NAB Show 2025: Ultimate Guide
The NAB Show is back for 2025, and it’s better than ever. This year’s convention is in April, when professionals in the broadcasting and entertainment industries will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center to discuss the latest tech and tools in the industry.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the next event.
What is the NAB Show?
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) holds an annual convention called the NAB Show, and it’s one of the biggest trade shows for the entertainment industry.
Exhibitors come to show off the latest tools, tech, and services that are relevant to the industry. The diverse selection includes cameras and audiovisual equipment, streaming platforms, and production software.
Meanwhile, attendees can explore all the stores and take a look at what’s on offer and network with other industry professionals.
And the exhibit hall isn’t the only exciting part of the show. There are also workshops, educational lectures and presentations that cover the industry’s latest developments and dive into fresh insights. This show is where a lot of major announcements happen, including companies like Netflix, YouTube, and Sony announcing new launches.
History of the NAB Show
Impressively, the NAB Show is over 100 years old. The first event was held in 1923 in New York. At this point, it was for the National Association of Radio Broadcasters, and it was a small affair with less than two dozen attendees.
Over the years, it grew and grew, and when television was added the mix, the NAB Show got even bigger. It has been a resilient show, withstanding the tests of the Great Depression and World War II (when the 1945 event was actually cancelled due to personnel being required elsewhere).
A decade later, President Dwight Eisenhower became the first president to address the convention, and eight others have done so since. The film and broadcasting industry boomed in the 1950s and 60s, and the NAB show became the must-see event where huge names in the industry would announce their latest innovations.
In 1995, streaming was introduced, followed quickly by high-definition television (HDTV) and non-linear editing software thanks to Apple’s Final Cut Pro. So, the NAB show went from strength to strength as it attracted more attention.
In 1991, attendance broke 50,000 for the first time. It even went over 100,000 at the 75th anniversary event. To host all of these excited attendees, Las Vegas became the permanent home for the NAB Show.
Date and Location of the Event
The 2025 NAB Show will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it has been held for many years. It will span the West, North, and South Lower Halls.
The convention will take place over four days from April 6 to April 9.
Why Attend the NAB Show?
There are so many great reasons to attend the NAB show. Here are just a couple of compelling reasons to get yourself a ticket.
- Networking: The NAB Show is vital for anyone looking to connect with others in this industry. Everyone who’s anyone is there, from major networks to film studios, production houses to camera crews.
- New tech: The immersive show floor has a lot to present, including cutting-edge technology and software that’s either new-to-market or new-to-you. With disruptive inventions that could change the industry forever, you don’t want to miss the incredible announcements.
- Learning opportunities: The exciting and engaging talks that take place will help you implement the new tech you come across in helpful ways. So, you don’t just walk away with vague ideas, but opportunities for action.
- Entertainment: The broadcasting industry is all about entertainment, so it’s no wonder that the NAB show is an exciting and fun experience. There’s so much to be inspired by, and some master storytellers to give you insider tips.
It’s really only something you can experience in person, so whether you attend as an exhibitor or an attendee, it’s worth going.
How Can You Apply to Be an Exhibitor at the Show?
People in the broadcasting industry can apply to be a show exhibitor, sponsor, or advertiser. With the opportunity to get 100,000 pairs of eyes from 160 countries on your stall, it’s highly worth it. You can apply to be an exhibitor on the official NAB site, here.
Once your application is accepted, there are two space selection periods for you to reserve a place in the exhibition hall. The first one is before the 2024 NAB Show, and this is for priority bookings. The second one takes place on-site during the 2025 show.
You’ll need to pay $50 per square foot if you’re a NAB member, or $56 per square foot if you’re a non-NAB member. If you’re thinking of signing up to get the member rate, you need to be a member in good standing by September 30, 2024.
You must also pay a deposit of 50% by July 31, 2024 and sign the contract by April 30, 2024 in order to secure your space.
Who Can You Meet at the NAB Show?
Show headliners and exhibitors for the 2025 NAB Show have not been announced, but there are some familiar faces that attend often. These include ARRI, SONY, Nikon/RED, and Canon. Camera company B&H often attend, and they host a Tuesday after-party that’s an extremely coveted event–getting tickets is a challenge!
Meanwhile, other attendees often include brand ambassadors for TikTok, Peloton, and other companies that are a little less obviously involved in the broadcasting industry. You might even see celebrities like Nick Cannon and Lester Holt on the main stage.
Since the lineup varies year on year, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled and check the NAB Show 2025 website as the event gets closer.
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