TAB Show Puts Spotlight on Radio Innovation

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 22, 2026 | 5:36pm CT

Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB)

The Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) is placing a renewed focus on radio at its 2026 TAB Show, a two-day conference expected to draw approximately 1,200 broadcasters, engineers, sales professionals and industry leaders to Austin-Round Rock on August 5-6.

Billed as one of the most radio-centric TAB Shows in recent years, the event will feature more than 25 educational sessions, over 100 exhibitors and a lineup of industry experts covering programming, sales, engineering and leadership. The agenda was developed with input from industry veterans including Gordon Borrell, Jimmy Steal and Jeff Schmidt, along with Texas radio and television executives and engineers.

In a move aimed at expanding participation, TAB is extending member pricing to broadcasters from New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.

"With all local stations facing the same challenges, we're putting out the welcome mat for broadcasters in the surrounding states so we can all grow and succeed together," said TAB President Oscar Rodriguez. "We've built a learn real stuff and put it to work kind of conference that's affordable and time-efficient, with content relevant to independent operators and station groups serving markets of all sizes."

Among the featured radio programming sessions are Phil Becker's presentation on improving radio's perception in an AI-driven and on-demand media environment, Seth Resler's discussion on building community-based revenue models, Juan Galdamez's session on leveraging audience data, and Jimmy Steal's presentation on talent development featuring Texas morning radio veterans JB and Sandy.

The conference's sales and leadership track will include a keynote from local advertising expert Gordon Borrell and a series of interactive workshops focused on revenue growth, sales strategy and business development. Radio Advertising Bureau Senior Vice President Jeff Schmidt will present "AI, AI - OH!" examining how broadcasters can incorporate artificial intelligence into the sales process.

University of Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte will deliver the "Breakfast for Champions" keynote, drawing parallels between building successful athletic programs and operating winning broadcast organizations.

Engineers and IT professionals will have access to two days of technical sessions covering artificial intelligence applications, transmission systems, podcast studio development, tower maintenance, hybrid distribution strategies and the latest FCC regulatory developments.

The event will conclude with the TAB Awards Gala, where Ben Downs of Bryan Broadcasting will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, Jan Fritz of Hill Country Broadcasting will be honored as Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year, Paul Gleiser of ATW Media will be recognized as Radio Broadcaster of the Year, and Cox Media Group San Antonio will receive Radio Station of the Year honors.