LAS VEGAS — The 2025 NAB Show has come to a close, with a new logo unveiled by the association across a multi-day affair that has seen its registered attendance plummet since its pre-COVID days at the under-construction Las Vegas Convention Center.
As the final day of the conference and expo concluded Wednesday, the National Association of Broadcasters reported that this year’s event “drew more than 55,000 registered attendees from 160 countries.”
The total number reflects those who may have registered with complimentary access, upward of 1,000 members of the press, and individuals who may have popped in for a quick session and departed. On the floor of the West Hall, traffic was steady but far from packed; North Hall traffic peaked on Monday; South Hall traffic was concentrated near the entrance, where Radio Ink and RBR+TVBR magazines could be found across the conference.
In 2022, the NAB put the preliminary registered attendance for that year’s conference and expo at 52,468. Prior to the pandemic, the NAB Show typically attracted over 100,000 people from all over the world.
The final 2019 attendance was 92,912. Last year, some 61,000 attendees were counted.
From the languages spoken in the crowd, participants from Brazil, Mexico and Asia helped buoy the 2025 numbers. The NAB reports that international participants made up 26% of attendees; 53% of attendees were first-time registrants.
Nearly 1,100 exhibitors participated, including 125 companies making their debut at the show. Among the standouts were Canon and SONY, in addition to ENCO and DNAV, which shared a booth with SAS (Sierra Automated Systems) that featured iconic Southern California air personality Shotgun Tom Kelly at the controls of a studio product, attracting many attendees across the show. Again, the ATSC exhibit was lightly attended.
Despite schematics that appeared to show the South Hall and the North Hall adjacent, the former was an island unto itself connected by the underground Tesla-traveling Loop. As such, Radio took over the West Hall, with the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum kicking off four days of learning opportunities covering everything from digital revenue growth to cross-platform content creation and Capitol Hill advocacy. Organizations such the Alliance for Women in Media tackled AI, while Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio honored Radio Ink President and Publisher Deborah Parenti and BMI’s Dan Spears.
The Broadcast Education Association, in partnership with the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, also held a Career Fair for broadcast students. The RAB also led tours for faculty and future broadcasters, while Radio Ink hosted a BEA session tapping into wisdom from previous 30 and Under Superstars.
NAB also launched its Creator Council during the week. The group, comprised of influential creators and industry leaders, will provide strategic guidance to help NAB stay connected with the rapidly growing creator economy.
When can Las Vegas expect to see next year’s affair? NAB Show 2026 is officially confirmed for April 18-22, 2026.
Spotted at the Encore Tower Suites by RBR+TVBR, NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt appeared pleased and was all smiles regarding this year’s conference.
In an official comment, NAB Show EVP Karen Chupka said, “The 2025 NAB Show truly exemplified the vibrant evolution of media and entertainment, debuting tools and technologies for all storytellers. This year’s show provided a global platform for innovation, diverse voices, and forward-thinking conversations that will shape the future of storytelling and empower everyone to become a content creator.”
Meanwhile, the new NAB Show logo led to many wagging tongues, with many attendees expressing surprise at the new branding from the association.
— With reporting by Cameron Coats
