CTIA-The Wireless Association, IFA Partner on "Borderless" Trade Show

January 14, 2013

CTIA-The Wireless Association and IFA, the world's largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, have teamed up to hold a "borderless" trade show in 2014.

The partnership will produce the first global platform of its kind for retailers, buyers, distributors, manufacturers, vendors and carriers to launch the next generation of new products and services for work, home and play.

This partnership combines CTIA's expertise in mobility and IFA's leadership in consumer electronics and home appliances markets, according to CTIA officials.

The two organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as the first step in creating this borderless trade show.

The CTIA Super Mobility Show will take place Sept. 9-11 at the Sands Expo &Convention Center in Las Vegas, and IFA will take place Sept. 5-10 at the Messe Berlin Fairgrounds in Germany.

"The CTIA and IFA partnership reflects today's borderless and diverse wireless ecosystem, across time zones, across industries and across audiences,” said Rob Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director.

He added, “Together with IFA, we're driving the trends that are defining the global marketplace.”

Jens Heithecker, executive director of IFA, said, "Mobility and wireless connectivity are the future of the consumer electronics and home appliances on display at IFA. Additionally, we will shorten the distance for US retailers, consumers and media to the global product launches that take place at IFA in time for the holiday retails season. Regardless of location or time zone, the two events will create a transatlantic alliance that connects attendees, exhibitors, media, keynotes and speakers."

Companies of all sizes throughout the wireless ecosystem and across the globe are enthusiastic about the alliance and recognize the opportunities that Super Mobility Week offers.

"Wireless technology is borderless, and therefore we require platforms that support the global appeal of our products. The IFA and CTIA alliance provides us with an integrated opportunity to showcase our products to the world," said Bryan Biniak, vice president & general manager, Global Partner & Application Development, Nokia.

"With the new super show and now the IFA partnership, CTIA once again demonstrated its leadership by revolutionizing the show experience for attendees and exhibitors. Regardless of a company's size or location, the alliance between the two shows will mean everyone has an international platform to announce new products and services," said Gary A. Rayner, founder & CEO, LIFEPROOF.

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