First-Ever Women in Consumer Electronics Breakfast Event Held at CEDIA Expo 2009 A Huge Success

September 25, 2009

Women in Consumer Electronics, an industry organization which promotes the advancement of women in the consumer electronics industry, hosted the first-ever Women in CE Breakfast event at this year’s Atlanta CEDIA EXPO with sold-out attendance. The lively event featured the inspirational success story of Laynie Newsome and the rise of VIZIO as the #1 display brand in consumer electronics.

In her keynote address, Laynie Newsome, co-founder and vice president of sales & marketing communications for VIZIO noted that her company has always thought in terms of manufacturing products that would be appreciated by her Mother. Newsome shared VIZIO’s original intent of delivering quality products at the right prices affording everyone the ability to enjoy the latest display technologies in their homes. She also reminded women of the importance of finding one’s true vocation and above all persevering as one’s efforts are always appreciated.

Jayme Schwartz of HWH PR, one of the many Women in CE Advisory Board members in attendance remarked: "Listening to Laynie Newsome speak about her road to success was encouraging. Women in CE is giving women in the consumer electronics industry a platform to network and advance as a professional."

The core mission of Women in CE is to provide the women in the consumer electronics industry with a community in which to share essential resources and connect with others who are focused on the same vision of empowering women, building networks and supporting career opportunities.

Carol Campbell, founder of Women in CE stated that "this sold out event with solid sponsorship support underscores the need for the organization. The purpose of the website is to keep the momentum and the dialogue going between live events. We are thrilled to have the sponsorship support of Monster Cable, Consumer Technology Publishing Group, Definitive Audio, CEDIA, Delano and Associates and Connected Living by Audiowarehouse.”

Noel Lee, the Head Monster at Monster Cable, knows all too well the importance of marketing and selling to women. As platinum sponsor of the Women in CE breakfast, he shared his determination in breaking the code in marketing to women with the October release of the Heartbeats by Lady Gaga high-performance headphone line.

 “Women in CE as an organization was long overdue," Lee said. "I couldn’t be happier to support the advancement of women in the consumer electronics industry as a first-hand witness of the many contributions women have brought not just to Monster but to the industry as a whole.” He added: “It was my privilege to introduce Laynie as the event’s keynote speaker. Her remarkable story was nothing short of inspirational.”

The WomeninCE.org website features a Consumer Electronics Industry Forum, News You Can Use, and a Job Bank that is highly prescient in today’s economic climate. Additionally, the organization provides resources covering Professional Training opportunities and an Intern Program that benefits young women interested in breaking into the CE industry, as well as retailers, specialty dealers and manufacturers searching for qualified applicants. Finally, the site and organization offers mentoring advice, networking opportunities and a forum to exchange relevant information and ideas centered on women in the consumer electronics industry.