NAB Show prepares spring return to Las Vegas

WASHINGTON — After postponing a live gathering in 2021, the National Association of Broadcasters has re-imagined the experience for its 2022 show attendees.

The United States-based trade association describes its annual NAB Show as “the world’s largest and most comprehensive convention encompassing the convergence of media, entertainment and technology.” This year’s event returns to its traditional time slot in the spring at the Las Vegas Convention Center, taking place April 23–27.

Due to the global pandemic, the organizers canceled the live events in 2020 and offered a virtual NAB Show Express in May. The 2021 edition, planned for Oct. 9–13, was ultimately canceled due to a surge of new coronavirus variants. The association took the opportunity to completely redesign the show experience for 2022, reorganizing the setup to reflect the modern media workflow.

“It is imperative that our show reflects the dynamics of our industry and aligns with how our industry works. This new design will maximize the experience and ROI for exhibitors and attendees, while creating a forum that is conducive for commerce, innovation and making valuable connections,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

This year’s LVCC halls will host three “content pillars” that mirror the content lifecycle — Create, Connect and Capitalize. In addition, the new Intelligent Content Showcase will explore the roles of data, AI and automation in the lifecycle. Each destination area will feature three experiential zones to facilitate engagement — Inspiration, Innovation and Implementation.

This reorganization recognizes that the media ecosystem is evolving. “The Create, Connect and Capitalize design also reflects the ongoing convergence within the media industry, and the reality that similar tools are used by professionals working in very different areas of the industry,” notes NAB.

• The “Create” track is geared toward producers, creators, makers, dreamers and streamers. Attendees can explore content about leveraging new tech, tools and workflow solutions to elevate the art of storytelling.
• Engineers, technologists, implementers, coders and geeks will find solutions in “Connect.” Focused on distribution and delivery, this track will contain the familiar Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference.
• “Capitalize” targets those interested in content monetization. Here, advertisers, marketers, analysts, executives and bosses will find discussions on the business of media, multiplatform solutions and next-gen technologies.

Registration is US$499 for members; US$699 for non-members until April 10, and includes entrance to NAB Show conference sessions, show floor exhibits, education and networking, the main stage and access to NAB Amplify.

Focused on distribution and delivery, Connect will contain the familiar Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference.

For non-U.S. visitors, the NAB Show delegation program offers the chance to join an industry delegation and receive special group discounts and onsite benefits.

NAB Amplify is the organization’s digital hub and complements the show experience by extending the reach and connections beyond the events. Available year-round, the digital space offers borderless networking, education and discovery, connecting partners to “interactive experiences that will expand their customer reach and create pathways to new audiences,” explains Eric Trabb, senior vice president of business development.

Following all the state and local guidelines and safety recommendations, NAB has worked with venues to establish protocols that will maximize the safety of all the show participants. In addition to a no-contact policy, touchless registration, enhanced cleaning, spacing measures, increased medical staff and onsite/nearby PCR testing, all attendees must have proof of vaccination. Masking rules will follow government guidance.