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NAB Gets Bullish on Digital With New Tradeshow Offerings

The National Association of Broadcasters' annual tradeshow is getting more serious than ever about new technologies, expanding the association's education and event offerings to boost its ties to digital media and startups.

The climate for television and radio is changing, and so is the tradeshow that brings broadcasting’s best and brightest together.

Ahead of the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual NAB Show in April, the association has announced a series of changes to its namesake event in order to add more room for digital initiatives for its members, including:

An online video conference: For the first time, the NAB Show will include a learning track focused on executives at digital media firms. The two-day Online Video Conference will include sessions on integrating digital media with broadcast offerings, monetization models, and live-streaming content online. “Online video is a major force shaping the future of the content marketplace, presenting opportunities and challenges for stakeholders to reach viewers across multiple platforms,” Chris Brown, NAB executive vice president of conventions and business operations, said in a news release. “NAB is pleased to offer this new conference that will dive deep into the multitude of issues facing online video.”

A new leadership award: NAB will also debut a new Digital Leadership Award at the conference. The award will honor individuals involved in transforming their companies from traditional broadcast models to successful digital formats.

A collaborative showcase for startups: Over the past two years, NAB has shown off a variety of startups at its annual events through its SPROCKIT program, which connects large media companies with organizations that work with the World Series of Startups. In its third year, NAB is expanding the program with several new corporate members—including E.W. Scripps, Graham Media Group (formerly The Washington Post Company), Meredith, Pearl TV, and Raycom Media. (The program already counts a number of major media players, including Google, Gannett, and Disney/ABC Television Group, among its partners.) “Our corporate members play an integral part in making SPROCKIT the premiere showcase of new innovations and solutions that can advance and strengthen the industry,” SPROCKIT founder and CEO Harry Glazer said in a statement. “We’re always looking for new members and partners who can bring something different to the table because building a bigger and increasingly diverse SPROCKIT community will only help move the industry forward.”

The NAB Show will take place April 11-16 in Las Vegas.

(NAB handout photo)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

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