CNET today announced the panelists for its Next Big Thing SuperSession, taking place Jan. 7 at the 2011 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology. One of the most popular events at CES, CNET’s “Next Big Thing” brings CNET editors together with thought leaders from various industries to examine the technologies and trends that will shape our world in the coming year.
CNET’s Editor-at-large, Brian Cooley, and Executive Editor Molly Wood will moderate the SuperSession, and will be joined onstage by panelists including Zander Lurie, senior vice president of strategic development at CBS; Joshua Topolsky, editor-in-chief of Engadget; Drew Bamford, director of user experience at HTC; David Pogue, personal technology columnist at the New York Times; Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku; Nick DiCarlo, vice president of product planning at Samsung Telecommunications America; Evan Hansen, editor-in-chief of Wired.com; Lindsay Notwell, executive director, 4G LTE strategy and planning at Verizon; and Robert Kyncl, vice president of TV and Film for YouTube.
This year’s theme will be “After the Computer.” With the introduction of tablets, smartphones and connected home entertainment, the era of the personal computer has ended its 25-year reign as the dominating tech product. The latest tech gadgets have taken consumers to another level with their always-on, always-connected ability to entertain, inspire and transform consumers’ technology expectations. Tablets, smartphones and connected home entertainment are quickly becoming the forerunners of the future. CNET editors will explore and discuss the role of these tech gadgets with the esteemed panelists. The session will also feature a real-time interactive poll with audience members in the session and a live webcast that will be available at ces.cnet.com/next-big-thing.
“Each year, show attendees pack the room for this popular SuperSession because this is the one place where they can see industry leaders discuss the products and trends that are going to shape our future,” said Scott Ard, editor in chief of CNET. “For the first time, we’re including other tech journalists to make the conversation more robust and potentially contentious. This should make for an even more dynamic show and make it a must-see event.”
As the official online media partner for CES, CNET will provide up-to-the minute coverage through its blogs and Twitter feed, live video from the show floor, tech product reviews and expansive photo galleries. All of CNET’s content can be accessed at cnet.com/ces.
“CNET’s coverage of the International CES helps bring the excitement and innovation of this must-attend industry event to CES attendees and to consumers around the world,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences for CEA, the producer of the International CES. “CNET’s editorial team helps profile buzz-worthy CES exhibitors, via the Countdown to CES, a pre-show highlight of interesting CES exhibitors, and through the Best of CES awards. The ‘After the Computer’ SuperSession looks to be another CNET success at the International CES.”
The 2011 International CES kicks off Jan. 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Venetian Hotel. The CNET Stage, located at the South Hall 3 Lobby, will be the center of CNET’s coverage of the show. The stage will feature live reports on the hottest new technologies and trends, product reviews, and live broadcasts of CNET’s popular shows including “Buzz Out Loud,” “The 404” and “Reporter’s Roundtable” as well as the “Best of CES” award announcements. Preview coverage of the 2011 show is available now at ces.cnet.com.