So you're ready to stand next to technology's elite?

i-stage invites all purveyors of the new and the cool —cool devices, cool services, cool applications — to show us your stuff. We welcome everyone from the early stage start-up to established companies with new releases to compete for the opportunity to take your product to the next level.

Ten Reasons You Have to Be at i-stage

1. You only debut your product once. Make the most of it.
The winner of this competition will be rewarded with a turnkey exhibit at the 2009 International CES — the launch pad of new technology. While other demonstration events promise a substitute to CES, we put you right in the middle of it!

2. You work hard for the money, so you know we'll treat you right.
In addition to a booth at CES, i-stage pays off to the tune of $50,000, and that's before the investors swoop in. Make sure you're seen in front of leading venture capitalists and angel groups who define the direction of the market and are ready to make new ones.

3. Because you're incredible. So get some credibility.
Need a gold star on your resume? Being selected for i-stage makes you a pre-vetted contender, certified by the CES brand as standout in categories of innovation, impact and marketability. CES and its partners create the leading events and the top credentials in the industry, landing your product pitch a giant boost toward acceptance and adoption.

4. It's fame at your fingertips — and everyone else's.
The CES website receives roughly 1.5 million hits between late December and early January. Imagine your demonstration video and product information front and center when more than 4,500 media and 130,000 attendees seek out information on the largest tradeshow in North America. If you're chosen as a finalist, you'll be there.

5. Never eat lunch alone. Take a mentor.
Our judges are leaders in every aspect of a product's success. They'll provide you with tips on how to strengthen your selling points and weed out your weaknesses.

6. Don't tell mom, we invited all our friends.
i-stage puts you in front of electronics leaders, retail buyers and top analysts meeting at the Consumer Electronics Association's Industry Forum. Attendees are among the most innovative professionals from companies like Sony, Intel, Motorola, Panasonic and Toshiba. See and be seen in front of potential customers, partners and investors at the largest annual gathering of CEA members outside of the International CES.

7. Bloggers need content on October 21 and it might as well be all about you.
Forget a press tour. This event will start the clamor for cool products leading up to CES. Connect with top consumer tech gatekeepers — the media who can catapult your career into the hands of early adopters and enthusiasts.

8. Illustrate the revolution.
i-stage is also where CEA's top researchers reveal the trends that will remake the consumer tech landscape. Be there to prove you are leading the pack and jumping ahead of the evolutionary ladder.

9. Why do this on your own when we can lose the sleep for you?
Being part of i-stage is cheaper and less time consuming than producing a proprietary event. Let us jump the hurdles for you; you'll save on everything from invitations to required sleep. We've even got great catering.

10. Best of all, this contest is free.
So take the leap. You've got until August 15 to enter and show off.

If we're impressed, you'll be invited to prove yourself in a final round of live demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2008 at the Four Seasons Las Vegas in front of creators, critics and your competition. That's where we'll declare our winner and send them onto the bright lights of CES.