by some who are reluctant to change, Shapiro said, "We must be
careful in advocating or accepting restrictions on new technology as
they may also result in restrictions on freedoms. Additionally, we
must resist the urge of isolationism and instead expand global trade
to build the stronger world economy that technology promises."

Shapiro also explained that digital technology is changing the way
consumers live, work and play, which ultimately is saving energy
through advancements such as telecommuting, online commerce, in-home
entertainment and greater efficiency for the world economy. For
example, of the two billion U.S. Energy Star-qualified purchases since
1992, more than half or nearly 1.1 billion of these products are
consumer electronics. Voluntary, market-oriented programs, including
industry-led standards which promote energy efficiency, are friendlier
to innovation than government mandates against technology, he said.

"We're well into the analog to digital transition, but we're only
beginning to realize the benefits of global convergence. If the five
keys to success I've outlined are followed, the CE industry will
continue to bridge divides and provide a roadmap to a better world."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade
association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry
through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the
fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more
than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development,
manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile
electronics, wireless and landline communications, information
technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory
products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer
channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion
in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org,
the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics
industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining
Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into
industry services, including technical training and education,
industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research
and legislative advocacy.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
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-- CONNECTIONS(TM): The Digital Home Conference and Showcase
May 1-3, 2007, Santa Clara, CA

-- Hometech Middle East 2007
May 13-15, 2007, Dubai, UAE

-- The 11th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 20-23, 2007, Santa Barbara, CA

-- 2007 SINOCES
July 6-9, 2007, Qingdao, China

-- CEA Industry Forum
October 15-17, 2007, San Diego, CA

-- EHX Fall 2007
November 6-9, 2007, Long Beach, CA

-- CES New York Press Preview Featuring CES Unveiled
November 13, 2007, New York, NY

-- Future of Television Forum
November 15-16, 2007, New York, NY

-- CONNECTIONS(TM) Europe: Strategies for Digital Living Markets
December 4-6, 2007, Berlin, Germany

-- 2008 International CES
January 7-10, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
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