Washington, D.C. — As the premier global event where the entire media ecosystem comes together to shape the future of storytelling, the 2026 NAB Show — scheduled April 18–22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center — brings together the companies, platforms and decision-makers driving this transformation in media and content.
The global media, entertainment and technology industries are entering a new phase, one defined not by experimentation, but by execution. AI is moving into core workflows, the economics of sports media are shifting in real time, and creators are emerging as fully scaled businesses.
“We’re at a point where the biggest shifts in media are no longer theoretical. They’re happening in real time across how content is created, distributed and monetized,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, Global Connections and Events at NAB. “NAB Show brings together the leaders building that future, and the business decisions shaping what comes next.”
AI Moves From Experimentation to Execution
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future-facing concept. It is now embedded across production, post, distribution and newsroom workflows, with direct implications for efficiency, cost and revenue.
At NAB Show, companies including Adobe, AWS, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Google Cloud will demonstrate how AI is being applied across the full content lifecycle. The focus has shifted toward measurable impact, from workflow automation to new monetization models, alongside growing questions around trust, authenticity and content ownership.
This year’s show floor will showcase new companies and applied innovation, almost doubling the number of AI exhibitors from 2025, including two AI Pavilions.
Sessions will explore subjects including how to turn AI from pilot projects into scalable, revenue-driving media workflows, and how to identify high-value AI use cases, avoid common pitfalls and scale what actually works in your business.
Artificial Intelligence exhibitors also include Gyrus AI (West Hall), Imagen Video (North Hall), Speechmatics (North Hall), TwelveLabs (West Hall), Veritone (West Hall) and Vizrt (North Hall).
Sports Media Enters a New Economic Era
Live sports remains one of the most valuable assets in media, but the structures around rights, distribution and ownership are changing rapidly. Leagues, teams and athletes are increasingly acting as media companies, using technology to reach audiences directly, while venues play a pivotal role in creating immersive live fan experiences.
NAB Show’s expanded four-day Sports Summit brings together leaders from leagues, teams, broadcasters, streaming platforms and investment firms to examine how capital, partnerships and platform fragmentation are reshaping the market.
Key discussions will focus on media rights strategy, the role of private equity and sovereign investment, athlete-led business models and the evolution of the fan experience across streaming, data and live environments. Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions and Partnerships for NBC Sports, will headline a fireside chat with John Ourand on rights, partnerships and the future of distribution at a critical moment for the industry.
Exhibiting companies demonstrating their innovative technologies in sports include: Canon (Central Hall), DJI (Central Hall), Dolby (West Hall), EVS (North Hall), Lumen (West Hall), Ross (North Hall), Shure (Central Hall) and Sony (Central Hall).
AWS will also have a Cloud Court Challenge activation in the West Hall Lobby, an AI-enabled, digital basketball shooting experience that will analyze participants’ shots in real time and generate personalized performance insights.
Creators Emerge as a New Layer of the Media Economy
The creator economy is entering a more structured phase, as creators move beyond audience-building to develop scalable businesses, own intellectual property and compete for distribution and revenue.
The expanded Creator Lab, now located in Central Hall, reflects that shift, bringing together creators, platforms, brands and media companies to focus on monetization, ownership and long-term sustainability. Programming will address subjects like the realities behind the creator economy’s growth, including how success is measured beyond views, how creators are navigating contracts and burnout, and how AI is reshaping the creative process.
The shift is reflected in attendance, with NAB Show reporting more than double the number of registered creators, influencers and podcasters this year, compared to 2025.
Exhibitors will be showcasing expert tools that allow content creators to build, scale and monetize their businesses. Some of these companies include: Adobe (Central Hall Creator Lab and North Hall), B+H (Central Hall), Blackmagic Design (North Hall), Canon (Central Hall), CREE8 (West Hall), DataVideo (Central Hall Creator Lab Podcast Studio and Central Hall), Epidemic Sound (Central Hall Creator Lab), FujiFilm (Central Hall), Insta360 (Central Hall), LucidLink (Central Hall), Nikon (Central Hall) and Opus Clip (West Hall).
A Convergence Point for an Industry in Transition
Across the show floor and conference program, a broader transformation is underway as media workflows become increasingly cloud-based and software-driven, and as the lines between media, technology and advertising continue to blur.
From AI-powered production and virtual workflows to next-generation distribution and immersive fan experiences, NAB Show provides a view into how the industry is evolving, and where new value is being created. With more than 1,100 exhibitors and participation from leaders across broadcast, streaming, sports and technology, NAB Show remains a central marketplace for the global media ecosystem at a time of rapid change.
The 2026 NAB Show takes place April 18–22 in Las Vegas, with exhibits open April 19–22. Register at NABshow.com.
Resources for press, including photos, b-roll and complimentary registration for accredited media, are available on the NAB Show press resources page.
NAB Show is the premier global event powering the future of broadcast, media and entertainment, April 18 22, 2026 (exhibits April 19 22), in Las Vegas. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, it convenes creators, technologists, exhibitors and decision-makers exploring breakthroughs in AI, the creator economy, sports, streaming and cloud. With curated destinations, immersive education and unmatched networking, NAB Show delivers both discovery and deal-making, attracting buyers with real influence. From its century-long legacy to today s multi-platform world, NAB Show remains the catalyst for innovation. Learn more at NABShow.com.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.