The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, regarding the passing of Sheldon Adelson:
“I’m sad to hear the news of Sheldon Adelson’s passing, and we at CTA send our condolences to his family. We have lost a legend.
“Sheldon was an exceptional businessman and a passionate patriot – a U.S. immigrant with a remarkable success story. He created and grew the largest tradeshow of its era, COMDEX. Sheldon loved our country and fought for the principles he believed in.
“We met 40 years ago, working together on a project in Las Vegas – a 120,000-square foot building we together donated to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to accommodate the growing CES® and ever-expanding COMDEX. That experience made a lasting impression on me. After Sheldon bought the Sands Hotel and turned it into the massive Sands Expo and Venetian Resort, we strengthened our relationship as CES continued to grow and fill his properties. As a former tradeshow owner and producer, Sheldon understood our needs and was honorable, tough and fair in his dealings.
“We were friends and rivals. We were business partners and competitors. Throughout it all, I admired Sheldon’s brilliant vision and ability to get the best deal possible for his company. His businesses did everything they could to help trade shows thrive.
“An immigrant who lived the American dream, a rags to riches legend and a strong personality who transformed trade shows, the Las Vegas skyline and the Las Vegas experience, Sheldon’s impact will last a long time.”
