#CTATechWeek 2023

Next to CES, #CTATech Week is my most favorite week of the year!?In the spring, we have the opportunity to host CTA’s Executive Board and Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) for our signature Washington, DC events: CTA Lobby Day, the Digital Patriots Dinner and CES on the Hill.

CTA’s Executive Board, under the leadership of Board Chair Carmichael Roberts , Vice Chair Deena Ghazarian , and CTA’s President and CEO Gary Shapiro , is CTA’s governing board and members of the BIL serve as an advisory panel on public policy.?The opportunity to host them each year in Washington allows us to hear first-hand from innovators and tech executives on the policy issues that most affect their companies.?This is invaluable in providing CTA and its Government Affairs team strategic direction on our policy priorities.?

It was exciting to finally return to walking the halls of Congress to meet with Members of Congress about the technology industry, how tech supports the economy, and how tech is solving some of the world’s toughest challenges.?Members of Congress got to hear from founders about how government overreach or inaction can stagnate or kill important markets that the United States must remain competitive in.?A special thank you to our EB and BIL, and volunteer members who were willing to take time out of their busy schedules to tell their stories and educate Members of Congress!

#CTATechWeek also provides CTA with an opportunity to honor Members of Congress who are standing in the gap to advance sound and responsible tech policy.?This year we honored Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY).?We honored Senator Wicker for his commitment and work in advancing telehealth, crucial to not just rural Mississippi, but to the entire country as we pivoted during COVID.?These advancements must remain and not be lost as COVID has waned.?We honored Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY) who is passionate about broadband, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, but equally passionate in making sure that it advances tech equity .?

A highlight of the Digital Patriots Dinner is the opportunity to support and honor the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington !?As a (Detroit) Boys and Girls Club kid, I know first-hand the critical role the Boys and Girls Club plays in inspiring and advancing under-resourced kids who only need the opportunity to shine.?This year we heard from Abigail who spoke about making sure she didn’t let adversity put out the fire inside her.?This young lady is going places and I’m so proud CTA has played even the smallest role to launch her future and vision. ?

A special thank you to our Digital Patriot Platinum Dinner sponsors 亚马逊 , 松下 , 高通 , UL Standards & Engagement , and Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP and our Gold sponsors 百思买 and NVTC FOUNDATION as proceeds will go to advance the work of not just the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, but also the Consumer Technology Association Foundation led by Stephen Ewell which is helping to improve the quality of life for senior and those with accessibility challenges though technology. ?For a first hand look at the incredible work of the CTA Foundation, take a look at its first original film series, “Technology’s Golden Age,” produced by BBC StoryWorks which examines the power of consumer technology to enhance quality of life for the aging global population.

During #CTATechWeek, we also have the opportunity to bring a taste of CES to Capitol Hill with “CES on the Hill,’ an event hosted at CTA’s Innovation House which showcased technology and innovation from 17 companies.?Members of Congress, congressional staff, and agency officials had the opportunity to touch, feel, and experience what’s next in innovation.?Thank you to 亚马逊 , BenjiLock , BuildWithin , DroneUp , 哈曼国际 , HP , IBM , 英飞凌 , 英特尔 , Joby Aviation , Lucid Motors , MAXSA INNOVATIONS, L.L.C. , 微软 , 松下 , 飞利浦 , Resmed , and Vispero? for showcasing how technology is changing the world for the better!

None of this happens by itself. For every event, meeting, or exhibit activation, there is a cadre of my talented CTA colleagues that make it happen with incredible acumen, sophistication, and excellence.?Kudos for a job EXTREMELY well done!?