The National Association of Broadcasters has formally canceled the 2020 NAB Show, originally scheduled for April in Las Vegas, but postponed last week. Instead, the NAB will be offering an online virtual show in April, dubbed NAB Show Express, and adding features to the NAB Show New York later this year.
In a letter to the NAB Show community, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said, in part:
"… (I)n light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to hold a rescheduled 2020 NAB Show this year. We will instead proceed with a two-pronged approach to deliver as much value as possible under these circumstances to our exhibitors, partners, and the broadcast industry as a whole."
"First, we are exploring a number of ways to bring the industry together online, both in the short and long term. We know from many years of serving the community with face-to-face events, that connectivity is vital to the health and success of the industry. That's why we are excited to announce NAB Show Express, targeted to launch in April 2020. This digital experience will provide a conduit for our exhibitors to share product information, announcements and demos, as well as deliver educational content from the original selection of programming slated for the live show in Las Vegas, and create opportunities for the community to interact virtually - all of which adds up to something that brings the NAB Show community together in a new way.
"Second, we will be enhancing NAB Show New York with new programs, partners, and experiences. We have already had numerous conversations with show partners about expanding their participation, and have heard from numerous exhibitors interested in enhancing their presence at this fall's show. NAB Show New York represents the best opportunity for companies to announce and showcase their latest innovations and comes at a perfect time for the industry to gather face-to-face to restart, refocus, and reengage as we move forward together.
"We will have more to say about these efforts in the coming weeks."