WASHINGTON, D.C. — Next year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas will take place in October and not April as originally scheduled, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today.
The 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas was cancelled altogether because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now the 2021 NAB Show has been rescheduled to October 9 to 13, 2021. It hosts more than 80,000 broadcast industry delegates from around the world every year.
In a press release issued today, NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith said: “As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, our top priority is to deliver a successful NAB Show. We recognize the vital role NAB Show plays as a driver of innovation and an economic engine for the global media and entertainment industry. With that in mind, it is critical we act on your behalf and in a way that will best serve the long-term interests of the industry. We have worked diligently over the last few weeks and months monitoring a range of variables, including health and safety concerns, economic indicators, industry developments and travel restrictions, to gain an understanding of overall trends and future conditions for holding a major event in 2021. We have also reached out extensively to the show community to collect feedback.
“Through all of this we have witnessed growing concern and uncertainty over what the next six months will bring; enough that there appears to be a good deal of reluctance around participating in large events in the first half of next year. The pandemic remains a significant threat and the evidence suggests it will be well into next year before it could be under control in the U.S. We also have our own concerns around being able to deliver the type of event in April that will not only drive results, but one that can be produced safely for all involved and without significant limitations on the experience,” added Smith.
“Taking all of this into account and in the interest of supporting the business, health and safety concerns of our show community we have decided to move the 2021 NAB Show, previously scheduled for April 11-14, to October 9-13, 2021 in Las Vegas.”
However, the annual NAB Show in New York is traditionally held in October, so now NAB is considering alternative 2021 dates for that event, added Smith.
“On the plus side, the 2021 Radio Show will co-locate with NAB Show in Las Vegas as will NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange,” said Smith.
This fall, NAB is offering online versions of its signature events, including the virtual 2020 Radio Show (October 5-9) and NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange (October 14-15). The virtual NAB Show in New York is scheduled for October 19-29.
“We are also committed to creating new and meaningful experiences to engage and connect with you throughout the year on NAB Amplify. This dynamic, year-round digital platform will extend the impact of NAB Show throughout the year by providing opportunities for networking, discovery and education,” said Smith.
