Dare to Enter ABC’s “Shark Tank” at CES 2016

A chance for new businesses to chase the American dream

Arlington, VA, November 23, 2015 – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^™, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, today announced that “Shark Tank,” the Emmy^®Award-winning ABC hit reality show that has reinvigorated entrepreneurship in America, will host an open call for the best Entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products on January 7 at CES^®2016. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association, CES will run January 6-9, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV.
 
“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with ‘Shark Tank’ once again as this type of opportunity aligns with CES’ initiatives to grow new business ventures and support innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CTA. “Innovative entrepreneurs will have the chance to gain national exposure and valuable advice from seasoned investors, putting them one step closer to achieving the American dream.”

“Shark Tank,” the two-time Emmy^® Award winner for Outstanding Structured Reality Program, which airs Friday nights (9:00 PM ET/PT) on ABC has entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons – The Sharks – who include Mark Cuban, owner and chairman of AXS TV and outspoken owner of the 2011 NBA championship Dallas Mavericks, real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “Queen of QVC” Lori Greiner, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion and branding expert Daymond John, and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary. Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill, Yun Lingner and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of “Shark Tank,” which is based on the Japanese “Dragons’ Den” format created by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The series is produced by United Artists Media Group in association with Sony Pictures Television.

CES 2016 exhibitors, as well as the general public, are invited to present their original product or idea to the “Shark Tank” team on January 7 at The Venetian. The opportunity to participate in the open call will be available to everyone who receives a numbered wristband, which will be distributed outside of the Venetian Ballroom from 8-10 AM on January 7. Participants must have a wristband to audition, but do not need to have a CES badge to access the audition area. Interviews will take place until everyone who received a wristband has been seen. Please bring a completed application, which can be downloaded at abc.com/sharktank.
 
CES 2016 will feature more than 3,600 exhibitors unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across the entire ecosystem of consumer technologies. Visit CESweb.org for more information.

About CES:

CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for almost 50 years-the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM – formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® – the technology trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed. Check out CES video highlights. Follow CES online at www.CESweb.org and on social.

About Consumer Technology Association:
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® , is the trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES^® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.