Arlington. Va. – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jack Wayman’s tenure with the organization.
Founder of the International CES, Wayman is a member of the inaugural class of the CE Hall of Fame. He is widely recognized as an industry visionary whose many contributions and accomplishments helped lay the groundwork for today’s $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics (CE) industry.
On Sept.1, 1963, 50 years ago next week, Wayman joined the predecessor association to the CEA as an employee. Specifically, he was named director of the Consumer Products Division of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). Wayman oversaw the evolution of the EIA Consumer Products Division, its $50,000 budget and two employees into the Consumer Electronics Group (CEG) with a $15 million budget and 50 employees, which later became the independent CEA.
Wayman is best known for guiding the association to create and produce the first International CES in 1967 which consisted of 100 exhibitors and 17,000 attendees. The International CES hosts more than 3,200 exhibitors and 152,000 attendees at its most recent show.
Among his career achievements are several victories on the legislative and public policy front that paved the way for the introduction of breakthrough technologies including the groundbreaking Sony-Betamax case. At 91 years old, Wayman is still active in the industry, serving as a media spokesperson.
“Our industry owes a huge debt of gratitude to Jack Wayman. We would not be where we are today without Jack’s contributions,” said CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro. “Jack is a visionary and a pioneer who paved the way for several advancements including the development of CES. We honor and celebrate his many achievements on his 50th anniversary of service to CEA.”
In addition to being inducted into the inaugural class of the CE Hall of Fame, Wayman has received countless honors from the CE industry. He was awarded the Electronic Industries Association’s (EIA) Distinguished Service Medal and was inducted into the Convention Industries Council Hall of Fame, the Electronic Industries Hall of Fame, and the Video Hall of Fame. Named “Man of the Year” by several industry trade publications, Wayman was also chosen as “Man of the Decade” by Audio/Video magazine.
Having served in Europe during WWII as a combat infantry company commander, this year Wayman will be inducted by the Government of France as a chevalier for his service. From the Normandy invasion, to the Battle of the Bulge, through the end of World War II, Wayman has earned several awards including a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Cluster, and two Presidential Citations among many others.
