Electronic Toys and Research Techniques Focus of Day Three at CEA's Industry Forum.

Sessions Include Improving Research Practices and the State of the Online Retail Market

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The growing electronic toy market and qualitative research techniques were among the hot topics discussed on the final day of the 2007 Consumer Electronics Association (CEA[R]) Industry Forum. Designed to inform, connect and educate consumer electronics professionals, industry analysts and media on the latest trends, technologies and legislation affecting the industry, the CEA Industry Forum concluded yesterday at the Hotel Del Coronado.

In Wednesday's first session, "Beyond Segmentation: Profiling Your Customers for Maximum Sales and Profits," Charles Dawson, CEO of Pi Market Research, provided attendees with a new level of insight into the attitudes and mindset behind consumers' CE choices, and demonstrated his company's research model, which examines a whole complex of attitudes that include consumer values, mindset, aspirations and aversions.

Tim Herbert, CEA senior director of market research and Reyne Rice, toy industry analyst at the Toy Industry Association presented the Wednesday morning session titled, "The Electronic Toy Market: Insight and Opportunities," and unveiled a joint research study entitled, The Electronic Toy Market. Herbert told attendees that adults who purchase electronic toys recognize the value these toys, and other consumer electronics, provide to young children in the $1.6 billion electronic toy industry. Rice highlighted some of the newest electronic toys on the market, ranging from a musical toothbrush teaching children how long to brush their teeth, to kid-proof digital cameras. Herbert concluded by telling attendees, "Learning-type e-toys and gaming will help propel the market forward over the next 12 months."

In the session, "Can You Ever Really Know Too Much About Your Customers," panelists from the industry's premier qualitative research companies discussed leading edge research methodologies. New methods that go beyond the traditional focus group include providing environments in which consumers enjoy giving feedback, and ultimately provide better and more useful information.

Wednesday morning's panel, "Five on Five: Five Industry Experts Share their Thoughts on Five Key Trends," moderated by Steve Koenig, CEA's senior market research manager, explored issues and trends that are facing and driving the consumer electronics industry. The panelists discussed five key trends: what are the biggest business issues facing the CE industry and how to tackle them; what will the retail environment look like tomorrow; where do opportunities lie in the content area; what opportunities and challenges does connectivity present to our industry, and are CE products playing a supporting role to services and content.

"Fine-Tuning Your Research Practices," held Wednesday afternoon, offered tips on how to develop research that more effectively designs, prices and promotes CE products. Gina Woodall, of eBrain Market Research, noted the unique aspects of the CE industry, which include innovative products, as well as innovative consumers, and technically complex products in an environment where ease of use drives success.

During the final afternoon session, "State of CE Retail," Shawn DuBravac, CFA, economist, CEA and Ken Eisner, vice president of marketing and sales, Shop.org discussed the current state of retailing online. They illustrated how the online marketplace continues to drive the online and offline consumer purchasing experience. They also highlighted the importance of direct to consumer pipelines. Eisner warned of the need to be pragmatic when exploring these new online options, but advised manufacturers and retailers to at least play a part of the influential online conversation.

For more information on CEA and the 2007 Industry Forum, including news and photos, please visit www.CE.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,100 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Digital Hollywood Fall
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October 29-November 1, 2007, Hollywood, CA
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EHX Fall 2007
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November 6-9, 2007, Long Beach, CA
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Future of Television Forum
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November 8-9, 2007, New York, NY
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CES New York Press Preview Featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
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November 13, 2007, New York, NY
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CONNECTIONSTM Europe: Strategies for Digital Living Markets
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December 4-6, 2007, Berlin, Germany
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CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES
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January 5, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
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2008 International CES
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January 7-10, 2008, Las Vegas, NV
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Digital Music Forum East
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February 26-27, 2008, New York, NY
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EHX Spring 2008
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March 11-15, 2008, Orlando, FL
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2008 PARA Conference
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March 12-14, 2008, Orlando, FL
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Digital Patriots Dinner
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April 2, 2008, Washington, DC
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CEA Washington Forum
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April 2-4, 2008, Washington, DC
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International CES/Hometech
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May 25-27, 2008, Dubai, UAE
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SINOCES 2008
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July 10-13, 2008, Qingdao, China