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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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