The World Trade Centers Association, which owns the "World Trade Center" (WTC) names and includes nearly 300 WTCs in almost 100 countries, granted CEA the exclusive Las Vegas rights after reviewing CEA's application and plans to enhance business and international trade in Las Vegas. CEA will be working with the Las Vegas business community to develop and deploy this recognized brand on an appropriate location in Las Vegas.

The World Trade Center brand stands on several of the most prestigious buildings in the world and represents a commitment to vibrant and expanded international trade. More so than any U.S. city, Las Vegas hosts international conventions, including 40 of the leading trade shows each year, and is a beacon for cutting-edge technology, international business and trade.

"Las Vegas is recognized as an international destination and hosts millions of business travelers every year who are conducting face-to-face meetings to grow market share," said President/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

"Leveraging the brand of Las Vegas with the World Trade Center designation will reinforce the message that Vegas means business and will help increase international visitation."

"The WTCA was pleased to see CEA's strong application for WTC Las Vegas," said Guy F. Tozzoli, president and founder of the World Trade Centers Association. "There is global anticipation within the WTCA for CEA's creation of a new WTC in Las Vegas. The members of the WTCA, many of whom are active in the exhibition industry, are all looking forward to working with CEA."

CEA produces and owns the International CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow. It has been held in Las Vegas since 1978 and attracts almost 25,000 international visitors to each event.

"We view our ownership of the 'World Trade Center Las Vegas' mark as a tremendous opportunity in two ways: First, it emphasizes the importance of global trade. Countries that trade are not countries at war. The consumer electronics industry, more than any other, symbolizes the shrinking nature of our world, both by the products and the trade that enables them. Second, Las Vegas is increasingly an international business designation and we want to focus the world's companies on the many opportunities to do business with the many organizations who participate in trade events in Las Vegas," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA.

CEA will form a corporation (tentatively called World Trade Center Las Vegas) for the purpose of furthering this venture. CEA is the majority shareholder, with three individual shareholders.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $165 billion US consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships.