Radio Show Folded into Las Vegas NAB Show

The Radio Show will be integrated into the larger NAB Show in Las Vegas, NAB announced Thursday. This begins with the next NAB Show in April. “This change provides more opportunities in one location for radio professionals and elevates radio in the larger media ecosystem represented at NAB Show,” said NAB. “The integrated event in Las Vegas will feature signature awards, networking events and a comprehensive conference program, including popular sales and marketing sessions presented by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB).” Previously, the Radio Show was a separate event, held in different cities each year. The 2021 Radio Show was planned to be in Las Vegas concurrent with the 2021 NAB Show before both were canceled last month (see 2109150062). Radio broadcaster and former NAB Radio Board member Ed Henson said he’ll miss the separate show, but he believes NAB will be sensitive about ensuring radio is highlighted at the larger event. Alpha Media CEO Bob Proffitt, also a former NAB board member, said the combination is a “wise move” that will increase attendance and take advantage of technology convergence: “The bigger the better.” The "decision was primarily based on giving radio broadcasters the very best value and experience,” said an NAB spokesperson. “We know budgets are tight when it comes to business travel, and integrating Radio Show into NAB Show provides more opportunities in one place.” NAB didn’t comment on whether the change was motivated by financial concerns at the trade group after the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 conventions. Broadcasters told us the Radio Show wasn’t considered a high-cost event. The in-person show, last held in 2019, generally saw 1,500-2,000 attendees, NAB said (see 1909200034). In announcing the change, the group also said NAB CEO Gordon Smith will give his final “State of the Industry” speech online Nov. 10.