NAB Show Floors Largest Show in a Decade in Las Vegas
April 13, 2014
From the Cloud to net neutrality and the coolest cameras and software, the future of broadcasting and digital media was the focus of the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2014 that took place April 5-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Not only the products and discussions were impressive here, but also the show featured the largest floor in more than a decade. It was up 7 percent from the previous year, spanning 945,000 net square feet and showcasing 1,746 exhibiting companies. Attendance was at 98,015, an uptick of more than 4 percent from 2013.
"NAB Show continues to reign supreme as the leading global showcase for cutting-edge technologies covering all stages of media and entertainment production," said NAB Executive vice president of communications Dennis Wharton.
The showfloor is evolving with the times. The Connected Media World area, dedicated to the technologies and devices behind content consumption, and Sprockit, an initiative to connect market-ready startups with influencers in the industry, have doubled in size since their launch last year.
To get the most value out of their NAB Show experience, attendees were invited to participate in two guided tours that included companion briefings or go on a self-guided audio tour as part of the mobile app. The tour options included a general “decipher the showfloor,” one dedicated to online video, one focused on branded entertainment and one for a military/government segment.
Whether after a tour or just after a day on the floor, attendees could take advantage of the new “arc@des,” a set of decompression zones set in various locations around the floor, featuring gaming tables, audio headsets, fun with paints and prizes.
This year, for the first time, the show featured the NMX New Media Lounge, home to live streaming video shows, podcasts and interaction with industry professionals the creators of Blogworld and New Media Expo.
"What better place for New Media content creators to network, learn and geek out on the most amazing gear on the planet?” said Rick Calvert, CEO and co-founder of NMX Events. "We are thrilled to be hosting the NMX New Media Lounge at the NAB Show this year. This is an indicator of the convergence of new and traditional media."
Live streaming and mobile storage solutions were at the top of the list for attendee William Wood Jr., director of content for Usefnetwork.
“Our budgets are growing, we’re buying a lot of new stuff and building a new trailer,” he said about his job in the production of video for horse shows.
Finding the right distribution platform remains a challenge because things are changing so quickly. “Long term, broadband speeds of quality are going to go way up,” Wood added. “You’ll be stream live your T.V.”
German-based exhibitor Archiware, a backup and archive software provider, also had a productive show.
“It’s tougher for us to get a good space,” said Sophie Walker, marketing manager for Archiware. “But we do a lot of pre-show work with our customers, and all the major players are here. It’s our most important show in the U.S.”
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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