CES 2020 Leader Defends Ivanka Trump Appearance, Highlights Tech Workforce Push
Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro addresses controversy surrounding Ivanka Trump's CES appearance while emphasizing the tech industry's urgent need for skilled workers. He outlines initiatives like apprenticeships and veteran programs to build a pipeline for emerging technology jobs.
Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro oversees CES 2020 in Las Vegas, where more than 175,000 attendees view exhibits across 2.9 million square feet of space. As both a futurist author and a Washington policy advocate, Shapiro balances multiple roles while navigating the political sensitivities that come with hosting a major global technology trade show.
Shapiro addresses the controversy surrounding his decision to host a fireside chat with Ivanka Trump by highlighting the event's broader focus on global policy. He notes that CES features about 200 international policymakers and explains that the White House adviser brings attention to critical workforce development issues facing the tech industry.
The tech industry faces a massive skilled labor shortage, with ninety percent of surveyed companies actively seeking qualified workers. To combat this challenge, Shapiro points to the CTA's growing apprenticeship program, veteran hiring initiatives, and partnerships with youth organizations designed to reassure the public that innovations like artificial intelligence and robotics create new employment opportunities rather than just eliminating existing jobs.