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Steve Fogle Reports on the "TAB Convention and Trade Show"


Steve Fogle Reports on the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ 58th Annual Convention and Trade Show


In a world of over-hyped, over-promised and under-performing events, the Texas Association of Broadcasters’ (TAB) 58th Annual Convention and Trade Show once again proved to be the exception.

Not only is it the state’s largest broadcaster convention in sheer number of participants, exhibitors and events, but qualitatively, this event remains the gold standard among broadcast circles. Sessions included: keys to better broadcasting operations; reporting in real time using social media, mobile DTV, transmitter and other hardware platforms; how to increase sales from free content; and a range of FCC-related issues looming on the horizon. Once again, TAB hosted one of the FCC commissioners, who consented to a spirited and pointed interview by legendary radio broadcaster Ben Downs. That session alone was worth the price of admission.

Jorge Padilla, Emilio Nicolas, Steve Fogle and Bob Latham
JW attorneys Jorge Padilla, Emilio Nicolas, Steve Fogle and Bob Latham at the Texas Association of Broadcasters' 58th Annual Convention and Trade Show

From the first morning throughout the entire convention, the exhibitor hall was packed. If you were looking for a new gadget, this was definitely the place to be. Even more useful was the number of exhibitors who offered assistance on making the most of existing technology in tight budgetary times. The walk-around lunch in the exhibit hall has become a personal favorite of mine and, apparently, of everyone else. Negotiating the packed hallways, even without a sandwich in hand, is a challenge.

But it's all well worth a little elbow nudging. The interaction between the broadcast representatives and the exhibitors covers the complete spectrum of hardware, software, business methods, new opportunities and everything in between. It's not unusual to find station managers discussing FCC issues while their engineers talk RF with someone who looks a bit like Buck Rogers from the 21st Century. The one thing you can't help noticing is the positive energy and feel of the hall. Most of the conversations I overheard did not dwell on unsolvable or uncontrollable issues but on how to make the best of things while producing and delivering quality content to the public. Despite all the economic and technological challenges, the TAB membership remains one of the most forward-thinking and positive groups around.

The tone of the Convention and Trade Show is set, as it always has been, by the phalanx of Energizer Bunnies that make up the TAB staff under Ann Arnold's direction. The current TAB is a product of their collective indomitable spirit, enthusiasm and proficiency. If this year's event is any indication, the best is yet to come. I can't wait until next year, and if you haven't been, as Joe Bob Briggs says: "Check it out."


Steve Fogle is a partner at Jackson Walker. He can be reached at sfogle@jw.com.