The author is president of the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers.
For over 75 years, the WABE (pronounced wah-bee) Media & Entertainment Technology Conference has brought together Canada’s brightest technical minds to learn, share and connect.
From broadcasters and technologists to podcasters and engineers, WABE has been the Canadian home for anyone passionate about the evolving world of media and entertainment technology across any sector. No matter if you work in AV, radio, television broadcast, live events, staging, live production, marketing, post-film or business, if you speak tech for content creation and distribution, you belong here.
This Year’s Theme: Bridging the Past and Building the Future
The 2025 conference theme reflects the unique moment our industry faces. While groundbreaking technologies like AI, immersive media and advanced analytics are rapidly transforming how content is created and consumed, many of us still work with legacy systems and traditional workflows that have shaped the industry for decades.
This year, WABE calls on all creators, technologists, educators and broadcasters to come together to bridge the past with the future. By honoring the foundations that brought us here and embracing innovation, we can build a future-ready media ecosystem that balances respect for tradition with the boldness to innovate.
Regional Relevance, National Impact
WABE isn’t just another trade show. Unlike massive international expos where smaller voices often get drowned out, WABE offers a focused platform where ideas truly resonate. Here, your message won’t fade into the noise, it reaches the professionals who work, live and build in our communities.
The conference blends global innovation with local insight, shaped by the creativity, diversity and resilience that define Canada’s media industry. From enterprise manufacturers to home studio creators, WABE brings everyone to the table.
Last year in Edmonton, WABE welcomed over 400 attendees, proof that even volunteer-led events can make a big impact. With over 2,300 LinkedIn connections and a growing online presence, WABE is expanding its network while staying true to its grassroots values.
The Value of Regional Conferences in a Changing Landscape
In today’s climate, large conferences are demanding more and more of manufacturers’ marketing budgets. For regional, volunteer-run organizations, competing with those giants can feel impossible. But what sets us apart is community.
Exhibitors tell us all the time, “WABE hits two birds with one stone. I can meet my resellers and end users in one place and have meaningful conversations with both.” At WABE, it’s not just about scanning badges, it’s about building real connections. Our attendees are professionals who value being able to engage with exhibitors and peers in the cities where they work.
Regional conferences like ours also provide critical connections to the next generation. We work year-round to build relationships with local schools, invite students to attend for free and award scholarships that help bring fresh talent into the industry. WABE supports workers across their entire careers, from students to senior leaders, because once you’re part of this community, you’re always part of it.
Why Sponsorship & Exhibitors Role Matters More Than Ever
I know budgets are tight, and regional conferences sometimes get overlooked. But before you write this one off, it’s worth taking another look — here’s why.
As a sponsor or exhibitor, you’re not just promoting your brand; you’re helping keep Canada’s media and broadcast community strong and connected. Your involvement shapes the conversations that drive innovation, highlights solutions your customers need and shows support for the people doing the real work in this industry.
Our conference moves between Canadian cities specifically to make it easier for professionals to attend locally, especially important right now when travel and development budgets are shrinking.
WABE is one of the few spaces where industry folks can recharge, network and reconnect with the passion behind their work. That energy and connection at the regional level builds strength that lifts the entire national industry.
This isn’t just another conference, it’s about sustaining a legacy and a community that depends on all of us showing up. Join us at WABE 2025, and be part of the story!
The WABE 2025 Conference is set to take place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. This event brings together media and entertainment professionals from across Canada for three days of learning, networking and celebration. You can register here.
