Rethinking Reach: The Value of Regional Broadcast Trade Shows
- Vanessa Mariscal
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
With budgets tighter than ever, regional and state-level conferences offer broadcast managers and engineers a cost-effective opportunity to stay connected, inspired, and informed. These events offer valuable education, targeted networking, and a chance for exhibitors to meet clients in a more economical and personal setting.
“Unlike massive international expos, where smaller voices often get drowned out, regional conferences offer a focused platform where ideas truly resonate,” says Tessa Potter, president of the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers (WABE), which celebrates the 75th anniversary of its annual event this year.
The second half of 2025 is packed with opportunities to see why these smaller-scale shows remain essential. Popular session topics this year include artificial intelligence, virtualization, advanced analytics, evolving FCC regulations, potential changes to EAS requirements, and new strategies for sales teams in today’s dynamic media landscape.
Here’s a curated list of upcoming events worth considering:
TAB Show – Texas Association of Broadcasters
Aug. 6–7
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Round Rock, Texas
The largest state broadcast association show in the U.S., drawing approximately 1,200 attendees and featuring around 125 exhibitors.Technical highlights include:
“Drone-Based Troubleshooting at Tower Sites” by Paul Shulins.
“Transmission Site Security Virtualization” with Matt Leland and Pat Moore.
“SNMP for Remote Control / Transmission Line Imaging” by Tony Peterle.
Alabama Association of Broadcasters Annual Conference
Aug. 7–8
Ross Bridge Resort, Birmingham
A full-day engineering workshop opens the event, featuring Greg Martin (Rohde & Schwarz) on the latest in radio and TV transmitters. Other sessions address diesel generator sizing, the importance of high-quality audio (with Larry Wilkins), AI in broadcasting, public media strategies, and federal broadcast policy.
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Convention
Aug. 12–13
Embassy Suites, La Vista
A multi-track conference covering engineering, programming, sales, management, and newsroom operations. Engineering speakers include: Davina Sashkin (Wilkinson Barker Knauer), Dan Hyatt (DNAV), Jacob Daniluck (Tieline), and Jing Zhou (Harmonic Inc.), with support from SBE Chapter 74.
Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic
Sept. 15–17
Madison Marriott West, Middleton, Wisconsin
Hosted jointly by the Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters Associations and SBE chapters, this longstanding clinic dates back to 1956. Featured sessions include:
“Tectonic Trends Impacting Broadcasters” by NAB’s Sam Matheny.
Advances in FM antennas (Nicole Starrett, Dielectric).
Transmitter site strategies (Jeff Welton, Nautel).
Project planning and tech tips from Paul Stewart and John Bisset.
Midwest Broadcast & Multimedia Technology Conference
Sept. 24–25
Columbus, Ohio
This two-day event brings together five state broadcast associations and features sessions tailored for both engineers and multimedia professionals. The Society of Broadcast Engineers will hold its national meeting in conjunction with this conference.
WABE Media & Entertainment Technology Conference
Sept. 29–Oct. 1
Telus Convention Centre, Calgary
Celebrating its 75th year, WABE offers a mix of networking, education, and industry celebration. Last year’s event in Edmonton drew around 400 attendees. Organizers encourage broadcast and entertainment tech professionals to share insights, explore solutions, and shape the industry's future. Free exhibit-only passes are available.
CCBE/OAB Conferences
Oct. 27–28
Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
This year, the Central Canada Broadcast Engineers Conference moves to Toronto and partners for the first time with the Ontario Association of Broadcasters. The list of sessions will be released soon.
More Events to Watch:
Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Conference & Awards: Aug. 18, Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville.
GABCON (Georgia Association of Broadcasters): Sept. 19–20, Truist Park, Atlanta.
Kansas Association of Broadcasters Convention: Oct. 6, Manhattan, Kansas.
NAB Show New York: Oct. 21–23, Javits Center.
AES Show: Oct. 22–25, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to network, learn about the latest tech, or simply reconnect with peers, regional trade shows continue to offer unmatched value. These smaller, targeted gatherings allow for real conversations, hands-on education, and a more personal look at the trends shaping the broadcast industry.
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