#CTATechWeek 2024 + CTA's 100th Anniversary - One for the Record Books

I’m always impressed by my colleagues at the Consumer Technology Association.  Yes, we put on CES, the global stage for innovation.  But our ability to curate unique and special experiences on behalf of our members is unparalleled.

#CTATechWeek is a perfect example. And this year’s #CTATechWeek was by far our best yet 

But first, I would like to honor the 100th anniversary of the Consumer Technology Association, an association I have been privileged to be connected to for more than 13 years, 5 years as a consultant, and 8+ years as a government affairs executive.

CTA… it’s your birthday!  100 years and still igniting innovation.  Congratulations on remaining committed to advancing innovation when it hasn’t been politically expedient, when you stood on principle when it was easier to go along with the prevailing opinion of professional and political Washington, for inspiring every generation of entrepreneurs to create, and for adapting to ensure our industry invests in and represents ALL that our American industry can be – and not just what it looked like 100 years ago.

Back to #CTATech Week!

What we were able to accomplish on behalf of CTA’s Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) in less than 72 hours on the ground in DC is nothing short of remarkable. The credit belongs to so many of my CTA colleagues. They create the foundation and circumstances for us to deliver every day for our members. I am grateful to be a part of a leadership team led by Gary Shapiro and Kinsey Fabrizio that recognizes this.

As Gary recently shared with staff reflecting on a successful #CTATechWeek and events,

None of these happened on their own but were made possible by the many CTA staff across nearly every department who worked hand-in-hand to pull it off.

So, what did we accomplish on behalf of our members for #CTATechWeek?

✅ We hosted our Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) meeting and had the opportunity to hear from Klon Kitchen to discuss global competitiveness and security and Alan Davidson on artificial intelligence and connectivity.

✅ Our Consumer Technology Association Foundation, led by Executive Director Stephen Ewell, Chair Matt Ater, and Vice Chair Sherida McMullan approved $530,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across the country using technology to enhance the lives of older adults and people with disabilities.

✅ Our Technology Council, led by Brian Markwalter and chaired by Alicia Abella, Ph.D., gathered senior executives from across the industry to prioritize technology projects ranging from health technology, AI, and cybersecurity.  These are at the forefront of CTA’s Technology and Standards projects.

✅ We had the honor of being hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement for a briefing on critical policy issues facing American companies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, supply chain, and international trade. We heard from talented government leaders from the National Security Council, The White House, the Office of United States Trade Representative, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.  J. David Grossman highlighted our work and commitment to rally the industry in support of the Cyber Trust Mark. Ed Brzytwa led our discussion on the importance of digital trade and e-commerce. A special thank you to Taylor Wright, the incredible Office of Public Engagement interns, and the incomparable Stephen Benjamin for creating such a welcoming and special experience for us.

✅ Always special, our Digital Patriots and CT Hall of Fame dinner recognized industry and government giants.  This year was the first time combining the Digital Patriots and CT Hall of Fame.  Thank you, Melissa Harrison, for your vision in honoring these leaders together.

✅ CTA inducted Denise Gibson, a visionary leader and industry trailblazer, into our CT Hall of Fame for pioneering one of the most popular consumer electronics products in history—the mobile phone. I have witnessed Denise’s determination to advance technology and women in our industry. Denise was one of the catalysts behind CTA’s $10 million fund to invest in women and diverse-led venture funds, ensuring we are investing in all the incredible talent our diverse country offers. I am grateful for her leadership.

Our 2024 Digital Patriots included an industry leader and two legislators advancing innovation to benefit all Americans.

✅ We honored Colin Angle, former chief executive officer and co-founder of iRobot. Under Colin's leadership for more than 30 years, iRobot grew from an MIT startup to a global leader in consumer robots, including the award-winning Roomba® robot vacuum and the Braava® family of robot mops.  I personally have two Roombas!

✅ We honored Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) for advancing health innovation, technology's role in reducing health disparities, and advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence.  I had the distinct honor of introducing Congresswoman Kelly and thanking her for holding our industry’s feet to the fire to ensure technology benefits all of us.

✅ We honored Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) for his work in advancing self-driving vehicle policy, which will create immense opportunities for seniors and those with accessibility challenges and save lives. Michael Petricone’s introduction keyed in on the urgency and often difficult path of advancing new ideas when most are comfortable with the status quo.

Underscoring our commitment to ensuring technology benefits all, the proceeds of the Digital Patriots and CT Hall of Fame Dinner will advance the work of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation and Horton's Kids, Inc.

That was just Tuesday…

✅ On Wednesday, CTA volunteer leaders met with Members of Congress as part of our Lobby Day, which was singularly organized by India Herdman. CTA members met with their respective Members of Congress to discuss the innovative products and services their companies are developing, the effect government policy has on innovation, and their role as volunteer leaders at CTA.

✅ We couldn’t do our work without the support of our CTAPAC contributors, especially those special individuals who give their all to support our political work.  As a thank you to our CTAPAC Visionaries, we attended the First Lady’s Luncheon honoring First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted by the Congressional Club, the marquee organization bringing congressional spouses together to advance philanthropy and good works.  Appreciative of congressional spouse co-chairs Heather Obernolte and Andrea Neguse.

✅ One of our most fun and important events during #CTATechWeek is CES on the Hill.  And this year couldn’t have gone better! John Mitchell and Nikki Bainum-Ramirez, and a collective effort with our Conferences and CES operations teams made this year’s CES on the Hill the best yet.  We were honored to host more than 20+ Members of Congress who were able to touch, feel, and understand the best that technology has to offer.  Thank you to CES on the Hill exhibitors Amazon, Dexcom, EssilorLuxottica, BioIntelliSense, Inc, Filecoin Foundation, General Motors, Google, IBM, Intel Corporation, LG Electronics, Meta, PhotonFi, Qualcomm, ROYBI World, Samsung Electronics America, Sony, Tesla, and Vispero®.

✅ Finally, and underscoring CTA’s consistent and steadfast support of reducing barriers to trade, CTA’s Ed Brzytwa and Vada García hosted CTA members for a “Trade Day’ on Thursday, a day-long of discussions with federal agencies and congressional trade staff on CTA’s trade agenda and how tariffs and a movement away from digital trade is detrimental to our companies, particularly our small business members.  Thank you to CTA’s Executive Board Chair, Deena Ghazarian, and Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) member, Lyle Smith, for their engagement and participation along with other CTA members!

It's a wrap, but it was one of the most successful, consequential, engaging, and meaningful #CTATechWeeks I’ve had the privilege of participating in.

Thank you to our Executive Board and Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) for their confidence and support of CTA’s policy work. Your giving us so much of your time speaks volumes, and our policy advocacy is so much better when policy officials get to hear from you directly!

As always, I am eternally grateful to every single colleague at CTA. They make the incredible happen.