2021 NAB Show Moved To October

• The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced that due to ongoing complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 NAB Show will be rescheduled from April to October 2021 in Las Vegas and co-located with the Radio Show.

The news was delivered by NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith in a letter that reads, in part, “As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, our top priority is to deliver a successful NAB Show. We recognize the vital role NAB Show plays as a driver of innovation and an economic engine for the global media and entertainment industry. With that in mind, it is critical we act on your behalf and in a way that will best serve the long-term interests of the industry… The pandemic remains a significant threat and the evidence suggests it will be well into next year before it could be under control in the U.S. We also have our own concerns around being able to deliver the type of event in April that will not only drive results, but one that can be produced safely for all involved and without significant limitations on the experience. Taking all of this into account and in the interest of supporting the business, health and safety concerns of our show community we have decided to move the 2021 NAB Show, previously scheduled for April 11-14, to October 9-13, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Smith continued, “With any difficult decision, there are trade-offs — moving NAB Show to October means we are considering alternative 2021 dates for NAB Show New York, held annually in October. On the plus side, the 2021 Radio Show will co-locate with NAB Show in Las Vegas, as will NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange; and there is opportunity to add additional partner events. Beyond this, we have done our best to avoid direct conflicts with other domestic and international events, and have reached out to allied organizations and partners to both share our thinking in advance and to offer to work collaboratively toward turning this into an opportunity for all.

In closing, Smith said, “With a new date set for the 2021 NAB Show we are looking at the entirety of the calendar next year with fresh eyes. We plan to continue bringing the industry together in a number of ways. In the short-term, we are excited about the online events planned for next month — the Radio Show (October 5-9) and NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange (October 14-15). These signature events, combined with our virtual NAB Show New York (October 19-29), offer dynamic content and engagement opportunities all month long to bring the industry together to restart, reengage and refocus.”