NAB Show 2026 Focuses on AI, Sports, Creators

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 3:50pm CT

NAB Show

The 2026 NAB Show will spotlight major shifts across media, entertainment and technology as the industry moves from experimentation to execution, according to organizers. Scheduled for April 18-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual event is expected to bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors and industry leaders spanning broadcast, streaming, sports and technology.

Karen Chupka, NAB executive vice president of Global Connections and Events, said the show reflects a turning point for the industry as changes in content creation, distribution and monetization take hold in real time.

Artificial intelligence will be a central focus, with companies including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Google Cloud demonstrating applications across production, post-production and distribution. Organizers said AI is now embedded in workflows, driving efficiency and opening new revenue opportunities while raising questions about trust and ownership.

The show will also highlight the evolving economics of sports media, where leagues, teams and athletes are increasingly operating as media companies. A four-day Sports Summit will examine media rights strategies, investment trends and changing fan experiences, with participation from broadcasters, streaming platforms and investment firms.

In addition, the growing creator economy will be featured through an expanded Creator Lab, reflecting the shift toward creators building scalable businesses and owning intellectual property. Attendance from creators, influencers and podcasters has more than doubled compared to last year, according to NAB Show organizers.

Across the exhibition floor and conference sessions, the event will emphasize the convergence of media, technology and advertising, with increased adoption of cloud-based and software-driven workflows.

Organizers say the 2026 NAB Show will provide a broad view of how the industry is evolving and where new value is being created as companies adapt to rapid technological and economic change.