The First-Timers Guide to NAB
It’s that time of year again. April means one thing in this industry: the annual migration to Las Vegas for NAB Show.
NAB can feel overwhelming. It is less predictable than IBC and operates very differently.
Although it is still a large show, NAB has not fully returned to its pre-pandemic scale.
NAB SHOW THROUGH THE YEARS
In 2018, the show reported 92,912 attendees. Recent post-pandemic editions are materially lower. The 2025 show reported approximately 55,000 registered attendees, with 160 countries represented and just over a quarter of attendees coming from outside the United States.
This is not just a temporary fluctuation.
It reflects a broader shift in how the industry uses events like NAB. At the same time, more than half of attendees are first-time visitors, which reinforces that NAB is actively expanding into new audiences beyond its traditional broadcast base.
For many, NAB is no longer primarily a place where new business is discovered. It is where relationships are maintained, partnerships are advanced, and the industry takes stock of where it is heading.
At the same time, NAB is actively redefining itself. The push into the creator economy and enterprise video is not cosmetic. It reflects real pressure on traditional broadcast and streaming markets.
This guide will help you navigate that reality and get practical value from the week.
1. Why NAB Matters
NAB Show is no longer just a broadcast trade show. It is a convergence point for media, technology, and increasingly, adjacent industries that rely on video as a core capability.
Alongside traditional broadcast and streaming infrastructure, the show now reflects a broader shift:
video as a business tool in enterprise environments
the rise of the creator economy as a professional segment
the continued evolution of streaming, cloud workflows, and AI-driven production
The official themes for this year reflect that direction clearly: artificial intelligence, cloud virtualization, creator economy, sports and streaming.
This is not incidental. It reflects both market pressure and a deliberate repositioning of the event.
The audience is evolving. You are no longer only meeting broadcasters and platform operators. You will also encounter:
enterprise teams using video for communication and training
creators building scalable businesses
technology vendors operating across multiple verticals
NAB also operates with a different market dynamic than IBC in Amsterdam.
Where IBC remains relatively structured, NAB is more fluid. That creates opportunity, but only if you are prepared for it.
Several long-time attendees describe NAB today less as a deal-making environment and more as a place to reconnect, align with partners, and maintain industry relationships. It is a different kind of value, but still a meaningful one.
“There are very different markets all round the world, and NAB is your “in” to the Americas markets with a technology twist, with its different dynamics and perspectives on broadcast, streaming and production. It is not just about meeting the usual suspects, you will meet clients and customers that are not necessarily found at IBC and the other international events.”
2. Practical Setup: Registration, Access and What to Expect
Start with the official site. NAB’s “Plan Your Show” section is the most reliable place for:
exhibition dates and opening hours
pass types and pricing
access to the NAB Show app
conference programme details
👉 https://www.nabshow.com/las-vegas/plan-your-show/
NAB offers a mix of free and paid access, depending on how deep you want to go into the conference programme.
How to Get a Free Exhibition Pass
In the weeks leading up to the show, many exhibitors and partners share registration codes that give free access to the exhibition.
Search LinkedIn for:
“NAB Show code”
“NAB registration code”
Do this early. These codes typically expire in early April.
Register by April 5 using the Broadcast Projects code MP4 for a free pass.
Understanding the Conference
Beyond the exhibition floor, the conference itself is broader in scope and more expensive to attend. There are hundreds of sessions spread across 27 categories, so be sure to have a look through the agenda ahead of time if you are planning to register for the conferences. The different types of passes, and pricing options can be found here.
Expect a mix of:
strategic sessions on industry direction
practical discussions around workflows and technology
increasing coverage of creators, enterprise video, and new monetization models
NAB also includes a range of companion events, such as the Streaming Summit and other specialised tracks. These operate as standalone events within the broader show.
First-Time Attendee Meetup
If it’s your first time attending NAB, note that there is a First-Timer Meetup, on Sunday, April 19 at 11am -12pm in the Networking Lounge, Grand Central Lobby. This is open to all registered attendees and it can be useful to meetup with other NAB Show first-timers.
Badge Pickup (Time Saver)
Pick up your badge in advance if possible.
NAB offers multiple pickup locations, including several hotels and casinos. This can save significant time on your first day at the Convention Center.
A full list of badge pick-up locations can be found here.
3. Navigating the Exhibition
The Las Vegas Convention Center is vast. NAB is spread across multiple halls, and distances are larger than they appear on a map.
If you do not plan your movement, you will lose time.
Start with the basics:
Review the “Map my Show” floor plan in advance
· Identify where your priority companies are located
· Group meetings by hall or zone
There are three main halls: West, Central, and North.
The distance between them is not trivial. Moving between West Hall and Central/North can take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Planning is the difference between a productive day and constant backtracking.
The Vegas Loop (Internal Transport)
The distance between West Hall and Central/North can easily cost you 20–30 minutes each time. The Vegas Loop (aka Tesla tunnel system) is an internal shuttle across the entire convention campus, with a few extensions to nearby hotels.
“Take the Vegas Loop - it’s a fun way to see the back halls and save your feet.”
Plan Your Day Properly
Do not approach NAB reactively.
“You can’t see everything. Don’t even try,” says Glen Sanders of nanocosmos. Make a priority list. Review the exhibitor map and plan so you don’t have to change halls more than once a day.
Meetings Are Not Just on the Show Floor
At NAB, meetings often take place:
in hotel suites
in nearby venues
at off-site locations
This is a key difference from IBC.
Factor this into your schedule. A “short” meeting may involve significant travel time.
Use the Evening Strategically
Many of the most valuable conversations happen outside exhibition hours.
Plan your evening schedule in advance.
Use the Broadcast Projects Party & Event List to identify where the industry will be.
4. Getting There and Getting Around
Las Vegas is not designed for efficient movement. During NAB, this becomes more pronounced.
Distances between hotels, halls, and meeting points are significant, and congestion at peak times is normal.
Assume everything will take longer than expected.
From the Airport
Most attendees arrive via Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran), and if you are flying in from abroad, be sure to check the US Visa Information for International Attendees.
From there you have three options:
· Uber / Lyft - The default choice. Fastest in most cases, especially if you are on a tight schedule.
· Taxi - Readily available, slightly more predictable in peak arrival periods.
· Public Transport - The RTC Centennial Express (CX) bus takes you from Harry Reid International Airport → Las Vegas Convention Center → Downtown / The STRAT area and you can board it from Terminal 1 (Level Zero).
On this page you can find other routes to and from Harry Reid International Airport. Tickets can be purchased via the RTC Ride app , at ticket machines, and directly on board (exact fare recommended). Typical fare options range from $6 for a 2 hour pass to $20 for a 3-day pass. You can also use this link to plan your ride.
Moving Around During the Show
· Uber and Lyft are dependable options.
· Las Vegas Monorail can be useful depending on your hotel location. The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip and connects a. number of casinos (Sahara, Boingo, Harrah’s / The Linq, Flamingo, Caesar’s Palace, Horshoe, Paris and MGM Grand) directly to the Convention Center. It is one of the few predictable ways to move between venues during peak times. Ticket prices can be found here.
· Walking – Often underestimated. Short distances are manageable, but anything beyond that quickly becomes inefficient, especially over multiple days.
· Public Transport – see above.
5. Survival and Execution: What Actually Makes the Difference
This is where preparation translates into performance.
Wifi & Phone Chargers
Connectivity is a known weak point at NAB.
However there is a ray of hope! We have just been informed by NAB officials that LVCC offers free Wifi for attendees this year.
WiFi at the Las Vegas Convention Center has in the past been provided through the venue’s infrastructure and service providers, and though it is offers as part of the exhibitors package, in the past, attendees have had to pay or rely on patchy wifi available in the common areas of the venue.
However, even with this news, use caution. Performance can be inconsistent under load, so do not rely on it for anything critical.
“Have everything you need downloaded on your laptop, you can’t rely on Wifi connection. Overall, any presentations and leaflets must always be at your fingertips. Even have a few screenshots on your phone! This way you can always support your elevator pitch with something visual. The advice must seem obvious, but very few people do that.”
If connectivity matters, plan your own:
use an eSIM or local SIM with a US data plan
keep key materials accessible offline
have backup versions ready (including screenshots on your phone)
Bring a power bank. Your phone will not last the day.
Meetings
Scheduling meetings at NAB is different from IBC. There is more room for opportunistic conversations, but that does not replace planning. Here is what attendees say:
“I’d say schedule what is important but don’t over schedule. Better to have time for quality discussions than have tons of discussions. It is also much more enjoyable if you are not pressed.”
· “The best conversations often happen away from the show floor, so make coffee plans in the eating halls where you may serendipitously run into someone. And try and attend a couple of drinks or side events. Americans are very open and friendly, so don't be shy about breaking into a conversation if you find it interesting,” says Sean Hammond, GCore.
· “Make a list of 5 tools you’d like to see in action and where they are located. Schedule outdoor time – grab lunch from a food truck or walk outside the halls. Book a lunch or coffee with someone new. Attend events with a colleague and have them introduce you, you introduce them,” says Amy De Louise, Founder, #GALSNGEAR
The most common failure point is poor coordination.
“When sending a calendar invite for a meeting, it must be very clear and have all the details in the description (like a phone number to call in case of changes, booth location link, booth number, even things like: Our booth is next to AWS or Google, in case there are huge companies next to you that are easy to locate).”
If your calendar invite is unclear, you will waste time finding each other.
Also consider where meetings actually happen.
You do not need to walk the entire show all day. A viable strategy is to:
anchor yourself in a quieter area
schedule people to come to you
use cafés or seating areas for more focused conversations
Networking
Trade shows are relationship environments. Treat them that way.
Do not treat NAB as a pure selling environment.
Many people are there to:
reconnect
maintain partnerships
explore direction
That changes how you should approach conversations. Start with clarity:
who you are
what you do
why it matters
A simple, well-prepared 10–15 second introduction is more effective than a long explanation.
Do not pitch immediately on stands. Start with curiosity. Ask questions. Listen.
Be aware of context. NAB is less formal than IBC in many ways, but that does not mean anything goes. Adjust your tone to the person and situation.
Self Care
Our top tips from industry contributors say it all. This is a physical effort as much as it is a mental and business one.
1) Wear good shoes. It directly affects your performance.“It’s a lot of walking. Last NAB I did 30,000 steps in a day,” says Glen Sanders. “Wear trainers. Soft shoes. Find the stands with padded carpets and rest your feet - the thin carpet and concrete will wear you out and its much tougher than IBC,” says Dom Robinson, Norsk.
2) Staying hydrated is non-negotiable. “Las Vegas is dryer than the Sahara,” says Ian Nock, Fairmile West.
3) Plan your trip comprehensively.
Amy DeLouise, Founder, #GALSNGEAR, contributed this excellent packing checklist:
· Water bottle & Sunglasses - It’s the desert. Be prepared!
· Hand gel - You will meet a thousand people and their germs.
· Clothing: Plan for comfortable, business casual by day. It gets cool at night. Bring a light jacket, sweater, etc. Comfortable shoes are key! Some days you may just roll right from the LVCC to evening activities without time to stop by your hotel, so it’s nice to have a go-bag with a small hairbrush, extra toothbrush/paste, a lipstick, and maybe some cute flats for your evening out!
· Technology - Backpack and Phone charger(s)
· Hotel Confirmation
· Your NAB Show registration
· Business cards / QR Code (know how to pull up your LinkedIn QR)
· Enter a calendar reminder for your return flight check-in—you’ll be busy!
4) Bring snacks – because you will skip meals. And … “Bring mints! You will be doing lots of talking and drinking coffee... so mints are a must,” says Olga Kornienko, EZDRM.
Offsite Events and Parties
Many of the most valuable conversations happen outside exhibition hours, and these events are where a significant part of the industry gathers. Plan your evenings deliberately.
“Book meetings and RSVP for key parties in advance.”
Use the Broadcast Projects’ annual NAB Party and Event List to identify where the industry will be.
6. After NAB: Where the Value Is Realised
What you do after NAB determines whether the week was worth it.
Most people leave with a stack of conversations and no clear follow-through. That is where the opportunity is lost.
Make it easy for people to reconnect with you:
keep your LinkedIn profile current
take notes after conversations while they are still fresh
organise your contacts by priority
Then follow-up with intent.
“Follow-up is where most people fail. I like to follow up the second week after the show. Lots of people take vacations after, or at least a few days off. Give them time to clear their inbox so you don’t get stuck in a pile of responses.”
Do not send generic messages. Reference the conversation. Make the next step clear.
For many, the most meaningful outcome of NAB is not immediate deals, but relationships that develop over time.
NAB rewards preparation. It rewards follow-through. It rewards people who know why they are there.
Janet Greco - 8th April 2026
Acknowledgments
Thanks to the following industry contributors for their valuable insights:
Ramilya Makhpirova (Touchstream), Ian Nock (Fairmile West), Glen Sanders (nanocosmos), Olga Kornienko (EZDRM), Romain Bouqueau (Motion Spell), Rick Smith (Broadcast Blinds), Jiri Matela (Comprimato), Dom Robinson (Norsk), Sean Hammond (GCore) and Amy DeLouise (#GALSNGEAR).
If you have any tips to contribute for next year’s edition, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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> The First Timers Guide to IBC
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