The hustle and bustle of Las Vegas makes for an appropriate background for the annual NAB Show, but sometimes it is not always easy for TV and radio engineers to make the pilgrimage out to Vegas to see the latest trends in the industry. This is where state and regional associations and conventions look to fill in the gaps. The Texas Association of Broadcasters convention is set to take place the first week of August to offer its members presentations and exhibits of the latest products all in their backyard — albeit a pretty big one in Texas.
The 62nd annual TAB Convention & Trade Show is expecting around 1,300 engineers, station owners, managers and sales teams and up to 110 exhibitors to take part in the day and a half convention that will focus on enhancing technology infrastructure and maximizing efficiency.
Specific topics focusing on radio at this year’s convention include taking stations “green” and employing new renewable energy sources for power supplies, as well as other strategies to reduce energy bills. Mobile and social media will continue to be hot topics and presentations on ATSC 3.0 are also expected to garner attention of attendees. Auto advertising presentations will also take place for the management, marketing and sales side.
Oscar Rodriguez, president of TAB, emphasized that the content will be of interest to a variety of broadcast staff, whether engineering, management or sales. “It’s pretty fast-paced and pretty intense, but folks really enjoy it.”
One thing that Rodriguez feels separates TAB from bigger national conventions is the level of engagement attendees can have with each other and exhibitors.
“In our show they can actually touch the equipment and talk with to the folks and so on,” said Rodriguez.
According to Rodriguez, some state associations have been forced to stop holding regional conventions for a variety of reasons from low attendance to difficulties covering meeting expenses. TAB, however, continues to grow.
“It’s what our members tell us is one of the most valuable member services that TAB provides,” said Rodriguez.
The 2015 TAB Convention and Trade Show will take place Aug. 5–6 in Austin, Texas. Registration for the convention is open for a full conference package or for only the trade show.
