Geneva, Switzerland, 2011-01-24 - More than 65 leaders representing electronics associations from all continents attended the 16th Annual WEF (World Electronics Forum), 8-10 January 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Hosted by the CEA® (Consumer Electronics Association), WEF coincided with the 2011 International CES®, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, which ran 6-9 January in Las Vegas.
WEF delegates, representing 30 associations from 22 countries, participated in a breakfast session on Sunday 9 January featuring addresses from Jacques Régis, President, IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission); Noel Lee, founder and president, Monster Cable and CEA's Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac.
In his presentation, Jacques Régis outlined how globally relevant specifications and metrics, combined with consistent conformity assessment, allow electronics manufacturers to reach many more markets, including major development markets, faster and at lesser cost. He explained why the IEC was founded in 1906 to stimulate the development of the electrical industry through common terminology, metrics and symbols. Today most of the 164 countries that participate in the World Trade Organization rely on IEC International Standards in their technical laws and regulations. He concluded that CEOs should have more than a passing interest in standards as they increasingly dictate access to global markets and allow them to build products that are accepted worldwide.
Delegates were interested to hear that any company can provide comments on any IEC International Standard as long as those are scientifically or technically sound. Participation in IEC standardization work is open to all companies, no matter their size, via their National Committee.
Following the breakfast session, delegates toured the International CES show floor to experience the innovative products on display from more than 2 700 global technology companies. The 2011 WEF Forum concluded on Monday 10 January, following a day-long session focused on doing business in the ever-changing global economy.
