April 9, 2015
By Joel Unickow VP/Publisher, Streaming Media
Spotlights

Cocktail Parties at NAB 2015

It’s hard to believe this will be my 17th consecutive NAB. Don’t you get a pin or something for that? Want to know how to pick out someone from a crowd that’s been doing NAB for a long time? Look down…comfortable shoes? Veterans know that’s the key to a good NAB.

One thing’s for sure—there’s no lack of activity at NAB, from private dinners to conference-wide awards events. And that’s a good thing. I can’t imagine doing business in a virtual event, Minecraft style. I love meeting and spending the time with people I work with all year long on the phone or even just via email. I love meeting new people, too. I don’t think there’s any technology that will ever replace what can be accomplished with face-to-face meetings. My suggestion is that when you visit NAB this year, don’t just look at the shiny products. Meet the people who bring them to life and spend their waking hours making ideas a reality. If you miss out on that, you are really missing the point of being at a conference.

I spend the majority of my time at the show in planned meetings, and the little spare time I do have, I try to visit as many companies that I don’t know enough about as possible. Sometimes, I even have a couple of hours to wander the expo floor to see if there’s something that would surprise me, and no matter which show I go to, that’s always the case. This year, as usual, I’ve saved the last few hours of the last day to do just that—wander and look for companies that with the right help, might become the next greatest thing.

Of course, you are probably coming for a mix of activity—perhaps some sessions, some meetings, and a good amount of shopping at the expo. You probably have been invited to a dinner or two, and maybe even a crazy party that you’ll regret the next day but would do again in a heartbeat. While you’ve probably got your schedule planned out, you’ll find a common theme on the expo floor near the end of every day—cocktail hour. If you are coming to see streaming companies, and maybe even those on our Who to See at NAB list, I thought I’d share some booth receptions and other goings on you may want to check out; I’ll probably be at some of these too, so if you do come and spot my badge, please say hello. After all, that’s why we are there. And oh, I’ll be checking your shoes.

Note: Some of these require an RSVP, and please add additional ones to the comments below this article if there’s some you’d like to share as well.

Safe travels to everyone, and have a great NAB this year! See you there.

Monday, April 13th 2015

Osprey by Variosystems Cocktail Party - Booth SU11025, 5:00–7:00PM.

Verizon NAB Cocktail Party - Lagasse's Stadium at the Palazzo, 6:30–9:30PM

RSVP in the top right corner of this landing page

Movcam Special Appreciation Event & Cocktails - Booth C10408, 5:00-6:00PM

RSVP

Haivision 'Streaming Media Special' - Paramount Room, Renaissance Hotel, 4:00PM-6:00PM

NewTek Happy Hour Extravaganza - Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, 6:30PM

RSVP on Facebook

Tuesday, April 14th 2015