NAB Show 2025 showcases innovation and global engagement in broadcasting
The 2025 edition of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, a premier event for media, technology, and entertainment professionals, was held from April 5 to April 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This annual gathering is recognised as the largest of its kind, with this year’s event attracting 55,000 registered attendees from 160 countries. The show occupied the West, North, and South Halls of the LVCC, as the Central Hall is currently undergoing renovations. In total, the show showcased 1,050 global exhibitors, including 125 first-time participants, and featured over 1,000 speakers across 550 conference sessions. Notably, 26% of the attendees were from international markets.
Karen Chupka, Managing Director and Executive Vice President for Global Connections and Events at NAB, remarked on the event’s evolution, stating that efforts to engage a broader range of broadcasters have positioned the show for success amid the industry’s rapid changes. This year, 53% of registrants were first-time attendees, with new markets represented including Canada, Pakistan, Sweden, and Egypt. "We wanted to expand beyond our core audience … and are working to bring new voices to our stages at the 2025 show, looking at how content creation has changed," Chupka said.
The 2025 NAB Show introduced several new features designed to align with current trends in the broadcasting industry, emphasising areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud virtualisation, streaming, and sports.
One significant addition was the Business of Entertainment track, developed in partnership with The Ankler, a Hollywood newsletter. According to Chupka, this collaboration enhanced the show’s reach by delving into media deal-making, emerging advertising models, and the crossover between Hollywood and the creator economy. “This track explored some of the media deal-making and content bubbles, new advertising models and the intersection of Hollywood and the creator economy and emerging audience trends,” she explained.
Additionally, the 2025 NAB Show included a Sports Summit, a three-day programme that brought together stakeholders from the sports community, including broadcasters, leagues, technology companies, policy makers, and influencers. "Sports is driving a lot of what’s happening in the broadcast industry, especially with live broadcasts," Chupka told Trade Show Executive (TSE). The summit provided a platform for discussions around the integration of sports, media, and technology.
Furthermore, the new AI Innovation Pavilion demonstrated solutions that are reshaping the media and entertainment landscape, addressing AI-powered content creation and workflow automation. Chupka pointed out that 80% of the companies in the startup area, PropelME, were focused on AI technologies. “Artificial intelligence is presenting new opportunities for broadcasters, media and the entertainment industry,” she said, highlighting its ability to localise experiences and streamline engagements.
The Creator Lab, expanded this year and located in the South Hall, served as a hub for content creators. It featured hands-on sessions, workshops, and opportunities for networking, demonstrating the rising importance of the creator economy. "Today, everybody is a broadcaster... and who is coming to the show has changed," Chupka noted, indicating an enriched diversity among attendees from various sectors, including fashion, education, and finance.
In reflecting on the strategies for engaging new audiences, Chupka stressed the importance of communication with exhibitors regarding their return on investment. She noted that understanding the needs of the community and how to adapt to industry changes is vital for organisers. “It’s important to stay involved with the community that you’re serving,” she said.
Chupka also recognised Las Vegas as a prime location for such events, citing its expansive hotel capacity, efficient airport system, and the significant increase in attendance that shows typically experience when hosted in the city. "Las Vegas is a world-class trade show location,” she asserted, underscoring its status as an emerging sports destination that further enhances its appeal.
The NAB Show continues to evolve, offering insights and opportunities that reflect the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry, while also solidifying its role as a vital platform for networking and innovation.