They might lack some of the glitz and glamor of national shows, but state and regional broadcast conferences are a great way to learn and network without spending as much for travel and lodging.
The events often draw exhibitors and thought leaders from around the country and offer seminars that cover a variety of topics and technologies.
Like NAB’s spring show, some smaller conferences have seen attendance lag since the pandemic. One event, the SBE Chapter 22 Broadcast & Technology Expo in Syracuse, N.Y., was planned for September but has been canceled due to poor exhibitor participation. “Some vendors have cut back on regional shows because of budget concerns,” said a person familiar with the circuit.
Here is a sample of this year’s late summer and fall schedule of events. We’ll preview IBC2024 and NAB Show New York in subsequent issues.
Nebraska Broadcasters Association 2024 Convention
When: Aug. 6–7
Where: Embassy Suites, Lincoln
Highlights: The association is celebrating 90 years in 2024. Its event serves “owners, managers, engineers, salespeople, reporters, program directors and others” who want to “sharpen their skills, increase their knowledge and see the latest in technology and practices from industry experts and vendors.” Signature events include a Hall of Fame Banquet, Keynote Luncheon and Pinnacle Awards banquet. The engineering portion is scheduled for Aug. 7; organizers were finalizing that content at press time.
Texas Association of Broadcasters
TAB Convention & Trade Show
When: Aug. 7–8
Where: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Round Rock
Highlights: TAB is the largest state broadcast association and its annual show is a big one too. The event will be held in a new location this year, away from the expensive parking of downtown Austin. It promises 125 booths and a day and a half of training, much of it geared to engineers and technical staff. Sample session: “Continental Transmitter Maintenance” featuring Steve Hasskamp and Bob Stroupe. A “hands-on” workshop will feature a complete 816r series transmitter in the classroom for hands-on training and course study. Each attendee will receive an 816r study guide. Also look for sessions on AI, RF fundamentals, virtualization, cybersecurity, revenue strategies and more.
Alabama Association of Broadcasters
2024 Annual Conference & Engineering Seminar
When: Aug. 8–9
Where: Ross Bridge Resort, Birmingham
Highlights: It’s two days of sessions and entertainment in Birmingham. The ABA Engineering Services will host a special Engineering Seminar on Thursday Aug. 8. The seminar will include a detailed look at FM combiner systems featuring Sean Edwards of Shively Labs. This is timely with more stations sharing master antennas via custom combiners. Sessions also cover media law, media ethics, programming for diverse audiences and using AI in sales work. This being Alabama, there will also be a session featuring a 2024 football forecast.
Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic
When: Sept. 10–11
Where: Madison Marriott West
Highlights: The Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters Associations are now teaming up for this event. The Society of Broadcast Engineers also will hold its annual meeting and awards event. Sample clinic session: “Why Worry About Your Air Chain?” Mike Pappas from Orban Labs examines how equipment, formats and other conditions change. Other engineering topics include AI in radio; signal alignment for FM and HD SFN across wide-area IP networks; disaster planning for automation systems; physical security and access control at transmitter sites; and more. Approximately 30 exhibitors were listed as of the end of June.
Central Canada Broadcast Engineers, Technologists & Technicians
CCBE Career Development Conference
When: Aug. 22–24
Where: Kingbridge Centre, King City, Ontario
Highlights: This technical conference offers two days of sessions and papers, including discussions on 5G broadcasting and SMPTE 2110. Sample session: Andrew Scaglione from Radio.Cloud will host a Town Hall discussion on AI and Cloud Technology. Also, Frank Capsidas of XGen Networks will talk about 5G broadcasting and Eric Shen from Corus Entertainment will present on SMPTE 2110 in the real world. CCBE is also accepting applications for its awards program, including the Bob Norton Ambassador of the Year, CCBE Lifetime Achievement, CCBE George McCurdy Bursary and CCBE Engineering Excellence Awards.
Midwest Broadcast & Multimedia Technology Conference
When: Oct. 2–3
Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio
Highlights: This conference brings together engineer and multimedia professionals from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and now the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. It features a day of panel and breakout discussions, plus a bit more: “While the main part of the conference will be on Thursday, this year we are adding some programming Wednesday afternoon before a Welcome Reception that evening, for people who are coming in the day before,” said Andy Hartzell, one of the show’s organizers. Approximately 60 exhibitors were signed on as of late June.
Western Association of Broadcast Engineers
WABE Media & Entertainment Conference
When: Sept. 23–25
Where: JW Marriott, ICE District, Edmonton, Alberta
Highlights: Organizers of the 74th annual conference promise insights into technologies driving radio, television, media IT and live production, including advances in AoIP and the future of AI. One session will discuss the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the importance of content authenticity and provenance. Exhibits are open to the public and free to enter.
