Entertainment and Media Trade Shows Making Promising Return

While the entertainment and media industry was highly impacted over the past year of shutdowns, the draw for creating superior audio and visual experiences as well as compelling content has never been greater.

Although many people have felt comfortable stepping back out into the world, many have also fallen into the comfort of at-home digital media at their fingertips. OTT platforms (over-the-top platforms) that stream video services via the internet as opposed to cable, satellite, or over-the-air options, have seen a rise. Avid Technology states, “The pandemic and subsequent lockdown led to an increase in content consumption and new subscriptions. This surge benefited subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), catch-up services, and even linear TV viewing figures.”

So while many states have gone back to pre-pandemic guidelines, platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube will continue to draw new and increasing numbers. Rapid TV News shares how Pay-TV has suffered from the loss of sports coverage and is set to lose significant value and then states, “By contrast, the big winner will be streaming. Ampere’s latest forecasts suggest streaming will gain 12% of additional growth in revenue terms over the five year forecast period as the implementation of lockdown across the world has led to a huge surge in streaming consumption and new subscriptions, benefiting subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD) and other catch-up services.”

With these shifts in numbers comes the increase in demand for more and better experiences as content will need to be top-notch to compete in this ever-growing industry. With this pull for growth in the entertainment and media industry, this specific trade show industry realm is sure to thrive.

As trade shows in this industry offer next-level education, critical information, solutions, and inspiration for those creating content, the return of entertainment and media-focused trade shows will be more powerful than ever for those attending. As creators work to attract a greater reach of listeners and viewers, we can assume that large trade shows such as the NAB Show will be prepared to deliver.

After facing a 2020 cancelation like the majority of other events in 2020, they do seem to be prepared as they gear up for their return in person at the October 2021 NAB Show. While this trade show is great for the content-streaming creators, it’s truly meant for any business in the content ecosystem. This trade show aims to empower attendees by connecting them to tools, technology, new products, and applications. It also allows them to engage with current and future partners, immerse themselves in new innovative solutions, and overall, give them more tools to do their business in storytelling.

With over 90,000 media and entertainment professionals coming together at this trade show each year, the 2021 show is dedicated to continuing to deliver those meaningful connections both in-person and online through their NAB Amplify. The trade show website states, “We take this responsibility seriously; it is important that we continue to grow with you and propel this industry forward.”

With big names attending like Lululemon, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Paramount Studios, ESPN and Google, (trust us this list goes on!) there are high hopes for the future of entertainment and media trade shows and exhibitors.

Additional entertainment and media trade shows that are returning and providing high hopes for the industry include these popular shows that are also mainly in-person shows in 2021:

• MEGACON in Orlando, August 2021
• InfoComm in Orlando, October 2021
• ShowEast in Miami, November 2021
• CinemaCon in Las Vegas, August 2021

High hopes are here for the entertainment and media industries. Trade shows are springing back into action to help these businesses thrive. It’s a great thing to see, not just in this industry, but many others as we continue to open back up and get back to face-to-face business.