This morning Gordon H. Smith, President and CEO of The NAB Show, sent out a detailed email along with an updated post on the NAB website explaining that due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus and the associated disease COVID-19, NAB 2020 would not be able to reschedule their event this year as previously hoped.

“In light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to hold a rescheduled 2020 NAB Show this year,” Smith writes.

Instead of their traditional show, NAB would approach the remainder of this year with what Smith referred to as a “two-pronged approach.”

1. Digitizing the NAB experience: With a targeted launch of April 2020 (more precise dates are sure to come), Smith detailed what they are calling NAB Show Express. Express will be a digital experience that Smith hopes will act as a conduit for their normal in-person exhibitors to share product information, announcements and demos as well as educational content and programming that was originally scheduled to be premiered in person in Las Vegas.
2. An enhanced NAB New York: Currently scheduled for October 16-17, NAB New York is normally a much smaller event than the giant Las Vegas show, but Smith has promised an enhancement of that experience with “new programs, partners and experiences.” More details of what that will actually entail are promised in the coming weeks.

Additionally, NAB launched a public service campaign for television and radio to address COVID-19 education.

Smith’s plan for the future of NAB seems focused on not only the safety of their exhibitors and guests but also the continued success of their programs.

Smith ended his public statement confirming that NAB 2021 is already in the works, with April 11-14 as the set dates for the popular Las Vegas convention.

[See our COVID-19 resource page for news, business information and creative inspiration that will help you rise to the occasion.]