What should attendees expect from this year’s NAB Show?
The 2025 NAB Show is set to be bigger and more dynamic, bringing together global leaders in broadcast, media and entertainment. Attendees can expect cutting-edge insights on AI, streaming, cloud virtualisation and the creator economy, plus a major new focus on sports media with the launch of the new Sports Summit: The Future of Sports Rights and Fan Experience.
With 1,300 exhibitors, 550+ sessions and immersive activations like My SportsCenter powered by Microsoft and AWS F1 Simulators, NAB Show is where the industry’s biggest players come to connect, innovate and shape the future of content. Whether you’re in broadcasting, production or tech, this is the place to see what’s next.
You’ve chosen five trends/topics to focus on this year (AI, cloud virtualisation, creator economy, sport and streaming) – why those five in particular?
These five trends are driving the future of media, entertainment and technology. AI is transforming content creation, audience engagement and production workflows. Cloud virtualisation is making media production more flexible, scalable and cost-effective. The creator economy is reshaping traditional media as independent creators build massive audiences and new revenue streams. Sports continue to be a powerhouse for live entertainment, with evolving media rights, streaming innovations and fan engagement strategies. Streaming is redefining content distribution, with new monetisation models and personalisation tools changing how audiences consume media.
Each of these trends is interconnected, and at the 2025 NAB Show, attendees will explore the latest tech, learn from industry leaders and discover how these forces are shaping the future of storytelling.
What can visitors expect to see at the show in regard to those five topics?
The 2025 NAB Show brings these trends to life with cutting-edge technology, expert insights and hands-on experiences. The AI Innovation Pavilion, Startup Stage at PropelME and training and education sessions put AI front and centre, showcasing advancements in production, audience analytics and content security. Live production demos and sessions explore how cloud virtualisation enhances workflow efficiency and scalability.
The Creator Lab gives digital pioneers and brands a platform to share strategies for audience growth and monetisation. The Sports Summit dives into media rights, live production innovations and next-gen fan experiences. The Streaming Summit, Programming Everywhere: The Content Event for Linear, Streaming and Syndication and exhibitor showcases highlight the latest in OTT, FAST and personalised content delivery.
On the show floor and in education, visitors will experience these trends in action, connect with industry leaders and explore the technologies shaping the future of content.
The Sports Summit is new this year – why should NAB visitors attend?
The new Sports Summit: The Future of Sports Rights and Fan Experience is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in sports media. This three-day programme will dive into the tech and trends reshaping fan engagement and unlocking new revenue streams. With industry leaders from the NFL, AWS and iHeart Women’s Sports, just to name a few, attendees will gain actionable insights into the evolving sports landscape. We’ll also have interactive activations like the F1 Simulators, a popular sport worldwide, where fans can feel like they’re in the action.
And, it’s not just about American sports. The Summit will cover global trends, including international broadcasting strategies and the rise of women’s sports worldwide. Expect discussions on everything from American football to golf to tennis, ensuring a broad, global perspective.
How do you plan on catering for non-US visitors at this year’s show in terms of topics, speakers, events etc?
The 2025 NAB Show offers a truly global experience with international speakers, sessions and exhibitors addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping media and entertainment worldwide. Key sessions will explore global broadcasting strategies, the rise of international streaming platforms and the rapid growth of women’s sports across different markets.
International speakers and executives from major global media companies will take the stage to share insights on industry trends, regulations and innovations. Attendees can also engage with international pavilions featuring exhibitors from countries like Germany, France, Korea and the UK, showcasing new technologies and solutions tailored for global markets.
For networking and collaboration, the show facilitates delegation programmes and country-specific meetups, bringing together industry professionals from around the world. With roughly 27 per cent of attendees coming from outside the US, the show ensures a global perspective, making it a key destination for media professionals everywhere.
Can you tell us about any speakers who attendees should watch out for?
Dhar Mann, a Forbes Top Creator, and Sean Atkins, CEO of Dhar Mann Studios, will take the Main Stage to share how they built a multi-million-dollar digital content empire. Attendees can even ask them questions directly in an interactive Q&A at Creator Lab.
For music, broadcast and live performance fans, Bobby Carter, the driving force behind NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, will break down how he helped turn the intimate series into a global sensation. In sports media, Jessie Katz, head of iHeart Women’s Sports, will explore the rapid rise of women’s sports, while Tracy Perlman, SVP of player operations at the NFL, will discuss leveraging on-air talent to elevate content, build fan loyalty and enhance audience connections.
For those interested in post production, Jeff Groth, the Oscar-nominated editor behind films like Joker and War Dogs, will lead an editing workshop, offering hands-on insights into his craft.
Any innovation this year in terms of the show floor?
In 2025 the show is levelling up with new interactive spaces and hands-on experiences. The Startup Stage at PropelME in West Hall will connect early-stage companies with investors and industry leaders through live pitches, showcases and networking. Futures Park will showcase cutting-edge R&D projects that have not yet been commercialised, offering a glimpse into future tech on the horizon. The AI Innovation Pavilion will display the latest in AI, giving attendees a chance to explore the latest tools and connect with decision-makers. Premiere Park is also in the West Hall highlighting first-time exhibitors debuting fresh innovations.
What are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s show?
NAB Show features the latest tools and technologies for broadcast, media and entertainment. I’m blown away by all the equipment and technology that enables stories to be captured and told. I’m also excited about some of the new visionaries we are bringing to our stages. For instance, the new The Business of Entertainment track, launched in partnership with The Ankler, is a major highlight of the 2025 NAB Show. It’s bringing unfiltered conversations on the biggest industry shifts—mergers and acquisitions, content bundles, new advertising models, the state of production and emerging consumer trends—with top execs and Hollywood’s game changers leading the discussions.
What piece of technology innovation or new trend has stood out for you over the past year?
AI continues to be the biggest game-changer, touching every corner of the industry—from content creation and personalisation to workflow automation and audience analytics. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s unlocking entirely new ways to tell stories, engage viewers and streamline production. It will enhance storytelling especially when coupled with visionary creators.
AI will be present throughout the show, but there will also be a dedicated AI Innovation Pavilion, hands-on training and exhibitor showcases featuring the latest advancements. There will be an expanded Creative AI track at Post|Production World, covering practical AI applications in motion graphics, video editing and animation. Workshops will provide hands-on experience with tools like Descript, Runway, Premiere Pro and Firefly.
While AI is driving incredible advancements, conversations at the 2025 NAB Show will also explore its challenges, ensuring that content creators, broadcasters and media professionals can harness its power responsibly and effectively.
Please sum up this year’s NAB Show in three words.
Innovative. Transformative. Unmissable.
All images courtesy NAB
