CES kicks off with no lead women speakers or code of conduct

San Francisco

THE technology industry's premier annual gathering kicks off this week with no women leading the keynote sessions and no code of conduct that might prevent incidents of sexual harassment, despite efforts by organisers to cast the show as a more inclusive event.

CES, the showcase for the latest consumer electronics from televisions to self-driving cars, is known for mostly male attendees and female models known as "booth babes" showing off the new technology. It has attracted criticism for not making itself more welcoming for women or toning down its sexualised atmosphere even as the issue of harassment and assault has grabbed headlines in the last six months and propelled the #MeToo movement into life.