CEA Executive Honored With Prestigious IAEE Award

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® congratulates Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, for being named the winner of the 2007 International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE) Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership award.

Chupka will be honored at Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Monday, December 10, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under Chupka’s leadership, the 2007 International CES was the largest trade show in North America measured by both international attendance and square footage. In 2007, 27,000 international attendees representing 140 countries -- a five percent increase over 2006 -- explored a record-breaking 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space.

“Karen helps ensure the continued success of the International CES with her innovative strategies and the constant pursuit of excellence she displays on a daily basis,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, producer of the International CES. “The outstanding achievements of the 2007 show are in great part due to Karen’s dedication to growing the consumer electronics industry. She is a tradeshow industry leader and I heartily congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”

Total exhibit space reached an all-time high with the addition of CES’ newest venue, the Sands Expo and Convention Center in 2006 and The Venetian in 2007. The IAEE award recognizes Chupka’s success in achieving solid, measurable growth in net square footage of exhibition space, including the “Emerging Technologies” space at the Sands/Venetian, to increase levels of both exhibitor and attendee satisfaction. The IAEE award also recognizes Chupka’s use of techniques such as partner co-location; creating innovative branding opportunities for exhibitors and selling exhibitor experience to help grow CES. In 2007, more than 2,700 exhibitors showcased their newest products at the show.

During her 18 year tenure with CEA, Chupka has held numerous roles including vice-president, business development and IT; director of industry relations and education and director of marketing for CES.

The 2008 International CES returns to Las Vegas January 7-10, 2008. For information on the upcoming CES including speakers, conference sessions and registration information, visit www.CESweb.org.