NAB Tips from around the web

Several of our friends and customers have posted blog articles with tips on how to get the most out of NAB. We're putting them all together here. The #1 Tip we all agree on - Wear Comfortable Shoes!

Walter Biscardi : Tips for NAB 2013 from a Convention Veteran….

Once again, springtime is upon us so of course it’s time for the annual National Association of Broadcasters convention. Last year y’all seemed to like the “before you go tips” so my I present the 2013 edition of “Tips from an NAB Veteran to make the best use of your time.”

Getting to and from the show.
NAB does a great job providing free shuttle transportation to and from the show via many of the hotels along The Strip. Whether you stay in one of these hotels or not, as an attendee, you have access to these busses. So look at the NAB Bus Schedule and pick a hotel nearby to pick up the shuttle, be sure to have your convention badge on you as you generally have to show it to the bus driver to get on.

I tend to take the shuttle busses to the show and then the Las Vegas Monorail from the show depending on what time I’m leaving. Busses can get swamped at the end of the day and while the Monorail costs money, it tends to move more people faster out of the event. I just hop off at the hotel the closest to mine on the way back. read more...

Chris Potter: 10 Tips for Success at NAB

Not everyone loves the hustle and bustle of conferences. If you are an introvert that's more comfortable in an edit suite than on the trade show floor, don't despair. I've found a way to go to these events, enjoy myself, and win.

You see, I fit the classic definition of an introvert. I enjoy spending time by myself. I like one-on-one conversations rather than group discussions. I need time alone to recharge my batteries and process the day's events. This generally isn't the perfect personality fit for an event with 88 thousand people.

But I've chosen a career path that isn't the easiest one for an introvert (no pain, no gain right?). As the founder of a startup, I have to get out and meet people, speak at events, make cold calls, and champion our service. I mean, if I don't spread the word about ScreenLight, then who will?

As a result, I've had to develop techniques to make the most of events like NAB. The core of this has been embracing who I am and playing to my strengths. There is no shame in being an introvert. In fact, there are several character traits that you can leverage at conferences and networking events. For example, introverts tend to be good listeners, they are generally empathetic, and they are good at deep one-on-one conversations.

Read on for ten tips on how to make the most of NAB. read more...

Michele Yamazaki: Michele's NAB Survival Guide

For those of you new to NAB, here is the insiders guide from someone who has been to several NABs in a row. Trust me, I’m a pluginologist.

I think this might be my 9th NAB in a row. I've learned a bit over the years. Here are a few tips I can share with you.

1. Stay hydrated. Bring along a Brita bottle with a filter, or something similar. Sure, you can buy bottled water on the show floor or on The Strip if you want to spend $4 on a 12 oz bottle. A Bud Lights will cost less than a bottle of Dasani. The tap water in Las Vegas, in my opinion, tastes like jet-fuel and chocolate. It's disgusting. Do yourself a favor and bring a filter bottle. You're welcome.
   
2. Bring 2 pair of comfortable shoes. If you're on the Expo floor all day and at events all evening, switching shoes midway through the day helps immensely!
   
3. Pack some snacks! If your schedule is as jam-packed as mine tends to get, there sometimes isn't time to grab a quick bite to eat, or nothing but a bag of Spicy Cheetos, which it may be better to just eat nothing than Spicy Cheetos. Cafeteria lines are long at lunchtime. It's over priced too, under whelming or could even be sold out by the time you get to the front of the line. I've been there. I speak the truth. read more...