It’s only January but already the planning is well underway for the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas. The annual pilgrimage for the followers of all things in media production. In March I’ll update my annual “Tips before you go” article but as I know many of you are going to be making your travel plans soon, here’s a quick tip if you can only make it to the show for one full day. Go on Wednesday.
The reasons are quite simple really. The crowds are smaller so it’s much easier to move around the show floor and get up close and personal with the gear and people. There’s still a lot of people there, don’t get me wrong, but compared to Monday and Tuesday, it’s much easier to see what you want to see and ask the questions you want to ask.
Speaking of questions, by going Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to read any and all press releases, articles, blogs and so forth to get a handle on what the various companies have introduced and what the press and your fellow creatives are saying about them. If you are only there for one day on Monday that means you have to digest all the Sunday and Monday morning press releases and run around like mad to see things.
So I would arrive in Vegas on Tuesday afternoon, take in an event or two Tuesday evening so you can meet up with some creatives to discuss what’s out on the show floor and then you’re ready to hit the ground running Wednesday morning. If you have the time to stay another day, stick around for Thursday morning and hit any second tier booths you still want to see. The show does close earlier on Thursday so making that your only day at the show would shorten up your available time.
We’ll see you at the show!