Interview with Karen Chupka, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Global Connections and Events at NAB Show
A New Era for NAB Show
– This is your first major show. From your perspective, what were you able to achieve and overcome?
I think there were a few key things. First, we announced several new conference tracks for this year’s show. One of them was the Business Summit, which we launched to bring more executives into the conversation about the ongoing changes in the media and entertainment industries. The second was the Sports Summit, which provided a deep dive into the world of live sports broadcasting, fan engagement, and everything that’s reshaping how sports are covered.
Competing on a Global Stage: Responding to IBC
– IBC has a fairly aggressive strategy in this sector. How do you plan to attract decision-makers from Europe and the Gulf region to the NAB Show?
Part of the strategy is expanding how we define the broadcast community. One of our goals at this year’s show is to help redefine what “broadcast” really means. People often think of NAB as a place for studio builders and professional production. But we cover a full range of technologies — from social media content creation to major television and cinematic productions.
I think we can do a better job of bringing business conversations to the show floor. We have consistently excelled at showcasing technology, but have placed less emphasis on highlighting industry transformation from a business perspective. These conversations need to happen — not just from a U.S. viewpoint, but globally.
Broadening Participation Across the Industry
– What role should exhibitors, brands, buyers, and studios play in that strategy?
We want exhibitors to bring their executives to discuss their future strategies. We want buyers to share their perspectives on market trends. We also encourage studios and brands to explore potential partnerships. Everyone today is using digital and media technologies to tell stories and connect with consumers. NAB Show is where those connections can be built and expanded.
Learning from ISE: What’s Ahead for NAB?
– In early February, we attended the ISE show in Barcelona, which is very focused on AV technologies, both B2B and B2C, and featured 1,600 exhibitors. Do you think NAB Show will reach that level of innovation and transformation?
Yes, although I think it will take a slightly different path. There are already strong, established events in the AV sector. We’re not looking to duplicate those. However, we see a clear opportunity to integrate the best of what they offer into the NAB ecosystem, particularly from companies that serve our market. That’s where I see room for growth.
As for timelines, I think it typically takes about two to three years to build strong momentum and brand awareness. This year is phase one — people are just seeing the proof of concept. We’re already hearing feedback like, “I wish I had known this was happening — I’d love to be more involved.”
Pro AV Growth: Expanding the Definition of Broadcast
– A friend of mine who holds a senior position in the industry said there are usually 5 to 7 TV companies in an average city. But if you draw a one-mile radius around the city center, you’ll find dozens of Pro AV companies. Do you agree?
Absolutely. Pro AV and even studio operations are everywhere now. For example, there’s a Sirius XM studio inside the Wynn Hotel. Many corporations are establishing in-house studios to produce broadcast-quality content for meetings, presentations, and internal or external communications. It’s all expanding far beyond traditional broadcasting and entertainment.
