There may be no better way to alert visitors to what’s in store at this year’s NAB Show than to extend a simple four-word greeting: Welcome to the future.

If last year’s show was designed to explore what an artificial intelligence-saturated world might hold for everyone with a stake in media and entertainment, this year’s event can be described as a sleeves-rolled-up plunge into doing business in a world where that future has arrived. In remarkably short order, the industry has progressed from debating where things are going to jumping aboard a train about to leave the station.

“With more hands-on activations, in-depth discussions and next-generation technologies on display, the 2025 NAB Show is set to be the ultimate destination for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving media and entertainment industry,” Karen Chupka, NAB’s managing director and executive vice president for Global Connections and Events, said.

Displays and events on the exhibit floor complemented by a jam-packed conference schedule featuring more than 500 speakers will focus on developments along five trend lines that define the new reality, including AI, cloud virtualization, the creator economy, sports and streaming.

For example, the pervasive impact of sports will be highlighted by a new three-day Sports Summit: The Future of Sports Rights and Fan Experience, which explores the technology and trends transforming the sports fan experience and driving new revenue streams, as well as the Sports Business Hub, devoted to exploring new revenue models and engagement strategies.

In addition to the sessions, hands-on activations will include Reimagining Sports Media Through AI-Powered Transformation With Microsoft, as well as the Live Esports Racing Challenge presented by AWS and NVIDIA, Chupka said.

In the streaming domain, Chupka said, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), OTT service providers and everyone else attending this year’s Streaming Summit will gain insight into “new monetization strategies, evolving consumer behavior and the continued rise of hybrid models like FAST, AVOD and subscription bundling.”

In addition, “Brands like AWS, Amagi, Veritone and Zixi will showcase the latest advancements in content delivery and ad-tech solutions.”

Participants in the Creator Economy will find the show is highly focused on “the merging of trends across Hollywood, broadcast and independent digital creators,” Chupka added.

“The same tools, gear and techniques used in big-budget films and live TV productions are now accessible to creators producing content for social media platforms. This shift is breaking down industry barriers — today, all content creators, regardless of platform, can come together at NAB Show to explore workflows and technology.”

One such creator — boasting some 24 million subscribers — is Main Stage speaker Dhar Mann, who will appear at NAB Show on Wednesday. The Forbes Top Creator will discuss how he and other creators are scaling digital intellectual property, partnering with brands and harnessing other trends, Chupka said.

The AI Juggernaut
There’s no better testament to the transformative fait accompli on display at this year’s show than the normalization of AI in just about every facet of operations.

“From the AI Innovation Pavilion to sessions across the show floor, we’re highlighting AI’s role in content creation, workflow automation and audience engagement,” Chupka said.

“The AI Video Editing Workshops and expanded Creative AI track at Post|Production World will provide hands-on training with tools like Descript, Runway, Premiere Pro and Firefly, helping professionals integrate AI into their editing, VFX and animation workflows.”

Conference sessions hosting AI-related discussions about security, content integrity and copyright protection will be front and center.

For the rapidly growing number of TV station groups that have grown comfortable with their ability to validate and implement AI solutions in day-to-day operations, the show’s emphasis on AI will be right in stride with what they’re looking for.

AI is “saving time and enhancing workflows,” Christina Hartman, vice president of emerging technology operations at E.W. Scripps, said. “The big story about AI in the newsroom is it’s revealing how much time we’ve been wasting on processing, on versioning to take a story to multiple platforms, on reviewing large documents.”

West Hall Presence for Broadcasters
Indeed, no sector is more affected by the transition to the new M&E reality than television and radio broadcasters. NAB Show has gone to new lengths to address their needs, starting with arranging a more convenient location for broadcast-related conference sessions.

This year’s lineup, including the Broadcast Management track, the Broadcast Engineering & IT Conference and the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum, as well as the NAB Member Town Hall and Member Lounge, will be located in the TV and Radio HQ on the second floor of the West Hall.

On the show floor below, Chupka said, attendees will find “the majority of radio exhibits, broadcast innovation discoverable in Futures Park and top-notch thought leaders speaking on the Main Stage, including the NAB Show Welcome session and We Are Broadcasters ceremony.”

NAB Show intensifies the emphasis on ATSC 3.0 under the NextGen TV brand with a major presence in the West Hall amid anticipation that the new administration in Washington will forge a regulatory climate more favorable to broadcasters. With ATSC 3.0 signals now available to 77% of U.S. households, the show will serve to “highlight how forward-looking policies can accelerate these advancements and ensure local stations remain at the forefront of serving our communities,” Chupka said.

Many station groups will be doing all they can at the show to connect the benefits of new technology with their pursuit of regulatory goals. Sinclair Broadcast Group, for example, will likely be taking a “very strong public stance” highlighting the need for NextGen TV, said Sinclair Senior Vice President, Advanced Technology Mark Aitken, who also serves as president of Sinclair’s all-IP platform subsidiary One Media Technologies.

Sinclair will make the case that it’s time for the government to sunset ATSC 1.0, buttressed by the fact that the NextGen TV transition is essential to making the Broadcast Positioning System a national security backup to GPS. Aitken also notes Sinclair will highlight opportunities for broadcasters to exploit the ATSC 3.0 data delivery system with support from the new EdgeBeam Wireless joint venture formed by Scripps, Gray Media, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair.

Ahead of NAB Show New York, Future’s Terry Scutt, content director for the NAB Show Daily, asked Karen Chupka, NAB’s managing director and executive vice president, Global Connections and Events, for her thoughts on how things are going since she joined NAB and events taking place at the convention next month. NAB Show New York will be held at the Javits Center Oct. 9–10.

DAILY: It’s been several months since the departure of your predecessor, Chris Brown. How are you settling in? What have been some of your priorities while assuming your new role?

KAREN CHUPKA: The first 10 months have been a great experience. I’ve focused on learning the nuances of NAB Show in Las Vegas, NAB Show New York and the broader industry. NAB Show has an outstanding reputation as the premier gathering where global visionaries and storytellers come to find the inspiration, tools and technologies needed to create, distribute and monetize content. My key priorities have been understanding the full scope of what we offer and working to make it even easier for our audiences to access everything they need.

DAILY: How does NAB Show New York differentiate itself from other media and entertainment conventions?

CHUPKA: NAB Show New York stands out by leveraging its location in the media capital of the world. It is designed to cater to the East Coast’s thriving broadcast, media and entertainment sectors, offering more than just an exhibition — but a strategic platform for learning, networking and discovery. NAB Show New York offers an intimate show floor that allows attendees to dive deep into meaningful conversations and hands-on experiences with industry leaders and decision-makers. Whether you're exploring innovations in AI, virtual production or live sports, the Show provides a vast learning, exploration and meaningful connections.

Additionally, being in New York allows us to tap into the city's vast ecosystem of major media brands, production studios and tech firms, drawing attendees from ABC, NBC, HBO and many other key players. Decision-makers can easily access NAB Show New York, making it the ideal event for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of broadcast, media and entertainment.

DAILY: Given that the 2024 NAB Show attendance numbers were slightly down from 2023, do you expect a lighter attendance in New York as well?

CHUPKA: The 2024 NAB Show verification rate increased, meaning our show floor was busier than the previous year, and the quality of attendees — those truly interested in learning, networking and closing business deals — was strong.

For NAB Show New York, we expect a similar trend of highly engaged attendees with a projected attendance of 12,000, 79% of whom are buyers and 34% being final decision-makers. New York’s proximity to major industry players, coupled with its reputation as the media capital of the world, makes it an attractive option for those who may not have been able to travel to Las Vegas for NAB Show in April. The event’s intimate format also encourages deep interactions between exhibitors and attendees, providing high value to those who attend, 32% of whom come in buying groups from broadcasters such as ABC, CBS, Fox Corp. and NBC Universal to American Express, AT&T, Bloomberg, Columbia University, National Geographic, National Hockey League, US Senate Recording Studio, Warner Bros Discovery and YouTube.

We’ve also added timely and relevant content for the fourth quarter, including our Election Coverage Summit on Thursday, October 10. The Summit will address the critical challenges of political reporting, focusing on safety for journalists and the fight against disinformation during an election cycle. With the upcoming elections, this content is particularly vital for our attendees from newsrooms and broadcasting stations. Coupled with our focus on live production, AI and the creator economy, NAB Show New York is set to maintain strong engagement and attendance this year.

DAILY: Artificial intelligence was a large focus for the spring NAB Show. What are the key themes or trends that will be highlighted in New York?

CHUPKA: AI will certainly remain a significant focus at NAB Show New York, particularly as it continues to evolve and impact all areas of broadcast, media and entertainment. However, we’re also spotlighting key trends such as the creator economy and live production. The creator economy is booming, with influencers and independent creators shaping new business models and building brands. We’ll feature sessions exploring how creators can leverage AI, monetization strategies and content distribution tools to maximize their reach and success.

In live production, particularly in sports, you can find information on the shift to cloud-based workflows, remote production and AI-driven real-time analytics. The event will also feature immersive discussions on virtual production techniques that are transforming everything from traditional filmmaking to live sports broadcasting. By addressing these cutting-edge themes, NAB Show New York ensures that professionals are prepared to capitalize on the latest innovations in the industry.

DAILY: How is NAB Show New York addressing the needs of smaller media companies and independent creators?

CHUPKA: One of the key strengths of NAB Show New York is its intimate show floor, which provides the perfect environment for smaller media companies and independent creators to explore solutions tailored to their specific needs. The format allows attendees to have more one-on-one time with exhibitors, giving them a deeper understanding of how various tools and technologies can work together in their workflows. This hands-on approach is particularly valuable for smaller businesses that may not have access to large-scale production facilities and need to optimize their operations efficiently.

Additionally, the Show highlights accessible and affordable solutions that cater to independent creators, whether they’re looking to build their own home studios, enhance their post-production capabilities or monetize their content. NAB Show New York empowers creators of all sizes to find the right tools and technologies to elevate their content and grow their businesses.

NAB Show New York also addresses industry-specific needs through targeted programming like TVNewsCheck's Local TV Strategies program, which focuses on helping local broadcasters navigate the disrupted media ecosystem with sessions on financial forecasting, NextGen TV, streaming and AI. Similarly, the Radio + Podcast Interactive Forum provides insights into how radio and podcasting professionals are leveraging technology for programming and marketing success. These sessions provide smaller media companies and independent creators the opportunity to learn from top industry leaders while connecting with peers to grow their businesses.

DAILY: There are three theaters on the show floor. Can you share their purpose and what attendees can expect to see in each?

CHUPKA: Each of the three theaters at NAB Show New York is designed to highlight key themes within the broadcast, media and entertainment sectors. The first theater, located within the Photo+Video Pavilion, has quite a few sessions on content creation, featuring sessions on cinematography, AI and virtual production to name a few. Attendees can look forward to discussions, such as Fujifilm’s deep dive into storytelling tools and AbelCine’s exploration of virtual production success stories. These sessions are complemented by an AI-focused happy hour, offering networking opportunities with industry experts.

The second theater will feature a wide variety of content including high-profile discussions around streaming and the creator economy. Notable sessions include the keynote with Tubi’s CEO, Anjali Sud, discussing how the platform is leading the free streaming space, which will be streamed on Vox Media’s podcast “Channels,” hosted by Peter Kafka. We’ll also have engaging conversations around how solopreneurs are building successful brands in the creator economy.

The third theater also has a diverse offering of conversations including sports and AI. Sessions such as "Beyond the Game" will explore how top athletes are building media businesses and engaging with fans in new ways through digital platforms, social media and podcasts. The integration of AI into sports broadcasting will also be a key focus, with panels on real-time, AI-driven sports highlights and the future of sports media.

The learning experiences in the theaters are paired with interactive happy hours, providing attendees with valuable opportunities to network and exchange insights.

DAILY: Any notable keynote speakers or panel discussions that attendees should look forward to?

CHUPKA: Yes, we have a stellar lineup of speakers and panel discussions that will provide deep insights into some of the most pressing topics in the industry. One of the most anticipated sessions is the keynote with Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, discussing how the platform has become a key player in the streaming wars. Moderated by Peter Kafka of Business Insider, this session will offer invaluable insights into how free, ad-supported streaming services are transforming the media landscape.

Additionally, Ray Chao from Vox Media will lead a panel titled "Beyond the Game," which explores how athletes are using digital media to build personal brands and engage audiences beyond traditional sports platforms. This session, featuring leading experts from Vox Media and CAA Sports, will provide a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, media and digital content creation.

The Election Coverage Summit will be moderated by esteemed journalists Molly Ball, senior political correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, and Lisa Lerer, national political correspondent at The New York Times. They will explore the critical challenges of covering elections, focusing on issues like political safety, disinformation and the evolving landscape of modern journalism.

Another standout conference is the Radio + Podcasting Interactive Forum, featuring storytelling powerhouse The Moth, with executive producer Sarah Austin Jenness, alongside award-winning radio host Patti Jackson and Matt DeGroot, vice president of production at Crooked Media/Pod Save America. They’ll discuss how they built successful brands through storytelling and leveraging digital platforms like podcasts. These sessions, combined with interactive roundtable discussions, will give attendees the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and take actionable insights back to their businesses.

To register for the show, visit nabshow.com/newyork2024/

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that trade show veteran Karen Chupka will succeed Chris Brown as managing director and executive vice president, Global Connections and Events, effective January 1, 2024. 

Brown announced in July that he is transitioning out of NAB following the 2024 NAB Show, after 25 years of service to the organization.

Chupka comes to NAB after more than three decades of leadership experience with the Consumer Technology Association, including executive vice president of CES and chief strategy officer. 

In her new role at NAB, Chupka will set the strategy, manage the business and oversee the people that produce NAB Show, NAB Show New York and NAB Amplify, an online community of innovators and content creators.

"The future of NAB Show is bright with Karen at the helm and we are thrilled to welcome her to the NAB team," said NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. "With her long track record of exemplary leadership managing and growing one of the largest trade shows in the world, NAB Show exhibitors and attendees will be well-served by her unparalleled expertise and experience. As the NAB Show continues to grow, we look forward to the extraordinary experiences Karen and her team will create for our community.”

"I also want to again thank Chris Brown for his more than two decades of service to NAB. His leadership has been critical to the growth and success of NAB Show,” he continued. “I am grateful for his many years of dedicated service and his role in shepherding a smooth transition."

"I am excited to step into this role and work alongside the incredible team at NAB to produce the premier trade show serving the media and entertainment industry," said Chupka. "NAB Show is a widely respected and unrivaled marketplace of innovative products, services and ideas that are driving the future of the media industry. I look forward to leveraging our collective expertise and passion to continue to provide a remarkable experience for our exhibitors, attendees and partners."

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) held its annual kickoff to CES on Thursday, with CES Unveiled New York once again held at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

But invoking the CTA’s infamous mantra of “Innovate or Die,” the organization mixed things up a bit this year, and the event was far from a carbon copy of the past. The introductory press conference was set up in a more casual setting across tables and couches, and the subsequent tabletop portion of the event was transformed into a more “experiential” environment, with attendees given the opportunity to get hands-on with new technology.

Find Out How To Receive Editorial Coverage In The Official CES Daily

Gary Shapiro, CTA president/CEO, kicked things off by highlighting the global environment of CES, describing it both as “the coolest, funnest, greatest tech event in the world” and the “only venue in the entire world where the entire ecosystem comes together.”

On that note, he addressed the CTA’s well-known critical stance on the Trump-imposed tariffs, warning of the “serious ramifications for companies in our industries and many industries” if the tariffs on imports from China rise from the current 10 percent to 25 percent on Jan. 1 as presently scheduled.

Shapiro also highlighted some of the upcoming new areas at CES, taking place Jan. 8-11 in Las Vegas, including the expanded Smart Cities Marketplace and the new Resilience conference, focusing on technologies enabling countries, cities and people to respond to and rebound from calamities, both natural and otherwise.

He furthermore announced that the CTA’s next book, “Ninja Future,” will officially launch at CES and unveiled the organization’s inaugural Tech Media Trailblazers Class of 2019. This group is made up of new journalists who will have the opportunity to cover CES for the first time. (Among the participants: David Lumb of TechRadar, a TWICE sister publication.)

Karen Chupka, executive VP of CES, provided further details on the upcoming show, which will feature an expected 4,500 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and territories. New exhibitors include John Deere, JD.com, Procter & Gamble, and Raytheon.

Eureka Park, the dedicated area for start-ups, will host a record 1,200 exhibitors from 40 different countries, Chupka said, while 150 auto exhibitors will be spread across a space larger than four football fields.

Artificial intelligence and robotics will also play prominent roles at this year’s show, as will digital health. As previously announced, CES 2019 will, for the first time, offer attendees the ability to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits.

ALEXANDRIA, VA--The Consumer Technology Association has promoted Karen Chupka and Tiffany Moore to newly created roles.

Chupka has been named executive vice president of CES. She was been with the association for about three decades. Chupka has held numerous roles within the organization, including vice president of business development, director of industry relations and education, and director of marketing for CES. She has also served as director of business development with Gartner and worked for the National Association of Manufacturers.

She now oversees the sales, marketing, conferences, operations and management of CTA’s events including its annual tradeshows, CES and CES Asia.

Moore is now senior vice president of political and industry affairs. She joined CTA in 2015 as vice president of government and political affairs. Her new role will include overseeing CTA’s U.S. Jobs, and Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

She previously served in public sector roles, including assistant U.S. trade representative for intergovernmental affairs and public liaison at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and legislative director for U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). She also has experience as director of government relations for Kellogg Company, principal at Moore Consulting and a strategic consultant with TwinLogic Strategies.