For a second consecutive year, the NAB will not hold a spring show in Las Vegas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 NAB Show has been rescheduled for Oct. 9-13, 2021. Previously planned for April 11-14, the Vegas show is being moved due to the “uncertainty over what the next six months will bring,” CEO Gordon Smith wrote in a letter to the NAB Show community.
“As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, our top priority is to deliver a successful NAB Show,” Smith explained. The group has been monitoring “a range of variables, including health and safety concerns, economic indicators, industry developments and travel restrictions” in an effort to make the best decision for next year’s gathering. The NAB Show community also offered its feedback, Smith said.
“Through all of this we have witnessed growing concern and uncertainty over what the next six months will bring; enough that there appears to be a good deal of reluctance around participating in large events in the first half of next year,” he continued. With the pandemic still expected to be a major health crisis well into 2021, Smith said the NAB has “concerns around being able to deliver the type of event in April that will not only drive results, but one that can be produced safely for all involved and without significant limitations on the experience.
“Taking all of this into account and in the interest of supporting the business, health and safety concerns of our show community we have decided to move the 2021 NAB Show, previously scheduled for April 11–14, to October 9–13, 2021 in Las Vegas,” he said.
With the date change for the Vegas show, Smith said the organization is considering alternate dates for the 2021 NAB Show New York, held annually in October. “On the plus side, the 2021 Radio Show will co-locate with NAB Show in Las Vegas as will NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange; and there is opportunity to add additional partner events,” he added. “With a new date set for the 2021 NAB Show we are looking at the entirety of the calendar next year with fresh eyes.”
Online events scheduled for the next month include the virtual Radio Show (Oct. 5-9), the NAB’s Sales and Management Television Exchange (Oct. 14-15) and the virtual NAB Show New York (Oct. 19-29). “These signature events offer dynamic content and engagement opportunities all month long to bring the industry together to restart, reengage and refocus,” Smith remarked.