K Street to Vegas

Technology and telecom lobbyists are flocking to Las Vegas for the International Consumer Electronics Show, the biggest gathering of gadget-makers and geeks, where 2,700 companies will tout their newest products. It’s the perfect place for lobbyists and policy strategists to find new clients, especially as the tech industry is becoming increasingly interested in Washington.

“The U.S. has thrived on innovation for over a hundred years, and we’re in danger of losing it because of policies in Washington that need to change,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, which puts on the show. “Companies everywhere are starting to realize that.” More than 1,200 technology companies from outside the United States — a 25 percent increase over last year’s attendance — are among this year’s CES exhibitors. Shapiro said many discussions at the show are on the importance of signing new trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea — all of which have been stalled by Congress. “We've clearly fallen behind. [President Barack] Obama has this ambitious export goal and has recognized that this is a huge problem,” Shapiro said. “Nancy Pelosi has been a major blocker, but now there will be a new person sitting in the speaker’s chair.” And with a new Republican House getting started this week, CES offers an opportunity for lobbyists to schmooze with Obama administration officials and Capitol Hill staffers who make appearances on the show floor. There are also glitzy parties and dinners at which they can mingle with executives from the likes of Intel, Microsoft, Cisco, Verizon and Hewlett-Packard.