NAB Show Las Vegas: Complete Guide for Media Professionals

NAB Show 2027 — Key Facts

• Dates: April 4–7, 2027 (Show Floor) — Conferences & Workshops April 3–7
• Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center — West, Central, and North Halls
• 2026 edition: 58,000+ registered attendees from 146 countries — broadcasters, content creators, streaming platforms, sports media
• 1,100+ exhibitors in 2026, including 132 first-time exhibitors
• Exhibitors at the 2026 show included Sony, Canon and Adobe. The 2027 exhibitor list is not published yet
• Key topics at the 2026 show: sports, streaming, AI and the creator economy
• Badge pickup requires a government-issued photo ID, and you can only pick up your own badge (NAB show policy). 2027 pickup locations are not published yet
• Minimum age: 16. Anyone under 16 cannot register or enter the show floor, and strollers and infant carriers are not allowed (NAB show policy)

NAB Show 2027 dates: April 4-7, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Halls Central, West, and North. Future editions: 2028 (April 23-26), 2029 (April 8-11), 2030 (April 7-10).

The NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) is the world’s largest annual convention for media, entertainment, and technology professionals. Held every April at the Las Vegas Convention Center, NAB drew more than 58,000 registered attendees from 146 countries in 2026 — from broadcast engineers and cinematographers to streaming executives, content creators, and post-production specialists. Whether you’re discovering new camera technology, exploring IP broadcasting, or pitching your production company to potential partners, NAB is the essential annual event for anyone in the media industry.

Getting to Las Vegas

Most attendees fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). To find the best flight deals from the US, check Kiwi.com US. Canadian visitors can compare routes on Kiwi.com Canada. Both platforms aggregate multiple airlines to help you find competitive fares.

What Is NAB Show?

NAB Show is organized by the National Association of Broadcasters and has been running since 1941. Today it’s far more than a broadcasters’ conference — it’s the convergence point for film, television, streaming, podcasting, live events, sports media, and the full ecosystem of technology that powers modern content creation and distribution.

• Date: Typically mid-to-late April (check nabshow.com for exact dates)
• Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Attendance: 58,000+ registered attendees from 146 countries (2026)
• Exhibitors: 1,100+ exhibitors (2026)
• Duration: Typically 4 days (Saturday–Tuesday or Sunday–Wednesday depending on year)

Who Should Attend NAB Show?

NAB is relevant for an exceptionally broad range of media professionals. If your work touches content creation, distribution, or the technology that enables it, there’s almost certainly a section of NAB dedicated to your area.

• Broadcasters and TV professionals — traditional broadcast engineers, news directors, station managers
• Cinematographers and DOPs — the latest cameras, lenses, and grip from every major manufacturer
• Post-production teams — editing suites, color grading, VFX software and hardware
• Streaming and OTT executives — content delivery, monetization, audience analytics
• Podcast and audio producers — microphones, recording equipment, distribution platforms
• Live event and sports media — IP production, remote workflows, graphics systems
• Journalists and content creators — camera operators, editors, social video specialists

NAB Show Floor Layout

The show is organized thematically across the LVCC’s halls. The West Hall, the newest and largest addition to the convention center, has become the home of the biggest exhibits — Sony, Canon, Blackmagic Design, Adobe, and other headline exhibitors typically anchor this space. The Central and North Halls cover broadcast infrastructure, audio, radio, and post-production. The South Lower Hall houses the Content Creation zone, increasingly popular with independent creators and podcasters.

Use the Vegas Loop free shuttle to move between halls — during peak NAB periods (Monday morning, first two hours of each day), walking between the West Hall and the Central Hall can take 20+ minutes through crowded corridors. The Loop cuts this to 2 minutes.

Registration and Pricing

NAB Show offers multiple registration tiers. Free registration gives access to the exhibit floor only — this is sufficient for most attendees who are there to see products and meet vendors. Conference packages add access to keynotes, sessions, and workshops and cost more. NAB publishes the 2027 prices when registration opens; it was not open yet in October 2026.

• Exhibits Pass: often free with a promo code from NAB or from an exhibitor
• Conference + exhibits: price depends on the tier and the registration window; check the official NAB Show site once 2027 registration opens
• Media credentials: Available for working journalists — apply well in advance
• Deadlines: take them from the official registration page, as prices can change between windows

Best Hotels for NAB Show 2027

The closest hotels to the LVCC fill first during NAB week. Top three for walking distance: Westgate Las Vegas, Renaissance Las Vegas, and Resorts World Las Vegas. We do not print fixed rates here because they move every day: compare live prices for your dates. Strip hotels (Venetian, Wynn, MGM Grand) work for those preferring the Strip atmosphere with shuttle/Monorail access.

For full detail — 5 hotels ranked by walk time, week-by-week booking timeline, and 10 frequently asked questions on NAB hotel logistics — see our dedicated guide: Best Hotels for NAB Show Las Vegas 2027.

Practical Tips for NAB Attendees

• April weather: Las Vegas in April is warm (22–28°C / 72–82°F) and dry. Light layers work well — convention halls are heavily air-conditioned.
• Battery and storage: You’ll shoot a lot. Bring spare batteries for your camera and a large-capacity memory card. A portable hard drive for same-day offloading is advisable.
• Demo time is precious. Popular exhibit booths (RED, Sony, Apple/Final Cut) develop long queues by mid-morning. Arrive at opening and prioritize your must-see demos for the first hour.
• Networking events are key. NAB’s real value is in the conversations. Evening events, official receptions, and the many unofficial gatherings organized by industry groups offer some of the best networking opportunities of the year.
• The show floor is enormous. Plan your route by hall and theme each day rather than trying to cover everything. Most experienced attendees spend one hall per day.
• Shipping gear: If you’re bringing professional equipment, use the official freight forwarder or ship ahead to your hotel. Carrying camera cases on flights adds cost and stress.

Explore Las Vegas During NAB Week

🚗 Car rental: Carla

Market Update (May 2026): Las Vegas convention bookings surged 58% year-over-year in early 2026, with 480,000 hotel room nights projected from February-March bookings alone (LVCVA). Read our analysis of what this means for hotel availability.

NAB Show Las Vegas: Frequently Asked Questions

When is NAB Show 2027?

NAB Show 2027 takes place April 4-7, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Conferences, workshops, and exhibits all run across these four days. The event has been held annually at LVCC since 1991.

How much does it cost to attend NAB Show?

NAB Show 2027 registration had not opened yet in October 2026, so the 2027 pass prices are not published. The Exhibits Pass is often free with a promo code from NAB or an exhibitor, while conference passes cost more. Booth space prices are in NAB’s official exhibitor materials. Check nabshow.com for current prices before you budget.

Who should attend NAB Show?

NAB attracts media, broadcast, and content technology professionals: broadcast engineers, video editors, cinematographers, post-production specialists, streaming and OTT executives, content creators, podcasters, sound designers, IT professionals serving media companies, and product buyers from media networks. 58,000+ registered attendees from 146 countries in 2026.

Where is NAB Show held in Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. NAB Show 2027 will take place in the West, Central and North Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (NAB official).

When does NAB Show registration open?

Registration typically opens 6-7 months before the show — around September-October for the following April. Early bird pricing applies until late February. International attendees should register early to allow time for ESTA/visa processing.

What's the difference between NAB Show Las Vegas and NAB Show New York?

NAB Show Las Vegas (April) is the flagship global event with 58,000+ registered attendees (2026) and 1,100+ exhibitors covering all media tech categories. NAB Show New York (October, Javits Center) is a smaller East Coast edition focused more on content creators, broadcasters, and brand storytelling — a much smaller audience.

How long should I plan for NAB Show?

For exhibitors: arrive Saturday or Sunday for setup, stay through Thursday teardown — 5-6 nights total. For attendees: 3-4 days covers the main show floor and a few targeted sessions. Many international attendees combine NAB with surrounding US business meetings to amortize the trip.

Are NAB Show sessions recorded?

Some keynotes and selected sessions are recorded and available to All-Access pass holders post-event. Exhibitor demos, vendor presentations, and informal networking are not recorded — making physical attendance the only way to capture them. Plan your in-person priorities accordingly.

Plan the Rest of Your Las Vegas Trade Show Trip

Once you have your NAB Show preparation sorted, here are the other key things to plan for a successful Las Vegas trade show trip:

• Best hotels near the Las Vegas Convention Center — our most complete accommodation guide, ranked by proximity and value
• Las Vegas trade show budget guide — full cost breakdown including hotel, food, transport and registration
• Getting from Las Vegas airport to the convention center — all transport options with costs and timing
• Las Vegas trade show packing list — what to bring and what to leave behind
• 15 essential tips for surviving a Las Vegas trade show — practical advice for making the most of your time on the floor
• Las Vegas trade show calendar 2026–2027 — full list of upcoming shows with dates and venues

Find Your NAB Show Hotel

🏨 Book your hotel for this show: Compare Rates | Hotels.com | Expedia — and compare car rentals on EconomyBookings.

🎭 Shows & Entertainment: Book Las Vegas shows and attractions via Caesars — from world-class concerts to comedy and magic, perfect for evenings during your trade show trip.

NAB Show accommodation near the LVCC books out months in advance. See our best hotels for NAB Show Las Vegas 2027 for a proximity-ranked guide to the closest properties.

🚗 Carla — car rental comparison for Las Vegas trade show attendees. 🎰 Station Casinos — local Las Vegas hotel options at lower rates than Strip properties.

📍 Related: Looking for the complete picture? Check our complete LVCC hotel guide with all 25+ hotels ranked by walking distance to the LVCC, real trade show prices, and insider booking tips.

For maximum flexibility exploring Las Vegas between convention sessions, compare rental car rates with Carla. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to visit attractions off the Strip, grab dinner away from tourist areas, or make quick runs between your hotel and the convention center on your own schedule.

NAB Show 2026 Highlights & Recent Coverage

Looking for what actually happened at NAB Show 2026? AI took center stage across keynotes, exhibitor demos, and broadcast workflows. Read our recap: NAB Show 2026 Highlights: AI Takes Center Stage for the key product launches, partnerships, and trends that defined this year's edition.