Unless there is some perk offered to employees of certain companies, I don't think it matters. On their web site, they say to bring two forms of ID. One pictured, and one showing your work affiliation (business card, business ID, etc.) Last time I went all they wanted to see was my drivers license.

They give you color-coded badge holders, depending what you are (buyer, distributor, press, retailer, etc.). I got a yellow holder, because that's what they gave "government buyers"). I work for a government agency, but wasn't really representing them (this was all on my own time and expense).

Whatever badge you had, they all let you wander all over the convention center. There are sessions and workshops you can also attend, most you had to pay for. But if you're there to browse at all the gizmos and collect free stuff, it really doesn't matter who you work for, or are self employed, or even if you don't work. You just need to say you're involved in the consumer electronics industry, no matter how remote.