When the Gamble Pays Off: Why Teachers Need to Attend NAB
The “worst” part of NAB is that it is in Las Vegas.
I wasn’t sure that coming to the NAB Show would be the right thing, but I have to admit, this gamble really paid off.
My hesitation was well-founded. After all, I’m just a high school teacher, and these are the big dogs of the television and film industries. How could I fit in with this crowd?
Well, in all honesty, I didn’t fit in. And I’m really glad I didn’t.
For those who have not yet had the privilege of attending the National Association of Broadcasters Show, I’m going to share my thoughts and opinions about what I saw and what I would like to see more of.
There are a few types of people who attend NAB. First, there are those looking to sell. With just one foot on the showroom floor, you can see that some of the major players spend the bulk of their yearly advertising budget on this single event. And their displays are incredible!
Then there are those looking to buy. They have fancy suits and very deep pockets. These buyers know who they are and what they want, and because of their budgets, they get a lot of love from the vendors.
And then you have the others. That’s where I found myself this year. The others walk around, gawking at all the shiny lights and amazing buttons. You might get a few minutes here talking to one vendor or a few minutes there talking to another, but it’s usually a quick scan of your badge, a brief hello, then whoosh, you’re off to the next booth.
Personally, I enjoyed being in this category. It’s the best way to take in NAB for a first-timer. You are not beholden to anyone’s schedule, and you can move about freely, looking at all the bells and whistles that will produce the shows and movies of tomorrow. The only problem with this approach is that you cannot see everything.
When I got back to work, the excitement of what I had just seen was still fresh. I tried explaining to my students just how big this event was. I don’t think I ever accurately did so, but like Buddy the Elf seeing a human-sized toilet for the first time, to me, it was ginormous!
What struck me most was the sheer innovation on display. Every booth had something new, something cutting-edge that promised to revolutionize the way we create and consume media. I attended sessions that covered everything from the latest in camera technology to groundbreaking advancements in post-production software. I found myself enthralled by panels discussing the future of streaming services and the evolving landscape of content distribution.
One particular moment that stands out was a demonstration of virtual production techniques used in major films and television shows. The level of creativity and technical skill involved was astonishing. It made me realize how crucial it is for educators to stay current with industry trends. By understanding these technologies, I can better prepare my students for the real world, where these tools will be their everyday reality.
Additionally, the networking opportunities were invaluable. I met industry professionals who were more than willing to share their experiences and offer advice. These connections are not just beneficial for me, but also for my students, who may one day seek internships or job opportunities in these very companies.
I said there were three types of people at NAB, but in the future, I want to urge another group of people to attend in measurable numbers—teachers. I believe that as the shepherds of the future users of the technology so proudly and beautifully on display in Vegas, it is our responsibility to be aware of the tools of the trade. I learned so much about tools and processes for production that I didn’t even know existed.
Granted, this was only my first run at NAB, but I fully intend to go again with a game plan. When I filled out my reimbursement paperwork back at school, I was asked to justify the experience. To me, it was simple: if I didn’t have the opportunity to be a part of this, I would not have the enthusiasm to finish the school year. NAB allowed me to be around professionals in my industry, the industry I am expected to engage my students about, to fuel their passions for, and to open doors to. Much like the safety presentation I watched on the flights to and from Las Vegas, where I was told that if traveling with children, I needed to put on my air mask first, I know that the energy and excitement I brought back from NAB Show 2024 sustained me and allowed me to breathe in my passion first, making it easier to share with my students.
It was a gamble to take a trip like this; the cost seemed prohibitive, the information overwhelming, and the time away from the classroom long. And to top it off, I was going to have to navigate this experience alone. Despite all of that, I’m so glad I did it. I may not go back in 2025, but I will definitely return to an NAB Show because of the passion it breathed back into my creative soul.
Meet the Author, Josh Dempsey
Josh Dempsey is a video and film teacher at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. With nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom, Josh is just as excited as his students to keep learning about the power and possibilities of this visual medium. He invites you to follow his students and their work online by following them on social media @bdn_marietta.
Josh loves traveling with his wife, Megan, and their two kids (with another on the way), and more pets than should be allowed. If you want to follow their adventure and get some tips and tricks for RV travel and epic road trips, check them out on Instagram at @eastrollswest
#hollyland #marsk4 #liveproduction #wirelessvideotransmission #livestream #wireless #video #television #film
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, wants to help your students walk the talk. How understanding the Big 4 (mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography, and sound design) can transform student analysis and filmmaking.