We’re just days away from NAB Show 2025, and Las Vegas is already buzzing. Exhibitors are fine-tuning booths and rehearsing presentations, while journalists and attendees are meticulously planning their days in each hall. Sunday, April 6, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) exhibit hall doors will open, and attendees will flood the show floor. All this activity hints at the broadcast industry trends and shifts that will be front and center at the show, generating the buzzwords that will dominate conversations.
Industry shifts, trends and buzzwords
On the approach to this year’s show, we’ve been keeping tabs on the latest headlines, buzzwords and overall sentiment. We spoke to a couple of industry journalists who have expressed their expectations for this year: another busy show, evidenced by the sheer volume of announcements they’ve received (sorry, we may have contributed to your busy inbox 😉).
Companies have been sharing pre-show news and details of what they’ll be showcasing, with new technologies and solutions aimed at efficiency, reduced costs and doing more for less. A phrase that Jenny Priestley, Content Director at TVBEurope, has been hearing a lot more of lately.
“I think that’s the biggest issue, the cost of business and using technology to help broadcasters and M&E companies do even more. I also think we have to mention what’s going on with tariffs. I suspect that could be a big talking point at the show.”
Dak Dillon, Editor in Chief at NewscastStudio, shared his thoughts on what we can expect as well. “This year’s NAB Show is coming at an interesting time for the broadcast community. We are about to see a wave of deregulation in the United States, and the on-again, off-again tariffs are creating economic uncertainty, which has buyers being more cautious. I’ve heard vendors are struggling with sales in Q1 with broadcast end users sitting and waiting for something to change.”
The media and entertainment is undergoing a period of change and transformation, driven by growing accessibility and evolving production trends. This broadening accessibility of tools is reshaping various sectors, extending beyond traditional broadcasting. As Dillon explains:
“We have seen a real democratization of tools,” says Dillon. “As the industry commodifies and shifts towards more ‘on-the-shelf’ tech, it creates interesting benefits and challenges. One bright spot is in the world of corporate and non-traditional production. We continue to see investment beyond news and sports with many corporate users buying the same tools and workflows.”
More than just affordability, this democratization is also empowering a wider range of creators and businesses. The ability to use professional-grade tools previously reserved for large-scale broadcasters creates new avenues for content creation and distribution, encouraging innovation and challenging traditional production models.
Will AI still be center stage?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will again play a big role at this year’s show. Last year, AI was still a relatively new concept and technology that media companies were testing and intrigued by. Since then, there’s been rapid development. Companies that were dipping their toes in the water have now dived head-first into the AI pool.
“Without a doubt, AI is the big buzzword in the industry right now,” said Priestley. “But then again, I’ve been saying that for the last year. While the industry has been using AI for a number of years, it’s things like generative AI and multimodal AI that are the new kids on the block and gaining traction.”
While AI still seems like it will be a hot topic, others, including Dillon, are seeing it as yesterday’s news.
“Workflows and efficiency are in; hype over technology like AI and XR is out. Broadcasters need to transform dated workflows and find ways to meaningfully upgrade their processes. They need solutions that deliver real value and fit into their already fragmented tech stacks, without needing a full re-alignment.”
The emphasis on workflows and efficiency highlights the industry’s need for seamless integration. Broadcasters are seeking tools that can be easily incorporated into their existing systems, allowing them to improve their processes without disruptive overhauls.
Going beyond hype: How to get media attention at the show
NAB is a massive event, and getting attention from media among the sheer volume of news and activity can be tough. So how can you stand out from all the news flooding journalists’ inboxes? Priestly and Dillon share their tips.
“Vendors need to go beyond the buzzwords and hype,” Dillon explains. “What real value are you delivering? How can you communicate that to a potential buyer quickly and effectively? This year seems less focused on new products and more about quality-of-life upgrades and workflows. It’s not sleek or cool, but it’s what the buyer needs right now.”
If you’re sharing announcements during the show, you need to remember that the journalists who cover your news are also at NAB and are just as busy as you are. So, it may take time for your news to be seen. And when it comes to show briefings with media, Priestley kindly reminds you that journalists have likely been in meetings all day (and usually back-to-back!).
“Please don’t expect an in-depth interview when we arrive for a briefing! I’d also like to make a personal request for good coffee and stools that I can get on and off gracefully (a big challenge when I’m sleep-deprived and on my 10th meeting of the day).”
Good coffee and a place to rest your feet are always a plus.
NAB Show survival tips
Now, we can’t end the blog without sharing some tips and secrets of where you can escape the madness of the show and rest your tired feet! Navigating the sprawling LVCC can be a marathon, and after days on the show floor, a bit of planning and a comfortable respite are essential.
“Don’t take new shoes,” explains Priestley. “There are three halls, and if you’re there for the whole show, I would target one hall each day and do mop-ups on Wednesday morning.”
Bring on the tennis shoes and insoles! I’ve learned this the hard way, so avoid new shoes if you can. But no matter how comfortable your shoes are, you’re bound to have sore dogs. Priestley and I share the same sentiment and recommend using the Loop, the underground transportation system at the LVCC, with stops at the south, central and west halls. It also connects to Resorts World and Westgate Resort, so if you have meetings there, keep that in mind to give your feet a break.
And when you need to get away during the show or at the end of the day, Dillion has some recommendations: “When I want an escape from the show floor, I head to the Wynn. It’s not far and has a nice coffee shop with plenty of treats to refresh me after a day of walking and talking.”
Again, sustenance and a comfortable seat are vital to surviving NAB!
Before we hit the show floor
As you put the finishing touches on your NAB journey, whether it be your company’s messaging, finalizing a press release, or your show meetings, remember to take time to reflect post-show about what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve things for the next industry trade show.
If you want to take advantage of your show communications, need help positioning your marketing in the right way, or need help telling your story to attract the right audience, get in touch. It’s never too early to be thinking about the next show!
