The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has confirmed a high-powered lineup of U.S. government officials, senators, and agency leaders set to headline the policy discussions at CES 2026. The roster underscores the critical intersection of technology and government, focusing on regulatory frameworks, national competitiveness, and the future of AI.
The confirmed speakers include Presidential Science & Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson, and U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr.
Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the CTA, stressed that these leaders are the “architects of U.S. technology policy and enforcement” and that collaboration between industry and government is essential to boosting American innovation and competitiveness.
Key Policy Talks and Scheduled Sessions
The multi-day policy programming will feature several high-profile officials discussing everything from national AI strategy to digital health and global trade.
Presidential Science & Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios will join CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio for a fireside chat on America’s AI Future at the new CES Foundry on Wednesday, January 7. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Jim O’Neill will address Administration priorities to accelerate breakthroughs in digital health during “Innovating Health: Policy for a Tech-Driven Future” on Tuesday, January 6.
Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will take the Great Minds stage on Thursday, January 8, to discuss how technology, security, and statecraft are shaping U.S. competitiveness amid global challenges, including AI, semiconductors, and China. Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil will speak about key technology research efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy.
A central “Conversation with a Commissioner” series will feature fireside chats with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro and the heads of the nation’s key regulatory bodies, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson and FCC Chair Brendan Carr, beginning Thursday, January 8. These sessions will address how their agencies are navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape. Senator Jacky Rosen will join other sitting U.S. Senators for a dedicated session on Friday, January 9.
Policy Summit and International Exchange
These speakers join more than 175 international, federal, state, and local government officials and staff who will participate in the Leaders in Technology Program and attend the Innovation Policy Summit (IPS) at CES. These programs gather top innovators and policymakers to discuss the future of policy on a range of pressing technology and innovation issues, including artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, competition, cybersecurity, energy, health, quantum, and trade.
The conversations at CES 2026 are expected to set the global innovation agenda for the year ahead, drawing government leaders and attendees from 150 countries, regions, and territories. International participants include Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė of the European Union to the U.S. and Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade for the Government of Ontario.