Registration has opened for the 12th annual Public Radio Engineering Conference, to be held in Las Vegas on April 12–13. This year’s event is taking place at Caesar’s Palace and some sessions are shared with PBS TechCom.

The theme of the conference will be: “Engineering in a Time of Budgetary Constraints — Doing More with Less.”

While members of the Association of Public Radio Engineers are still working on the agenda, broad topics are expected to be: New data services for enhanced public service and potential revenue generation; finding ways to make the most out of limited time and budget resources; switching over to the new PRSS satellite receivers and managing networks for audio over IP.

APRE is now accepting proposals for papers to be presented at PREC. It welcomes submissions that highlight ways that broadcast engineers can support the infrastructure with creative and uniquely efficient practices, tools and technology to allow a high level of quality while at the same time reducing costs wherever possible.

APRE is also looking for “favorite apps” — if there is enough response and interest it hopes to have a session on the variety of tools available for smartphones and tablets that can help the engineer in his or her daily tasks, both in and out of the office.

Submit a 150–200 word abstract of your paper, or a description of a presentation of your favorite app to prec@apre.us by Feb. 24.

Through an arrangement with NAB and PBS, APRE is offering PREC attendees a discounted rate on full NAB convention credentials, allowing access to all conference sessions, keynotes, the Technology Luncheon and the exhibit halls. Choose the “NAB Package” option when registering and your credentials will be waiting for you when you check in at the PREC. This offer ends March 2.

American Public Media, Broadcast Electronics, ERI and the Public Radio Satellite System are providing material support for PREC 2012.