2015 CES kicks off, global celebrities set to spotlight trends

The 2015 International CES is finally here. The event is set feature Hollywood stars, TV personalities, professional athletes and musical icons promoting the latest innovations revolutionizing the ways consumers live, work, play, connect and access information.

Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) the 2015 CES, the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, will run January 6-9, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Consumer Electronic Show (CES), has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 40 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the technology trade association representing the $211 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed.

Actor, entrepreneur, and radio/TV personality Nick Cannon will serve as the Ambassador for the Entertainment Matters at CES program. Entertainment Matters is a content-focused CES program developed for the film, television and digital communities.

Rapper, entrepreneur, investor and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will make an appearance and sign autographs for fans and attendees on Wednesday, January 7 from 2-3 PM at the SMS Audio booth (LVCC, South Hall 1, #21012). SMS audio combines technology, function and style to bring the highest caliber of sound, comfort and fashion to every product.

Dr. Phil McGraw, host of the number one daytime syndicated talk show, Dr. Phil, and co-founder of Doctor on Demand will speak at the Digital Health Summit on Thursday, January 8 from Noon-12:30 PM at the Venetian, Level 2, Bellini ballroom 2004. The sixth annual Digital Health Summit will focus on the latest enhancements that impact the healthcare system.

American radio personality, television host and producer Ryan Seacrest will headline address with Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia Inc., at C Space at ARIA, a new show location at the 2015 CES. The headliner address is scheduled for 1 PM on Wednesday, January 7 in the Pinyon 5 Ballroom at ARIA. C Space is the official destination for the marketing, advertising, content and creative communities at the 2015 CES.

Rock icon Neil Young and PonoMusic will hold a special press briefing on High Resolution Audio on Tuesday, January 6 from 3:30-4:30 PM at the Hi-Res Audio Workshop (Venetian, Bellini ballroom 2001). Limited seating is available. In addition, Young will share his passion for high-res music in a SuperSession led by Rolling Stone executive editor Nathan Brackett on Wednesday, January 7 from 10:15-11:15 AM at the LVCC, room N257.

Dolvett Quince, fitness expert, television star and New York Times author and lead trainer on “The Biggest Loser” will be launching Brookstone’s BodyForm Roller at CES. He will demonstrate techniques for using a massage roller to alleviate stress, soothe sore muscles and help muscles recover more quickly. Quince will attend a celebrity autograph session on Thursday, January 8 at 11 AM and 3 PM at the Brookstone booth (LVCC, South Hall 4, #36043).

Dutch DJ and record producer Tiësto will host a Fireside Chat and sign autographs on at 1 PM Tuesday, January 6 at the Audiofly booth (LVCC, South Hall 1, #21244).

Awarded twice Big Mountain rider of the year, three-time Freeride World Tour champion, multiple X-Games medalists, two times olympian and expéditions leader Xavier de Le Rue will represent HEXO+ at the 2015 CES. As co-founder of the company, Xavier will appear in the HEXO+ booth (LVCC, South Hall, #26320) throughout the show and signature sessions will happen on the 6th and 7th at 2pm at the Booth. The HEXO+ is an autonomous flying camera that follows you and records your actions as you participate in a fast-paced activity or sport.

Star of Syfy channel’s “Ascension” and “Battlestar Galactica,” actress Tricia Helfer will be hosting an autograph session on behalf of Elektrobit (EB) Automotive on Thursday, January 8 at 1 PM on the Ford Broadcast Stage (LVCC, North Hall, #2122). Elektrobit Automotive enhances the in-vehicle experience with industry leading automotive software solutions and services for comfort, safety, entertainment, navigation and connected services.

American fashion designer, fashion commentator and former “Project Runway” contestant Nick Verreos is hosting the FashionWare runway shows on Wednesday, January 7 at the WebMD Wellness Lounge (Sands, Level 2, #73110) at 10 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM. He also is scheduled to be in the WebMD booth during the Fashion Shows and will do a meet and greet in the FashionWare booth (Sands, Level 2, #73740) at 1:30 PM.

Professional street skateboarder Josh Kalis will attend the 2015 CES with Trace Live Network and will be at their booth (LVCC, South Hall 2, #25618) from 11 AM–4 PM on Wednesday, January 7. Trace Live Network produces a visually intelligent smart camera, the TRACEr1, which can autonomously operate a series of vehicle accessories and lock onto and follow any subject – all while live-streaming HD footage to the internet.

Host of Howard Stern’s “The Wrap-Up Show,” Jon Hein will host the Last Gadget Standing and the Mobile Apps Showdown on Thursday, January 8 from 10:30 AM-2:00 PM at the LVCC, North Hall, Room N255. Hein will then be available for interviews at the WebMD Wellness Lounge and Studio booth (Sands, Level 2, #73110) at 4 PM.

Theoretical physicist, bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker, renowned futurist and popularizer of science Dr. Michio Kaku will attend Toyota’s press conference during the official CES Press Day on Monday, January 5 at 1 PM at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, Level 2, Mandalay Bay ballrooms K and L.

American retired professional basketball players and NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Calvin Murphy and Adonal Foyle will make appearances at ZTE Corp.’s booth (LVCC, South Hall 3, #31431) during CES. Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, will join ZTE on Tuesday, January 6 from 3-4 PM; Adonal Foyle will be in attendance on Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8 from 3-4 PM and Calvin Murphy will appear Friday, January 9 from 10-11 AM.

Red Bull athlete and skateboarder Maders Apse will be conducting live demos at AirDog’s booth (LVCC, Central Plaza, # CP51) throughout the 2015 CES and will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.

CES attendees can meet professional surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb and professional Big Wave Waterman Garrett McNamara and receive free autographed postcards at the Body Glove Mobile booth (LVCC, South Hall 3, #31121) during the 2015 CES. Weston-Webb is a 12-time champion and was also a stunt-double for Bethany Hamilton in the 2011 movie “Soul Surfer.” She will appear at Body Glove Mobile’s booth from 1-5 PM on Tuesday, January 6. McNamara is a World Record Holder for surfing the largest wave and one of only two people in the world to surf tsunami waves created by calving glaciers. He will make his appearance from 1-5 PM on Wednesday, January 7.

Professional skateboarder and part-owner of Osiris Shoes Tony Magnusson will perform on the half pipe from 11-11:45 AM and 3-3:45 PM on Thursday, January 8 at the Body Glove Mobile booth. Tony is a five time winner of the Legends of Skateboard World Championships, an event held in Germany that he won each year from 2001 to 2005. He also placed 5th in the Legends division of the 2009 X-Games.

CES attendees are encouraged to hear, feel and experience the House of Marley’s 2015 product lineup through several live performances at the House of Marley booth (LVCC, Central Hall, #7913) at 2:30 PM daily. Performances include reggae royalty Daniel “Bambaata” Marley on Tuesday, January 6, roots Reggae heavyweight Johnny Osbourne on Wednesday, January 7, the legendary Shinehead on Thursday, January 8, and iconic dancehall Queen Sister Nancy on Friday, January 9.

Under Armour will host several celebrities at their booth (Sands, Level 2, #73915) during the 2015 CES. On Wednesday, January 7, Pro Trainer Gunnar Peterson will speak about “Turning Data into Training Direction” from 9:30-10:00 AM. Pro golfer Jordan Spieth, pro surfer Brianna Cope, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and Jay Glazer from FOX Sports will also make an appearance from 2-3 PM and will be available for interviews that afternoon.

Sharp Electronics Corp. will unveil innovations for 2015 and beyond with special guest, film director and Academy Award-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister. Pfister is known for his work on films such as “The Dark Knight”, “Inception” and “Transcendence.” He will attend Sharp’s press conference during the official CES Press Day on Monday, January 5 at 9 AM at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, Level 2, Mandalay Bay ballrooms B,C,D.

Successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jeff Hoffman will attend the 2015 CES with Case Western Reserve University thinkbox and Blackstone LaunchPad. Hoffman has been the founder of multiple startups, the CEO of both public and private companies, and has been a part of a number of well-known companies, including Priceline.com, uBid.com, CTI, ColorJar and more. In addition to participating on the all-star judging panel for the Extreme Tech Challenge, Hoffman will also host a simple meet and greet from 11-11:50 AM on Thursday, January 8 at Case Western’s booth (Sands, Level 2, #75427).

Several celebrity athletes will attend the 2015 CES on behalf of Epson America. Beverly Hills-based personal trainer Gunnar Peterson, widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques, will host product demos from noon-4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 6 in Epson’s booth (Sands, Level 2,#74728). Meb Keflezighi, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time and the only athlete in history to win the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon and an Olympic Medal, will host product demos in Epson’s booth from 12:30-2 PM on Wednesday, January 7. The world’s number one golf instructor and coach to countless PGA Tour, European PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour players, David Leadbetter, will also host product demos in Epson’s booth from noon-1 PM on Wednesday, January 7.

American retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal will attend Monster Products’ press conference during the official CES Press Day on Monday, January 5 at 9 AM at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, Level 2, Breakers Ballrooms A,B,G,H. United States Paralympic athlete Blake Leeper will also attend the 2015 CES with Monster. Leeper is a member of Team USA’s track and field team. He will host a fireside chat and be available for interviews at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 6 in Monster’s booth (LVCC, Central Hall, #12806).

Eric Greenspan, host of National Geographic Show, “Eric Greenspan Is Hungry,” will be serving up his famous grilled cheese sandwiches at WakaWaka’s booth (Sands, Level 2, #74564) from 11 AM-1 PM on Tuesday, January 6 and noon-2 PM on Wednesday January 7 to help support #WakaWakaLIVE, a crowd funding event to bring light and power to health workers, first responders, and families fighting Ebola.

VERT, makers of the first sports wearable device to measure jump rate, is partnering with USA Volleyball captain Karch Kiraly and USA Volleyball players, Christa Harmotto Dietzen and Kayla Banwarth. The athletes will be at the VERT booth (Sands, Level 2, #74315) on Wednesday, January 7. To schedule a meeting with VERT or the USA Volleyball ambassadors, contact Andrew Felix at andrewfelix@maxborgesagency.com or 305-374-4404 x 136.

The International Consumer Electronics Show (International CES) showcases more than 3,600 exhibitors, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more; a conference program with 250 sessions; and 150,000 to 160,000 attendees from more than 140 countries.