The 2024 NAB Show

Many have opined that there’s no longer a need for large trade shows. Clearly the folks running the Las Vegas Convention Center don’t buy into that view. They are in the middle of a multi-year project to expand and renovate their facilities. That was the backdrop for this month’s National Association of Broadcasters annual exhibition. Aside from meetings and presentations to official NAB members, this show is best known as one of two major international showcases for new technology in the areas of radio, film, television, streaming, production, post-production, and distribution. The other is the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam, to be held later this year.

The tally this year clocked in at over 61,000 attendees of which more that half were first-timers and over a fourth from outside of the US. Some might suggest that you can get all the info you want about gear by watching YouTube. If you’ve ever been to CES, NAMM, IBC, NAB, InfoComm, or similar shows, then you know that there’s nothing like the in-person experience. That most certainly was part of the draw for these first-time attendees.

A show like NAB gives you a way to kick the tires and compare. Not only do you experience the look and feel of actual products, but the manufacturers are often presenting them in actual use. Want to see how the various Canon lenses perform? Simply walk down the line in their booth’s camera set-up and see for yourself. Want to compare the features of manufacturer A’s product against those from manufacturer B? Just walk from one booth to the other and check it out for yourself. That’s the value NAB presents. Add to this the opportunity to meet and chat in person with some of the online friends and mentors you’ve had – then, that’s just icing on the cake.

I’ve written a show overview for postPerspective (click this link) if you want to read about some of the new products and features that caught my attention. If you didn’t get a chance to go, this gallery will give you a sense of NAB 2024.

Click on any image below to view an NAB slideshow.