October might feel far away, but in the PR world, it’s already time to start planning for NAB Show New York, taking place October 21-23 at the Javits Center. If your company is in the media, entertainment or tech space, NAB Show New York is your next opportunity to make an impact, especially if April left you with unfinished business, unanswered emails or unmet goals.
But first—what is NAB, exactly? Organized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NAB Show is the preeminent annual event for professionals working in broadcast, media, entertainment and technology. The Las Vegas edition is massive, drawing more than 60,000 attendees to multiple halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For newcomers and veterans alike, it’s a whirlwind of keynotes, demos and networking. The New York show offers a more compact, curated version.
So, is it worth the trip?
A more intimate version of NAB
NAB Show New York isn’t trying to compete with its Vegas counterpart. Instead, it offers a more focused experience with about 13,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors. You’ll still see the major players but with less chaos and more room for meaningful conversations.
There’s a reason why so many companies show up: the chance to connect with key decision-makers, demo emerging tech and secure media coverage that boosts your credibility going into the new year. And with a more regional press pool in attendance, it’s a perfect opportunity to build relationships with East Coast outlets you may not always engage with.
PR at NAB Show New York
Whether you’re exhibiting or simply walking the floor, NAB Show New York is a great place to tell your story. There’s more breathing room to secure media interviews without the rush of a mega-conference and reporters are more available for longer, more thoughtful conversations.
We recommend starting your outreach in early September to get on reporters’ calendars before they fill up. From there, focus on identifying target media, coordinating logistics and preparing your spokespeople with clear talking points. If you plan to do interviews on-site, assign someone from your team to manage timing, take notes and flag any follow-up opportunities that come out of the conversation.
No booth? No problem.
Exhibiting is great, but it’s not the only way to make an impression. We’ve supported clients at NAB with and without booths and booked over a dozen interviews either way. From leveraging speaking opportunities to walking the show floor with intention, there are plenty of ways to get noticed.
If you’re attending without a booth, consider identifying two or three key themes that align with your brand and preparing a few clear, compelling talking points around them. These will come in handy during hallway conversations, chance press encounters and spontaneous networking moments throughout the event.
What’s new this year?
This year’s lineup includes a day dedicated to the Creator Economy (Oct 23), a journalism summit focused on AI and hybrid newsroom models and sessions on live sports content, streaming and monetization. NAB Show New York is your chance to hear from brands, leagues and creators in one room.
NAB Show New York is shaping up to be more than just a regional event. It’s an essential opportunity to learn what’s next, be seen by the right people and keep your media momentum going post-Vegas. And if you missed NAB 2025 earlier this year or want a refresher, check out our event recap here.
Looking ahead at next steps
There is immense value in bringing your PR team with you to these events, and even more value in exploring what can be done with your PR budget, especially with a politely pushy agency to do your heavy lifting.
If you’re considering NAB Show New York but aren’t sure where to start, we can help. From identifying your goals to building your media plan, our team will make sure you’re not just attending, you’re standing out. Not sure what would be best for your PR plan? Take Bospar’s quiz to outline how we can best support your efforts.
