March 27, 2009 -- The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) is holding an Emerging Opportunities Luncheon on April 7 in Santa Clara, Calif. The luncheon will feature a dynamic group of distinguished speakers from the consumer electronics market. They will delve into the emerging technologies that will spur the next growth cycle. Various markets will provide a new platform for building increased revenue and market share including, consumer entertainment and wireless communications.

Technologies facilitating access to related or relevant web video services and digitally stored content while the TV is tuned into one of the available broadcast channels are now in high demand. The complexity of these technologies are leading to new applications in set-top boxes that will provide next-generation applications such as video downloads, storage, retrieval and home control. In addition, there has been an evolution in communications devices that will change the face of the industry. Products such as smart phones have taken the consumer electronics industry by storm. PC companies are now looking to venture into the cell phone market, which promises to revolutionize the industry by incorporating PC functionality and speed into the hand-set market. However, the cost to create such a product can be daunting. How can the existing technologies enable such a transformation to ensure the end-user's positive experience?

This luncheon will address the opportunities in the emerging technologies and how consumer electronics and semiconductor companies can work together to achieve the next growth phase in these markets. The luncheon will feature two keynote presentations and a panel discussion focused on the new products that offer increased development in the industry.

Jim Denney, vice president of Product Marketing, TiVo, Inc. will discuss "Broadband Media’s Impact on the Set-Top Box" addressing the broadband distribution of content and how it is becoming a larger force in today’s consumer entertainment choices. Denney will review some of the adoption trends as well as the impacts of this proliferation on consumer devices going forward.

Following Denney’s keynote presentation, Paul Kempf, Vice President, Silicon, Research In Motion, will then explore semiconductor opportunities in the challenging high-growth environment of the cell phone market and how it is now moving to higher tiers with the growth of smart phone popularity with his address titled, "Smart Phone Evolution, Integration and Semiconductor Opportunities."

Following the keynote addresses, Brian Markwalter, Vice President, Technology & Standards, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) will moderate a panel session, "Driving Semiconductor Development - Opportunities in Communications & Computing," discussing the emerging applications that will drive the future of semiconductor development and product delivery.

Joining this panel are renowned industry experts from consumer electronics and semiconductor backgrounds: Jim Denney; Paul Kempf; Behrooz Abdi, President and CEO, RMI Corp.; and Young Sohn, President and CEO, Inphi Corp.

The luncheon also offers attendees a power networking opportunity providing industry leaders to discuss innovative ideas and concepts that will generate new growth for the semiconductor industry. Now, more than ever, is the time for executives to meet and to share new ideas to boost the semiconductor community in this economic climate. This luncheon offers a full networking platform, where executives can meet to analyze new business opportunities, collaborate and work together to enter recovery.

GSA has discounted the luncheon pricing for the Emerging Opportunities Luncheon in consideration of corporate budgets during this downturn to enable everyone to attend. Registration for this luncheon is $50 for GSA Members and $75 for Non-members. This presents a low-cost opportunity for companies to send more than one executive to the luncheon and benefit from the exceptional networking environment.