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U.S. Book Show by Publishers Weekly

John Paul Owles
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The inaugural U.S. Book Show is a three-day virtual conference conceived and crafted by Publishers Weekly to build buzz about Fall 2021 books and to serve the bookselling, library, media and book publishing industry. The event is live-streaming and available on-demand through August 31, 2021.

Publishers Weekly will donate a portion of the proceeds of the U.S. Book Show to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in support of its literacy programming, including Summer Brain Gain.

The show runs May 25 – 27, 2021, and features a wide array of editor, book and author panels; livestreaming Q&A sessions with editors; topical library panels; programming geared to publishing professionals; networking opportunities and awards celebrations; and robust exhibit halls featuring 200+ publishers.

To view the show schedule and registration information, go to https://www.usbookshow.com (#USBookShow).

About Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly is the international news platform of the book publishing industry. Founded in 1872 and published weekly since then, the magazine boasts 1.23 million social media followers; publishes 10 e-newsletters, BookLife (a website and semimonthly supplement), Publishers Weekly en Español (in partnership with Lantia), two blogs, podcasts, a mobile edition, digital editions, and apps; and features a website that reaches 14 million unique visitors annually.

Damn Asians (Chinese? Japanese? Korean? Indian? Turks? Uzbeks?)!

owltimtrainer
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The recent reports of increased violence against Asian-Americans are troubling, but nothing new.  The history of Asians in the U.S. is marked by negative actions against this group by U.S. citizens and the U.S. Government. 

The current focus on Asian-Americans or Chinese-Americans may be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and how politicians have pointed a finger at China for our misery.  This, in turn, has seemingly given citizens an excuse for their violence against U.S. citizens of Asian descent. 

Every time the term “Asian-Americans” is used, it begs the question whether Americans can look at a world map and point out the actual size of that continent and the many countries that make up Asia.  Given the current wave of “anti-Asian” violence, it is easy to conclude that those targeted “look” Asian as opposed to those Asians who have the physical look of Europeans.

If one looks back to recent history, Japan was a favorite target for the ills of the U.S. auto industry and how it was seemingly dominating other manufacturing sectors such as home entertainment equipment.  South Korea’s rise is evident in autos and high-tech areas while Taiwan companies moved into computer chip production areas.

During the past few decades, some of the animosity toward Asians or Asian-Americans is, frankly, because of their success.  Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are small countries in actual territory and their populations are small as a percentage of the U.S. population, yet, they have become global economic powers.  The anger and resentment toward Asians are easily manifested in violence since Asians are easy to identify within the U.S. population.    

For the Asian-Americans who are U.S. citizens, a great number are here due to generations having worked hard and succeeded in the U.S.  The Chinese who arrived in the 1850s and later worked in factories and in agriculture and contributed significantly to the railroad industry.  As the number of Chinese workers increased, this prompted anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S.  The growth of the Chinese communities along the west coast prompted efforts to limit the number of Chinese immigrants.

The increased level of anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S. resulted in a treaty between the U.S. and China.  Ultimately, the U.S. Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, and it was signed into law in 1882.  This Act limited Chinese immigration to the U.S. and, for a decade, suspended Chinese immigration. 

For Japanese and Koreans, the Hawaiian plantations played a major role in their immigration.  The need for labor to work plantations in Hawaii facilitated the immigration for workers.  Japanese began arriving in Hawaii in the latter part of the 1800s and Koreans the first years of the 1900s.  Eventually, they would arrive on the U.S. mainland.

Historically, some have written that the Immigration Act of 1924 (also referred to as the Oriental Exclusion Act of 1924) was “to preserve the ideal of U.S. homogeneity.”  In effect, this law prohibited Asian immigrants. 

It is one thing to prevent people entry into the U.S. and quite another to imprison U.S. citizens.  Americans of Japanese descent endured the loss of their freedom, businesses and homes during World War Two for simply being of Japanese descent. 

Yet, despite the treatment of Japanese-Americans during the war, an Army unit made up of second-generation Japanese-Americans (442nd Regimental Combat Team) is still the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military.

Given today’s national environment, it is important to be aware of the fact that for over 150 years U.S. citizens of Asian descent have contributed significantly to U.S. society in all of the country’s endeavors.

While many may not necessarily like the result, the current U.S. Vice-President can point to her Asian (Indian) ancestry.  The newly confirmed U.S. Trade Representative is Chinese-American. 

Throughout U.S. history, one thing has been proven time and again and that is that one’s ancestry has nothing to do with a person’s devotion to serve and protect the United States.  Americans of Asian descent prove this every day.

**The writer is of Japanese-European descent.

Borders, Bureaucrats and Blame

owltimtrainer
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The headlines and newscasts are raising the issue of the U.S. southern border, again.  Reports of thousands of unaccompanied minors are in the news.  The political parties will verbally battle over the issue endlessly, but the odds are that little or nothing substantive will get done to address the issue in the near term.

What is often ignored or superficially addressed is why are conditions in Central America causing the march northward.  It begs the question, why, after touting a major agreement with Central America, the migration northward continues. 

The U.S. concluded a free trade agreement with several small economies of Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic).  In view of the continuing exodus of people from their home countries, what are we doing (or not doing) to improve these economies so that people stay in their home countries?

Negotiating the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) began in 2002 and by 2009 the agreement was in effect with all these countries.  Given the different levels of economic development, these countries were given different periods of time to fully implement the agreement. 

There are numerous chapters in the agreement that impose obligations on issues such as labor, environment, electronic commerce, financial services, telecommunication services, intellectual property and more.  A part of the goal was to lift these economies to higher levels.  Supposedly, CAFTA would improve economic conditions. 

The U.S. negotiated favorable provisions to benefit U.S. exporters.  According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, CAFTA eliminated all tariffs on U.S. consumer and industrial goods exported to these Central American countries.  Tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports to these countries were significantly eliminated by 2020.

On the surface, it appears that U.S. negotiators were successful in concluding an agreement that overwhelmingly favored U.S. commercial interests.  But, did CAFTA do anything to address the underlying weaknesses of these countries that cause the “export” of its population to the U.S. and is a constant controversial issue here? 

By obtaining concessions from these small countries, has U.S. dominance in trade weakened these economies and caused more economic harm or instability?  The continuing northward march from some of these CAFTA countries is a symptom of some fundamental issues that should be examined and addressed. 

It may be argued that these countries were never good candidates for a free trade agreement because their economies were not sufficiently developed.  The final CAFTA text recognizes this point in a minor way by including “transition” periods allowing these countries to take additional years to fully implement the agreement.  However, even this is often inadequate.  The U.S. blames shortfalls on implementation on the country that fails to meet its obligations.  Regarding our agreements with developing countries, the U.S. rarely, if ever, provides sufficient education and training to help the trading partners that are deemed to be “violating” the terms of the agreement.  Often, the developing countries that lag in implementation do so because of a lack of skills and/or expertise in the areas that need the most attention for improvement.

While the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website informs us as to the great success of CAFTA, the arrival of thousands at our border may signify a different reality.  What is needed is a deep-dive assessment of the underlying economic and political deficiencies that cause this northward migration.

Is CAFTA improving economic opportunities (jobs, pay, etc.) with our CAFTA trading partners?  Do CAFTA partners need training and education for them to fulfill their obligations under the agreement?  Has the U.S. simply concluded an agreement and now hopes all will be better at some point in the future without doing the hard work necessary for CAFTA to have benefits in these countries?

The overall situation should require U.S. embassies in these countries to provide assessments about the progress or lack thereof under the agreement and outline the deficiencies.  Hopefully, our career bureaucrats are permitted to provide the bad news as well as the good news.  Career U.S. diplomats and federal government officials in various agencies responsible for monitoring progress need to identify how the U.S. can contribute to improvements in these countries if CAFTA is to deliver benefits to all countries party to the agreement. 

One thing that is clear is that U.S. taxpayers will pay for the deficiencies of the agreement.  Either U.S. taxpayers will be paying for thousands of Central Americans coming to the U.S. or the money will be spent to try and improve the plight of these people in their home countries. 

There are many instances where U.S. trade agreements, once concluded, fail to deliver for all the parties involved because of a lack of honest assessments and due to an inability to recognize the fact that our trading partner is unable to meet its obligations.

The arrival of people at our southern border and the illegal crossing into the U.S. reflects a combination of many shortcomings.  While U.S. government websites may gloss over shortcomings and emphasize the positives by pointing to supporting statistics, the issue of thousands from Central America making their way to the U.S. and attempting to enter illegally will remain in the headlines. Politicians will continue arguing and manipulating the situation for their political ends.  Unfortunately, none of the headline grabbing soundbites will do anything to address the underlying problems.  What is needed is a serious examination into whether the U.S. wants to engage in the hard work necessary to make CAFTA deliver the economic benefits to the people of the countries that signed the agreement.

U.S. Supply Chain Security

owltimtrainer
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President Biden’s February 24th Executive Order is, to some extent, an extension of past efforts that recognized vulnerabilities in supply chains.  What has changed during the past year is the degree to which the US experienced its vulnerabilities in critical areas during this national emergency.

The past year exposed us to the problems arising from shortages of medical products.  But, the issue of supply chain security and integrity should not be viewed from the perspective of our vulnerabilities during national emergencies.  Supply chain security is a 24/7 issue. 

Whether it is shortages of critical products or everyday products, supply chain security is a constant issue and has been for an extremely long time.  Substandard goods entering the supply chain or outright bogus (counterfeit) products competing with genuine goods, has been and continues to be a challenge for both government and non-government commercial enterprises.

The gaps and vulnerabilities in supply chains was and continues to be a serious issue for the US Department of Defense.   For example, the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act included provisions that imposed a duty on defense contractors to take affirmative steps to prevent fake electronic components from entering US defense systems.  Under the 2012 Act, defense contractors and subcontractors were obligated to establish and maintain counterfeit electronic part detection and avoidance systems. 

What is important to note is that the enactment of laws and executive orders do not stop or eliminate threats and vulnerabilities.  Despite the emphasis on supply chain integrity and ensuring that defense related items meet the requisite standards, instances of counterfeit items sold to the US Department of Defense continues. 

For example, in 2014, two businessmen pled guilty for selling counterfeit and modified computer equipment to the Army.  In 2017, a major corporation agreed to pay over a million dollars to settle a claim that involved one of its subcontractors installing substandard microprocessors in military helicopter control systems.   

When one considers the combination of the number of sophisticated component parts needed in medical and military equipment and money involved, it is not difficult to conclude that there are individuals and businesses willing to take risks in using substandard and fake parts to win lucrative contracts. 

The industries prioritized in the Executive Order include those that have long and extensive supply chains.  With the thousands of components in vehicles, medical equipment and products, and military systems, there are hundreds or more contractors and subcontractors.  Thus, the monitoring and policing to ensure supply chain security and integrity is a complicated process that itself requires the latest technologies to authenticate parts and products.

For industry and government, supply chain security is a significant challenge.  What technologies are contractors and subcontractors using to authenticate parts and products?  How many different authentication technologies are involved in any one final product given the number of components involved?  These and many other questions need to be addressed.

As noted above, there are legal liability issues.  What are the civil and criminal provisions that may apply when a person or business is found to have violated established rules or laws? 

One example of criminal liability that explicitly carves out higher fines and terms of imprisonment for trading in military goods or counterfeit drugs is the federal law provision on trafficking in counterfeit goods.  This federal criminal provision raises the stakes for those found guilty of trafficking in “counterfeit military good or service or drug that uses a counterfeit mark”.

Ultimately, supply chain security and integrity will continue to be a daunting challenge when there are many who will seek to exploit commercial opportunities for their own financial benefit and with disregard for the safety and welfare of others.  And, because supply chains cover long distances, there are many points along the chain where substandard and fake components may be inserted.  Active vigilance will be necessary to reduce the risk to the consuming public.

Black History Month: Reflecting

owltimtrainer
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A quick search indicates that slaves may have been brought to North America in the 1500s.  Other sources point to the early 1600s.  It is safe to say that slaves were brought to North America over 400 years ago.

As Black History month nears its end, we should all think about how patient, tolerant, and forgiving the African-American community has been toward this country and its political leaders throughout this country’s history.   

Black history was not taught in schools when I was growing up.  Perhaps the biggest U.S. historical event taught in schools relating to African-Americans was the U.S. Civil War.  President Lincoln issued his final Proclamation Emancipation on January 1, 1863, which freed all persons held as slaves.

Though not taught in school, my “education” about black history was through television news broadcasts during the 1960s.  The images of fire hoses, dogs, and beatings of African-Americans seeking to get the same rights as white citizens.  Indeed, there were also images of violence during the summer riots of the 1960s. 

The idea of all-white or all-black schools was foreign to me.  Most of my schooling occurred on military posts where integration was taken for granted. 

During the 158 years since January 1, 1863, we have come to accept that we do not enslave African-American citizens today.  It is also true that a significant number of white Americans accept African-American citizens as equals. 

But, there are some harsher truths that must still be addressed.  For those of a certain age, we remember the outrage caused by two African-American athletes on the podium during the 1968 Mexico Olympics raising their fists, bringing attention to the treatment of African-Americans.  This non-violent way of promoting black power was unacceptable to many Americans.

More recently, the reaction to Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee to underscore the continuing unequal treatment of African-Americans caused outrage and threats.  The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has also received its share of criticism and hostile reaction because of BLM’s advocacy for scrutiny of police conduct and overall social injustice.

In late 2020 and early 2021, it must be acknowledged that there is a significant segment of the U.S. population that engages in and continues to support efforts to prevent our African-American citizens from participating fully in our democracy.  The history of efforts to disenfranchise minority groups or people of color continues.  In the wake of the November 2020 presidential elections, a wave of efforts to change voting laws is targeting the African-American community. 

It is interesting that, after a secure election where evidence of fraud was scarce, states are racing to introduce and change voting laws.  Thus, we see a 21st century effort that continues the horrible traditions of the past to disenfranchise specific segments of the voting public.

The patience, tolerance, and forgiving nature of the African-American citizenry became more strikingly clear in January 2021.  Our African-American citizenry has never attacked or stormed the U.S. Capitol despite enduring hundreds of years of injustice and because of continued mistreatment by law enforcement. 

They have not stormed state capitols where majority white legislators actively work to limit their vote or to disenfranchise them.  Yet, we did watch the U.S. Capitol get stormed by a predominant white insurrectionist mob because of an election that saw one old white man lose to another old white man. 

Upon reflection, we should be thankful that the overwhelming majority of our African American citizenry continues to cling to the hope that by working within the democratic system we will move forward.  Despite the passage of time, there is evidence of much work that must be done. 

COVID-19: Beware Criminal Profiteering

owltimtrainer
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The life-threatening Covid-19 virus began its global march a little over a year ago.  As it spread around the world, governments began taking steps to try to slow its spread in view of the absence of a cure.  The virus spread unchecked given the lack of effective treatments in the early going. 

The combination of fear, lack of protective equipment, and the need for any concrete measures to attack the virus provided, as usual, a business opportunity for those who seek to profit in times like these. 

In March 2020, INTERPOL reported the results of its PANGEA XIII operation that was conducted during the week of March 3-10, 2020.  The global operation had the participation of police, customs, and health regulatory authorities from 90 countries.  INTERPOL warned that the virus “has offered an opportunity for fast cash, as criminals take advantage of the high market demand for personal protection and hygiene products.”  The operation’s results included the seizure of counterfeit masks, testing kits, and surgical instruments.  In addition, government authorities seized counterfeit and substandard medical products.

It’s worth noting that PANGEA XIII was conducted in March, during the early months of the global pandemic.  As 2020 progressed without a cure or vaccine, the stresses among governments and their populations increased.  Lockdowns and resistance to lockdowns provided continued opportunities for those who were exploiting the situation.  And, this prompted reactions from organizations attempting to protect the global consuming public. 

The World Customs Organization (WCO) reported in October 2020 that it, too, had conducted a global operation.  Through its various global regional offices, the WCO conducted Operation STOP from May 11 to July 12.  This operation resulted in preventing over 300 million units of medicines, as well as more than 47 million units of medical supplies (masks, gloves, COVID-19 test kits, thermometers, and gowns) and approximately 2.8 million liters of hand sanitizer gel from entering the global stream of commerce.

News of vaccine availability at the end of 2020 and entering into 2021 caused INTERPOL to issue an alert to all its member countries.  INTERPOL’s December 2020 Orange Notice outlined potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft, and illegal advertising of COVID-19 vaccines.  INTERPOL’s concerns also underscored the need for the traveling public to be more aware of possible threats.  As international travel gradually resumes “it is likely that testing for the virus will become of greater importance, resulting in a parallel production and distribution of unauthorized and falsified testing kits,” INTERPOL warned.

With the virus continuing to be a threat and months before significant numbers of people are vaccinated, it is worth noting the continued efforts by the illicit profiteers to exploit fear and continue their efforts.  Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world.  On January 14, 2021, its Customs and Excise authorities seized 330,000 suspected counterfeit medical-grade masks that were being shipped through its port.  While the ultimate destination was not disclosed, this is a snapshot of one day’s activity.  It begs the question as to the actual quantity of illicit, substandard goods being shipped around the world to unsuspecting consumers. 

In the US, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a warning in December that it expects “criminal networks will try to illegally introduce and sell counterfeit vaccines and medical treatments that could endanger lives of U.S. consumers.”

As we approach a year of mask wearing, lockdowns, home-schooling, and other obstacles to normal life, it is important to be aware of the fact that, as consumers, we must be vigilant to prevent ourselves from being victimized by those who seek to spread illness and, potentially, death, through illicit and substandard medical products and equipment.   

Tech is Enabling the New Normal

Owl Network
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We are entering a new era where technology has become an integral part of our daily life, the “new normal.” At CES 2021, this was one of prevalent messages. Our lives are going to change forever…and if you believe the hype, which we do, for the better.

Microsoft Selected as Strategic Cloud Platform Provider for an All-Digital CES 2021

Owl Network
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The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced  it has selected Microsoft as its technology partner for the first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021. Microsoft will provide solutions, support and the underlying cloud technologies that will enable the all-digital event platform for CES 2021, the world’s most influential technology event, happening Jan. 11-14. The event experience will use Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Power Platform to deliver an exhibitor showcase, media events, conference programming, networking events and more.

CES 2021 will bring together the entire global tech community to connect and collaborate. Attendees will have a front row seat to the latest technology breakthroughs. Global brands and startups will launch the latest cutting-edge products. Thought leaders will share ideas that will shape the future.

“CES is a truly global event, unique in its scale and audience diversity,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president of CES. “For an all-digital CES, we sought a platform that allows attendees from around the world to participate easily and securely.”

“After a rigorous search process, we selected Microsoft for its technical expertise, global scale and experience in creating compelling digital event.” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Microsoft is a global innovation leader and longtime supporter of CES. We look forward to working with them to bring CES 2021 to the world.”

Microsoft Corp. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Capossela added, “Digital events are an opportunity to re-imagine what’s possible. By harnessing the power of the Microsoft cloud and broader partner ecosystem—we’re excited to help CTA transform CES into an all-digital event. From hosting our own global, virtual-only events to empowering our customers and partners in leading theirs, we have a lot of learnings to share and look forward to creating an event full of the compelling experiences that people have come to expect at CES.”

CES 2021 Makes History as Largest Digital Tech Industry Event

Owl Network
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The first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021 made history as the largest digital tech event. Almost 2000 companies unveiled next-gen innovation for a better future. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, the all-digital CES 2021 featured product launches from startups to tech giants, keynotes from global industry leaders, live entertainment from Hollywood and more than 100 hours of conference programming.
 
“The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry. From the latest innovations for the home and entertainment, and advances in 5G, vehicle technology, AI and digital health, the technologies at CES 2021 will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
 
CES 2021 kicked off Jan. 11 with Media Day, featuring 19 press conferences with companies including Bosch, Canon, Caterpillar, Hisense, Intel, LG Electronics, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Sony breaking news and launching products. Trends from Media Day focused on “the home” with innovation that personalizes work, health and entertainment at home, as well as advancements in transportation and mobility. 
 
Almost 2000 companies launched products during the all-digital CES 2021, including almost 700 startups from 37 countries. Exhibiting companies included tech giants, such as Intel, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Sony, as well as non-traditional tech companies, from AARP to Bridgestone, Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, L’Oréal, Moen and Procter & Gamble. New companies exhibiting at CES 2021 included ASUS, BioIntelliSense, Bose, Sono Motors and Volvo Penta.
 
“The industry came together digitally at CES 2021. This was a medium for companies to make announcements, launch products and connect with their audiences,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “The all-digital format brought new voices to the tech conversation.”  
 
Keynote Announcements
Industry leaders took to the all-digital CES keynote stage to make major announcements, including:

  • Verizon: Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon, demonstrated the immersive 5G experience across sports, education, connected communities and live music, and announced partnerships with the NFL, UPS, Live Nation Clubs and Theaters, The Met and the Smithsonian.
  • General Motors: Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), launched new product lines from GM, including the Cadillac eVTOL, a concept air taxi; and a new business unit devoted to electrifying the goods delivery market.
  • AMD: Dr. Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, revealed the new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors with two categories – the H-series, for laptops intended for gaming and content creation and the U-series, for ultraportable notebooks.
  • Best Buy: Corie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, shared how the company shifted during the pandemic and put the customer in control of buying, whether from home, curbside or in person.
  • Future Reimagined: Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, predicted tech trends they expect to see over the next decade.
  • Walmart: Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, discussed ways 5G, AI and robotics will change the business; how Walmart pivoted to keep employees healthy and customers satisfied; and the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Microsoft: Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, gave his vision on ensuring cyber security and customer privacy protection, and discussed the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise our conscience.
  • Entertainment Transformed: Michael Kassan, chairman and CEO of MediaLink, and Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, described the ever-evolving entertainment industry and what the industry will look like in a post-pandemic world. Maverick Carter, CEO of The Springhill Co.; Adrienne Lofton, VP, North America Marketing, NIKE; and Deborah Wahl, Global CMO of General Motors, discussed how marketers and brands are adjusting and creating in today’s landscape.

Key Themes at CES 2021
The all-digital CES 2021 featured groundbreaking innovation that will improve our world, from health to safety, sustainability and accessibility.

  • Tech Innovation Accelerated by COVID-19
    • Tech companies innovated during the pandemic, with companies at CES 2021 featuring smart masks, disinfecting robots, body sensors that detect COVID-19 symptoms and smart air filtration systems.
  • Consumer Privacy and Trust
    • The heads of privacy at Amazon, Google and Twitter discussed new privacy regulations and the need to increase consumer trust, stating that tech companies must give users more control over their data.
  • Global Tech Challenge
    • The Global Tech Challenge, launched at CES 2020, in partnership with the World Bank and CTA, rewards tech solutions in three areas: digital health in East Africa, resilience in India and gender equality around the world. The selected winners were announced this week from more than 1000 applications, with three winners selected for gender equality, 10 for resilience and 17 for digital health.
  • Space Tech
    • NASA was joined by leaders from Lockheed Martin and Space Tango to discuss technology’s role in accelerating space research and breakthroughs that will benefit all of humanity.

CES Anchor Desk
The CES Live Anchor Desk was a true broadcast experience, bringing the latest CES news and highlights with anchors including: 

  • Justine Ezarik (iJustine) – Host + Tech Content Creator @ijustine
  • Rich DeMuro – Tech reporter for KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles @richontech
  • Naomi Kyle – Host and Producer @NaomiKyle
  • Brian Tong – Tech Host & Content Creator @briantong

The Anchor Desk featured interviews with top industry leaders and visionaries including entrepreneur Mark Cuban; musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am; HRH Constantijn van Oranje, The Netherlands; Shelley Zalis, The Female Quotient and CES Official Equality Partner; and leaders from AT&T, Audi, Bosch, FIFA, Humana, Hyperion, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Material Impact, OMRON Healthcare, Philips, P&G, Samsung Electronics and United Talent Agency.
 
Conference Program and Special Events
The CES conference program showcased more than 100 hours of programming. Sessions covered pressing topics including privacy, the future of AI and health care, autonomous transportation, trends in retail and tech policy.
 
The future of entertainment was reimagined at CES 2021, with a special event featuring Ryan Seacrest and music superstars Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, as they discussed how tech has enabled the creation of a new immersive fan experience.
 
Diversity Commitment
CTA continued its commitment to driving diversity in tech with its latest investment, announcing an investment in VC fund Plum Alley. This is part of its $10 million commitment to venture firms and funds that invest in women, people of color and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. Plum Alley invests in founding teams of women, and women and men and has an impressive representation of women founders from many backgrounds and ethnic groups in the STEM fields including Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who recently won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. CTA announced its $10 million funding commitment on stage at CES 2019.
 
Government Leaders at CES 2021
Government leaders and policymakers from the U.S. and around the globe participated in the all-digital CES 2021, sharing their insight into the future of innovation. Policymakers included Director-Designate of the U.S. National Economic Council for the incoming Biden administration Brian Dreese; French Minister of State for Digital Transition and Electronic Communications Cédric O; State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for The Netherlands Mona Keijzer; and UK Minister of Transport Rachel McLean.
 
Global Reach of CES 2021
CES 2021 was truly a global event, with attendees joining from over 150 countries and over 1300 exhibitors coming from outside the United States, including more than 530 international startups. Country Group Organizers brought large delegations of exhibitors included Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Japan and South Korea. CES 2021 featured startups from Nigeria and Russia for the first time.
 
CES 2022 will take place in person in Las Vegas, and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022.

Asia: On the Trade Radar?

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The Trump Administration devoted significant time and attention to China.  The effort to bring back jobs, reduce our trade deficit, restrict investments by US firms, impose tariffs, and ban Chinese tech companies from certain US sectors were all elements of a strategy to bolster the US. 

There are many ways to evaluate and assess the success of these tactics.  One big focus was the trade imbalance.  As 2020 ended, it is clear that despite all the tactics used, the trade imbalance remains fully in favor of China.  A January 14, 2021 article states that China’s trade surplus with the US soared to $317 billion in 2020.  This reflects a 7% increase as compared to 2019. 

The Asia “challenge” is not simply a China issue.  There have been major developments in Asia that may pose trade problems for the US in the short term. 

Though there is a long list of major developments, these four are worth noting because they include China or have an impact on the US’s ability to influence (or not) our trading partners in Asia.  President-elect Biden and his team were unable to convince the European Union (EU) from finalizing a Comprehensive Investment Agreement with China on December 30, 2020.  Because of this agreement, it begs the question how much the US can persuade the EU to work with the US in opposing market distorting policies imposed by China.  The question is whether there will be limitations on the EU and its willingness to challenge Chinese economic and trade practices and policies.

On January 23, 2017, President Trump had the US withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and agreement, which did not include China.  After years of negotiating and getting eleven other governments to agree to many US demands, the US abandoned the TPP and allowed the remaining eleven governments to conclude the agreement, renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), without a number of provisions that were favored by the US.  The finalized and signed version of the CPTPP does not include numerous stronger provisions that had been favored by the US.

In addition to a finalized and signed CPTPP, 15 countries, including a number of countries that signed on to the CPTPP, finalized the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in November 2020.  Among the 15 countries is China.  While some may argue that it was not led by China, the sheer magnitude of China’s economic influence makes the RCEP an agreement that cannot be overlooked.  The RCEP includes the second and third largest world economies and leaves the US on the outside looking in.

The new Biden administration and his trade team will not be able to ignore these four developments: US withdrawal from the TPP, the finalization and signing of the RCEP and CPTPP and the new EU-China agreement.  For those who may frown on international trade, we ignore its effects to our own peril. 

How much do these agreements put US businesses at a disadvantage?  How can the US offset China’s rising international economic and trade influence?  The Biden Administration will have to work to claw back to a point where the US can be a trusted partner in trade negotiations.

The challenges in Asia will require a lot of hard work.  There is a need for some blunt closed-door discussions between US government policy makers and US business executives.

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