Like their large national counterparts, state and regional trade shows were forced into hiatus by the pandemic but have now returned in force. These events offer attendees a friendly vibe, familiar faces, convenient locations and unrushed conversations. Despite their local vibe, some of these events draw people from all over the country.
The second half of 2023 includes a number of them; here’s a sampler. We’ll have previews of the IBC, AES and NAB New York shows in subsequent issues.
Texas Association of Broadcasters 68th Annual Convention & Trade Show
When: Aug. 2–3
Where: JW Marriott, Downtown Austin, Tex.
How: https://tabshow.org/
Highlights: “The event is the largest state broadcast association convention in the nation … it’s THE place to do business in Texas broadcasting.” Some 1,400 annual registrants come from radio and television stations in Texas and across the United States. There’s a day and a half of training geared towards broadcast owners, managers, salespeople and engineers; networking opportunities; and a 115+ booth trade show.
Sample session: A new “Chief Operator for Radio Course” led by Gil Garcia and Steve Hasskamp, providing basic knowledge and understanding of responsibilities essential to maintain a station’s day-to-day operations as a chief operator. Other tech topics include AI in radio, DTS AutoStage, FCC inspections, ATSC for radio.
[For more info see “TAB Show Is Set to Return to Austin”]
Alabama Broadcasters Association 2023 ABA Conference & Engineering Seminar
When: Aug. 11–12
Where: Ross Bridge Resort, Birmingham, Ala.
How: https://al-ba.com/wp2/aba-annual-conference-2/
Highlights: An all-day engineering seminar on Friday Aug. 11 discusses tower lighting, EAS rule changes, the ABIP program and HD multichannel modes; it costs $50 including lunch. The broader ABA convention also includes an exhibit hall and management sessions on recruiting, sales, news, legal/FCC and branding/marketing. The show will feature a salute to retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, as well as Broadcaster of the Year and Hall of Fame inductions.
Sample: Tom Amador of Dialight Corp. discusses the latest in tower light systems and compliance with FAA/FCC rules for tower lighting.
Tennessee Association of Broadcasters 75th Annual Conference
When: Aug. 20–21
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, Tenn.
How: https://tabtn.org/75thannualconference/
Highlights: “The conference will begin with an opening evening reception at Barlines, located in The Omni, on Sunday, Aug. 20. Sessions will begin early on Monday, Aug. 21, and end later that afternoon before the Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Banquet. We will also be having our Summer Board Meeting the following morning on Tuesday, Aug. 22.” Technical presenters include Jeff Welton, Kirk Harnack, Mike Pappas, Chris Tarr and Bill Jackson. The event also features exhibits.
Sample: Shawn Donilon, the EVP of government relations at the National Association of Broadcasters, will be a featured speaker.
CCBE – Central Canada Broadcast Engineers, Technologists & Technicians Career Development Conference
When: Aug. 24–26
Where: Kingbridge Conference Centre, Toronto
How: https://ccbe.ca/
Highlights: “Two days of technical papers and training sessions conducted by design engineers, industry professionals and their representatives. An opportunity to meet and network with technology pioneers, equipment manufacturers and distributors. Topics include Xperi’s game-changing DTS AutoStage platform, Futuri’s revolutionary RadioGP
T AI, local innovator Guelph Solar explaining the Tesla Wall back-up power system, and updates on regulatory issues.”
Midwest Broadcast & Multimedia Technology Conference
When: Sept. 28
Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Description: “This full day of learning and networking is designed specifically with broadcast engineers in mind, providing you with an opportunity to explore best practices, compliance guidance and the latest technology and equipment available. … This year we are bringing together engineers from four states as the Michigan Association of Broadcasters joins the state broadcast associations of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky in presenting MBMTC 2023.” Includes exhibitor showcase, door prizes, dining, panels and breakout sessions. Admission for OAB/IBA/KBA/MAB members as well as SBE and SMPTE members is available at an early bird rate of $50 through Sept. 1. A pass for the Exhibitor Showcase only is available for $30.
Highlight: The SBE national meeting will be held in conjunction with the conference, including the national awards reception and dinner and SBE’s annual membership meeting.
Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 22 SBE22 Broadcast & Technology Expo
When: Sept. 28
Where: Marriott Downtown, Syracuse, New York
How: https://sbe22.org/2023-expo/
Highlights: “We’re still assembling the exhibitors and technical papers; so more details to follow. We’re hoping to announce the full slate of papers and fill out the vendor space by the end of August.”
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Broadcasters Clinic
When: Oct. 10–12
Where: Madison Marriott West, Madison, Wis.
How: https://www.wi-broadcasters.org/events/broadcasters-clinic/
Highlights: Technical sessions over three days include explorations of virtualization, MPX over IP, metadata, IT security, site maintenance and the future of AM. Radio-related topics are in the first two days. This long-time popular engineering event also features an exhibit floor.
Sample: Radio World Editor in Chief Paul McLane moderates a discussion of the impact of generational AI on radio workflows, with Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media and other invited guests.
Western Association of Broadcast Engineers WABE Conference
When: Nov. 27–29
Where: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia
How: https://wabe.ca/
Highlights: “WABE’s local, friendly and down-to-earth approach makes this the conference filled with the people who use, install and make technology happen on the ground floor of a wide range of business that include media, broadcast, film, marketing and live events departments across Canada.” A networking event on Monday is followed by two days of sessions and free exhibit hall with 40+ vendors. Topics include AI in media, PTP, AV fundamentals, SBE certification exam opportunity.
If you are a show organizer, make sure Radio World knows about the event for our coverage and online calendar. Email [email protected].
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the admission cost for the Midwest Broadcast & Multimedia Technology Conference.
