Guide for First-Time Attendees at NAB Show

Navigating your first NAB Show: A survival guide for success

Heading to NAB Show 2026? Whether it's your first rodeo or you're a seasoned floor-walker, this year's theme, Where Media, Entertainment and Storytelling Converge, promises something for everyone. We've put together a guide to help you gear up, find your way, and squeeze every last bit of goodness out of your time at the NAB Show. 🍋

🎟️ Want a free exhibits pass? Use code NS4785 when you register for NAB 2026 and your exhibits pass is on us. You're welcome. 😎

🐣 Quick-start Checklist so you don't spend Day 1 figuring out the basics:

Welcome! NAB Show is massive, exciting, and just a little overwhelming

• Pick up your badge early. You can grab it at a hotel (2 days before the show) or at the Las Vegas Convention Center (1 day before). Trust us, you'll thank yourself on Day 1 when you skip the line and walk right in.
• Download the official NAB Show app. Real-time updates, schedules, maps, the works. Your pocket lifeline.
• Plan your must-sees. The exhibitor list and floor plan are your best friends. Flag the sessions, speakers, and vendors that matter to you before you step onto the floor. Check the NAB Show schedule and plan to get started.
• Dress for comfort, not the runway. Business casual with an emphasis on comfortable. Wear your best walking shoes. Bring a sweater because the Las Vegas A/C does not mess around.
• Take the monorail. The Las Vegas Monorail is affordable, reliable, and stops at several hotels along the Strip. Skip the parking headaches.

🎯 Back for more? Here's what's new in 2026.

You know the drill. Here's what's different this year so you can level up your NAB experience:

• New theme: Where Media, Entertainment and Storytelling Converge. Expect sessions and showcases that lean into the intersection of content creation and technology.
• Awards to watch: The NAB Show Best of Show and IABM Awards awards are both worth following this year. Great way to spot the innovations that are actually moving the industry.
• Cheqroom is at Booth C6530! Come say hi, see what's new, and grab some swag. Check out our NAB page for details and to book a meeting with our team.
  

1. Preparation is key

Before you step onto the exhibition floor, do your research and create a plan. Familiarize yourself with the NAB Show schedule, exhibitor list, and floor plan. Identify key sessions, speakers, and vendors that align with your interests and professional goals. Make use of the official NAB Show app, providing real-time updates, schedules, and maps. Engage with fellow attendees through online forums and social media groups for insider tips and a chance to connect before the event begins.

Don't forget to register early to secure your spot and gain early access to essential information.

 🎟️ Friendly reminder: Use code NS4785 for a free exhibits pass! That's right, free. Register here.

💡 Our top tip:

There's just SO much to see and do, so your day(s) will be packed. To make the most out of it, we recommend picking up your badge prior to the show starting. You can either pick it up in a hotel (2 days prior) or at the Convention Center (1 day prior).

2. Put your networking skills to work

Prepare to immerse yourself in a dynamic environment filled with industry insights, cutting-edge technologies, and engaging discussions on the latest trends. NAB Show is not just an exhibition but a platform for extensive networking opportunities. Be ready to connect with professionals who share your passion and vision for the future of media and technology.

In 2025, we had the chance to chat with the Baltimore Ravens and Shane Yaeggar from CineSalon. You never know who you'll run into on the show floor!

💡 Our top tip:

The networking opportunities aren't limited to the show floor. Because honestly, you'll see people with NAB badges popping up everywhere. In the elevator in your hotel, on the monorail, in bars, just name it. So if you've already turned off your network switch, take off your badge. 😉 However, for those who can't get enough of all the chatting, there are a bunch of networking events planned after show hours.

3. Navigating the exhibition

At NAB Show 2026, visitors can explore both major industry players and innovative startups, all playing a vital role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Here are some common elements you'll find at the NAB Show:

1. Exhibits: The show features a vast exhibit floor where companies showcase their latest products, services, and technologies related to broadcasting, filmmaking, content creation, and media production. This can include cameras, editing software, broadcasting equipment, virtual reality tools, streaming solutions, and more. Check out the latest from the heavy hitters like ARRI, SONY, Canon, Nikon/RED, Fujifilm, B&H, and more.
2. Conferences and sessions: NAB Show hosts a variety of conferences, sessions, and workshops covering a wide range of topics related to the media and entertainment industry. These may include discussions on technology trends, content creation strategies, regulatory issues, and business insights. Find all sessions on the NAB Show website.

3. Product demos: Many exhibitors offer live demonstrations of their products and services, allowing attendees to experience the latest technologies firsthand. This is a great opportunity to see how new equipment works and how it might benefit your specific needs. In 2025, we tried out Blackmagic Cine Immersive. If you didn't catch it last year, Blackmagic's Cine Immersive experience is one to put on your list.

   

4. Networking opportunities: The NAB Show attracts professionals from various sectors of the media and entertainment industry. It provides an excellent opportunity to network with industry experts, professionals, and potential business partners.
5. Showcases and awards: Keep an eye out for the IABM Awards and the NAB Show Best of Show awards, which honor outstanding achievements in broadcasting, technology, and content creation. These are a great way to spot the innovations worth paying attention to.
6. Educational programs: The show includes educational programs, training sessions, and workshops designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of attendees. These may cover technical aspects, industry trends, and best practices.
7. Keep in mind that the specific offerings at the NAB Show can vary from year to year, so it's advisable to check the official NAB Show website for the most up-to-date information on exhibitors, sessions, and events.

4. Practicalities

Let's go over some of the general practicalities. 💡 Here are our top tips:

🚗 How to get there?

Consider using public transportation like the Las Vegas Monorail. This train stops at a number of stations (hotels) and offers an affordable and reliable ride to the LVCC. Or, use the typical ride-sharing services to avoid the hassles of parking.

Once you're on-site, the Tesla Loop is a fun (and free!) way to zip between the convention center halls. Your feet will thank you after a full day on the show floor.

👟 What to wear?

Dress. Appropriately. As we already mentioned, the venue is massive. Leave the flip-flops at home and go for the most comfortable 'business casual outfit' you have, with an emphasis on comfortable and casual. Wear comfy shoes and bring a sweater, as conference halls can often be cooler than expected. Top tip if you're not used to the A/C blasting in your face the whole day!

🛏️ Where to stay?

Booking accommodations early is crucial, given the large influx of attendees. Consider what you find most important, especially if you're going all 4 days. Either you pick a really nice hotel that's more expensive and further away from the venue or choose one in close proximity to the venue for convenience.

The Cheqroom team usually stays at the Westgate, as it's right next to the LVCC. We have a booth at the show (🎪 Visit Us at Booth C6530! See our NAB page), so we want to keep our travel time as short as possible. There's always something you forgot in your hotel room, and at the end of a busy day, you'll want to hop in the shower right away.

🌮 What to eat?

Within the venue, various food and beverage options are available. We usually venture to the food options outside, as it allows you to really step away from the show and stand in the sun for a bit. Don't forget that many of us are coming from cold European countries, and sunshine is the only argument we need. ☀️

💡 Our top tip:

If you decide to get lunch outside, here are a couple of tips:

• Bring sunglasses!! The light will literally blind you after roaming the dark show floor for hours.
• The food trucks aren't always the same. Sometimes you'll find new trucks on different days.
• Go early if you're really craving something specific. Unfortunately, the popular trucks will run out of stock after a while.

5. Our last NAB Show top tip

Think beyond gear management. Think equipment operations. 🎥 ✨

You'll spend all week looking at incredible new gear, and maybe even adding a few items to your wishlist (or cart). But here's the thing: the real challenge isn't buying the gear. It's everything that happens after. Who has it? Where is it? Is it ready for the next shoot? When does it need maintenance?

That's where Asset Operations comes in: connecting reservations, checkouts, maintenance, and team coordination so your entire operation runs smoothly from prep to wrap-up. At Cheqroom, we're building a smarter way to manage your equipment lifecycle, from planning to performance to insight. No more spreadsheets, no more group texts asking "who has the C300?"

Curious? See how it works or swing by Booth C6530 and we'll walk you through it.

See you on the show floor

NAB Show is one of those events that keeps pulling you back, and for good reason. Every year there's something new to discover, someone new to meet, and a fresh reminder of why this industry is so exciting.

Whether you're picking up your badge for the first time or you've lost count of how many NABs you've attended, we hope this guide helps you make the most of it. And if you spot someone from Cheqroom in the wild (monorail, food truck line, hotel elevator), say hi. We love a good hallway conversation.

Can't get enough of the NAB Show? Here's a recap of 2024's Show and 2025's Show

See you in Vegas! 🎰