ARLINGTON, Virginia (13 July 2011) - The online registration desk for the 2012 edition of the International Consumer Electronics Show is now open, the organizers have announced. The world's largest consumer technology tradeshow will be held from January 10 to 13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), owners and organizers of the event, said registration for industry professionals will be free until August 31. Beginning September 1, a registration fee of US$100 applies. The fee will increase to US$200 at 5:01 p.m. EST on December 30.

Hotel rooms in Las Vegas, available through a special block for CES attendees, are also available.

The association has also announced that Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corporation, will deliver the pre-show keynote address.

"From mobile to desktop to gaming and beyond, Microsoft has a significant impact on all aspects of the consumer technology industry, and Steve Ballmer's keynote is a great way to kick off the exciting 2012 International CES," CEA president and chief executive officer Gary Shapiro said in a statement. "We are excited to hear Microsoft's latest initiatives and Ballmer's vision for where consumer technology is heading."

Ballmer's pre-show keynote address is slated for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, at The Venetian hotel. Microsoft has used the CES keynote stage in previous years to unveil innovative new products, including the original Xbox and Avatar Kinect.

CES attracts more than 140,000 of the top executives, retail buyers, content providers, entertainment executives, venture capitalists, engineers, government officials and media from more than 140 countries.

"We already can feel the enthusiasm surrounding the 2012 International CES as we gear up for innovative new exhibit areas that reflect the dynamic CE industry," said Karen Chupka, CEA senior vice president of events and conferences. "More than 20,000 new products are expected to launch at the 2012 CES, along with new attractions such as the ‘Eureka! Park' and ‘PMA@CES' TechZones, reinforcing the International CES as the most important global business event of the year."

For more information about the event or to register and book hotel rooms, go to the CES web site at www.cesweb.org.