"Borderless" Trade Show Spans Continents, Time Zones

CTIA, The Wireless Association and IFA, the trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, are partnering up to create the world’s first "borderless" international trade show. Retailers, buyers, distributors, manufacturers, vendors and carriers will gather to launch the next generation of new products and services for work, home and play.

The show is designed to reach across time zones, industries and audiences. Set for 2014, the CTIA Super Mobility Show will take place September 9, 10 and 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 one "super" show in September will then combine CTIA's traditionally separate wireless and mobile events.

"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 and general manager, Global Partner & Application Development, Nokia.

"Mobility and wireless connectivity are the future of the consumer electronics and home appliances on display at IFA," said Jens Heithecker, executive director of IFA. "Additionally, we will shorten the distance for U.S. retailers, consumers and media to the global product launches that take place at IFA in time for the holiday retails season. Regardless of location or time zone, the two events will create a transatlantic alliance that connects attendees, exhibitors, media, keynotes and speakers."

The alliance between CTIA and IFA will begin at CTIA 2013 on May 21-23 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.The two organizations have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as the first step in creating this borderless trade show.