CTIA and IFA Shows to Create Global Borderless Platform for Mobile, Consumer Electronics, Home Appliance Industries

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association® and IFA, the world's largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, today announced that they will create the world's first "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.

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 September 9, 10 & 11 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas and IFA will take place September 5-10 at the Messe Berlin Fairgrounds in Berlin, Germany.

"The CTIA and IFA partnership reflects today's borderless and diverse wireless ecosystem, across time zones, across industries and across audiences. Together with IFA, we're driving the trends that are defining the global marketplace," said Rob Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director.

"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," said Jens Heithecker, executive director of IFA. "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. 

"CTIA has become an industry bellwether for the wireless world and their partnership with IFA shows they understand that wireless technology transcends borders. The 'Super Mobility Week' in September 2014 means we'll have a platform to show our products to the world," said Selina Lo, president and CEO, Ruckus Wireless.

The alliance between CTIA and IFA will begin at CTIA 2013 on May 21-23 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.

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About CTIA Shows

CTIA Shows bring together all industries advanced by wireless technology for intense business, learning and networking. CTIA 2013 ® takes place May 21-23, 2013 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas and MobileCON 2013™ takes place Oct. 16-18, 2013 at the San Jose Convention Center in Silicon Valley. Visit www.ctiashows.com.

About CTIA

CTIA–The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

About IFA

IFA, www.ifa-berlin.com, is the world's largest consumer electronics and home appliances tradeshow.  Now reaching its 52nd edition, it has become the premier venue for global product introductions and business development.  For more information visit www.ifa-berlin.com

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association