The 2010 NAB Show opened today with an opening session that contained a mix of thought-provoking and entertaining speakers. More than 85,000 audio, video and film content professionals from 156 countries are expected to attend the event, which runs through Thursday, April 15 in Las Vegas. Sony Corporation's President Hiroshi Yoshioka, actor and activist Michael J. Fox, and NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith addressed the opening session attendees, who also received a special welcoming message from the crew aboard the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Timothy J. Creamer and crewmate Soichi Noguchi, members of the Expedition 23 crew, welcomed attendees to the NAB Show from the International Space Station, currently located approximately 220 miles above Earth. As previously announced, the NAB Show Content Theater will feature a Tuesday session exploring how IMAX collaborated with NASA to produce "Hubble 3D."

Giving his first state of the industry address since being named president and CEO of NAB in October, Smith discussed the legislative and regulatory challenges and opportunities broadcasters face in the digital age and NAB's advocacy efforts on behalf of radio and television broadcasters. Click here to read his prepared remarks.

Sony Corporation Executive Deputy President and President of the Consumer Products and Devices Group Hiroshi Yoshioka delivered the NAB Show opening keynote, focusing on the global and U.S. consumer demand for 3D technology as well as Sony's vision for the future of 3D. Yoshioka also shared a 3D presentation including footage recently shot at the Masters Golf Tournament.

Michael J. Fox, the Emmy Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinson's disease research, was honored with the NAB Distinguished Service Award. That honor recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry.

The NAB Show will feature more than 1,500 exhibitors displaying the latest in media technology and more than 500 conference and training sessions. Other highlights of the NAB Show this week include the presentation of the NAB Television Chairman's Award to "Big Bang Theory" actor Jim Parsons, Q&A sessions with "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner and comic book legend Stan Lee, a keynote speech from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and several sessions devoted to the latest advances in 3D television, and film, transmedia storytelling, social media and augmented reality.

Video footage from various events at the 2010 NAB Show will be posted all week at www.nabshow.com.