WASHINGTON — Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that voice technologies are touted as the next big thing for radio. But, how exactly, should media managers use them to grow audiences or increase revenues?

NAB’s Pilot and the Local Media Association aim to answer those questions and more at the first Voice Summit for digital media pros and strategists, the National Association of Broadcasters says.

In the announcement, Pilot Executive Director John Clark explained the “rapid expansion of voice-enabled devices is creating new considerations and opportunities for media companies as they seek to connect and engage with consumers.” He added the summit will investigate “these increasingly popular devices and how media organizations can best integrate them in to their overall business strategies.”

The Voice Summit will feature case studies and insights into how media companies can use these new platforms to attract and retain audiences and grow revenue. Representatives from NPR, The Washington Post, Hubbard Interactive, E.W. Scripps, iHeartRadio, Saga Communications and Amplifi Media are currently scheduled to present, described as “early adopters that have invested heavily and have a lot to share” by LMA President Nancy Lane.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 11 at NAB headquarters in Washington.

Early bird registration costs $395 through Oct. 31, but will increase by $100 after that date. But don’t jump the gun just to get the cheaper rate — check your calendar because there’s a $100 cancellation fee if you cancel before Nov. 1, but there are no refunds available later.

The Local Media Association serves local media companies and research and development partners. It assists companies with the digital transitions.

WASHINGTION—The NAB’s Pilot innovation initiative with the Local Media Association will host an event Jan. 30, 2018, dedicated to examining new strategies for video delivered over the top, via broadcast, through social media and on other emerging distribution platforms, NAB announced today. The event, The Video Summit: A Forum for Video Business Solutions, will be held at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of NAB.

The summit is designed for digital media professionals and strategist. Case studies from various local media organizations will be presented.

Other highlights include:

· Keynote presentation by Micah Gelman, director of video and senior editor at The Washington Post;

· Revenue projections for digital video from media analyst Gordon Borrell;

· Insight from YouTube and other OTT platforms regarding local media content and revenue; and

· A discussion about the impact of augmented and virtual reality on media.

“The rapid expansion of video use and consumption is creating new opportunities for media organizations and professionals,” said Pilot Executive Director John Clark in a press release announcing the event. “The Video Summit will examine this growth in addition to the trends and best practices when developing and implementing profitable video strategies.”

Registration costs $395; after Jan. 12, 2018, the price rises to $495.

More information is available on the NAB Pilot website.

WASHINGTON—NAB’s Pilot and the Local Media Association (LMA) will serve as co-hosts for an OTT Summit that is scheduled to take place Jan. 23, 2017 in Washington D.C. The summit will look into the logistics of incorporating OTT into existing business models and how to effectively leverage the technology.

Topics expected to be covered during the summit include local and national revenue forecasts; strategies for investment; and current examples of implementation by media companies. Graham Media, Schurz Communications, Calkins Media and BIA/Kesley have been tapped as presenters.

Early-bird registration is currently available at $395 for NAB and LMA members and $495 for non-members. Both registration fees will go up $100 after Jan. 6.

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