FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2018
CONTACT:
Nancy Macklin
Director of External Affairs and Events
nmacklin@hearingloss.org
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA),
to Deliver Keynote Address at the
Hearing Loss Association of America Annual Convention
HLAA2018 Convention: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, June 21-June 24, 2018
BETHESDA, MD – The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is honored to announce that Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ President and CEO Gary Shapiro will deliver the keynote address at the HLAA2018 Convention in Minneapolis this June. Known for being a powerhouse in the consumer technology industry, Shapiro has helped direct policymakers and business leaders on the importance of innovation in the U.S. economy, and ensures that technology is accessible to people with disabilities. CTA is also the owner and producer of CES® – the world’s largest technology event. Shapiro commented, “I am excited to join HLAA at its annual convention to celebrate great successes such as OTC [Over-the-Counter] hearing devices and life-changing innovations for all people.”
HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley said, “We are pleased to welcome Gary Shapiro, whose motto is, ‘Innovation moves us forward as a nation.’ HLAA2018 attendees are people who want to stay in the hearing world with technology and will find Gary’s outlook on the future both exciting and hopeful.”
HLAA hosts the nation’s most extensive educational program and trade show for people with hearing loss. All plenary and breakout sessions are communication accessible with the use of CART/real-time captioning and hearing loops. Highlights of HLAA2018 will include:
- Opening Session, sponsored by CTA Foundation, will feature keynote address, Tech Innovations for All, by Gary Shapiro
- The National Access Award will be presented to the Shubert Organization for bringing captioning to Broadway theaters for people with hearing loss
- Research Symposium, Listening in Noise presented by top researchers and professionals in the field and moderated by Andrew J. Oxenham, Ph.D., professor in the departments of Psychology and Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota
- Educational Workshops on a variety of relevant topics as well as technology demonstrations, all in a communication-accessible environment
- Exhibit Hall full of the latest technology and services for people with hearing loss, is open free to the public
- State and Chapter Awards Ceremony and Evening Reception
- National Awards Breakfast and Ceremony sponsored by CapTel Captioned Telephone
- Opening night Get Acquainted Party sponsored by CaptionCall
- America’s Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ winner Mandy Harvey will perform along with her band
- HLAA2018 Convention Walk4Hearing
- West Side Story at the Guthrie Theater, communication accessible with real-time captions, hearing loop and sign interpretation, sponsored by Contacta
- Complimentary registration for veterans with hearing loss attending for the first time
Early-bird registration for HLAA2018 is open through March 31, 2018. Visit the HLAA Convention page for schedule, list of sponsors and available sponsorship, marketing and exhibiting opportunities.
About Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. In addition to annual conventions, HLAA produces Walk4Hearing events across the country, publishes the bimonthly magazine, Hearing Life, advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss, and has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations across the country. HLAA is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone 301.657.2248 or visit hearingloss.org.