NAB Show to highlight AI

This year’s NAB Show, April 5–9 in Las Vegas, will likely be the biggest yet.

As the broadcast world merges into the larger media content world, it becomes part of the digital content omniverse. This has been obvious for several years, but the pace is picking up. If it picks up, broadcasters need to keep up.

The show will be less about broadcast than previously. Artificial intelligence will be the word or phrase on many lips, whether it can be connected to something legitimately or not.

“NAB Show has evolved to embrace artificial intelligence, the creator economy, sports and streaming, reshaping how content is produced and consumed,” says the NAB Show website. It adds, “From enhancing storytelling to personalizing viewer experiences and increasing revenue opportunities, AI technologies will permeate the show floor and dedicated tracks for all leaders.”

But some things don’t change at the show. For many, especially engineers or the tech team, the number of sessions providing cutting-edge knowledge and practices cannot be equaled anywhere or at any show. Stops of interest might include the Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference’s many sessions and workshops, Broadcast Management sessions, Streaming Summit and the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum.

Those don’t touch on some of the fun sessions focusing on cutting-edge and future technology, such as the Creator Lab Sessions, Post Production World, SMPTE Focus on Cinema and many more. It can be nice to peek in just for a moment.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are several unofficial NAB events, such as the annual Nautel Users Group get-together, on the morning of Sunday, April 6 at The Flamingo hotel. If you’re looking for a radio engineer that morning, that’s where they’ll be.

Of course, hundreds of exhibitors will show off their products and services or be happy to discuss what’s on the horizon.

For the hardened broadcaster, the NAB Show is a kid-in-a-candy-store experience. It’s impossible to see all the companies, so check out the nearby Exhibitor List to plan your campaign. And bring your most comfortable walking shoes.

The North Hall, often frequented by RedTech readers in the past, is back after remodeling (which created an obstacle last year getting over to the West Hall, the other frequent destination for readers). Perhaps all the scaffolding tunnels have finally come down (until the next renovation, which, in Las Vegas, might be next month).

Often lost in the sensory overload that can be this show are the demonstrations at booths and talks scattered around on various stages throughout the vastness of the Las Vegas Convention Center. It’s worth noting that many of these can be seen without needing the “VIP” pass. Plus, you can rest your feet for a while.

Of interest to radio broadcasters wondering about AI voicing is “Breakthrough AI Voice in Media with Eleven Labs,” Monday, Apr. 7, W2631 Theater 2, in the West Hall. You can register for this event here.

The NAB Show is not just about the United States broadcasters. The show organizers note that “Nearly 27% of attendees from 160+ countries” will attend. Many broadcast issues are the same no matter where you go.

Audio Exhibitors at NAB 2025