Pavilions
Signature Sessions
Anthony Rogers
The Signature Sessions
High-profile speakers bring a 360-view of the state of broadcasting, feature filmmaking, and new media platforms
The 2015 NAB Show isn’t always about the latest gadget or doohickey; true, that’s a big part of the magic, but it’s not the entire picture. The 2015 NAB Show is about the latest thing in media - whether it’s a cool machine, a clever piece of software, or maybe something less tangible like a new trend, or piece of legislation. The 2015 NAB Show is about new ideas, new knowledge, and sometimes it’s about lunch. Say What?
What I mean, of course, is the NAB Signature Luncheons and also the informative Signature Sessions. This time around, there are three luncheons - each luncheon touches upon a differing aspect of media. Monday’s fare is the ‘Television Luncheon’ - in addition to a tasty meal, this session is a celebration of television and its place in media. Shonda Rhimes (The mind behind "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal") will gain her place in the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Two additional awards (the Television Chairman's Award, and the Spirit of Broadcasting Award) will also be presented. Tuesday’s lunch is the ‘Radio Luncheon,’ where ten NAB Crystal Radio Awards will be presented. The keynote speaker will be Marilu Henner (remember her from the TV series ‘Taxi?’) The Signature Luncheons are wrapped-up on Wednesday with the ‘Technology Luncheon’ - this delightful meal is served-up with the presentation of the NAB Engineering Achievement Awards, Service to Broadcast Engineering Award, The Technology Innovation Award, and finally The NAB Best Paper Award (which began in 2010) will also be given out. A new award that began this year will also be made: The Digital Leadership Award! The Keynote speaker for this event will be John McAfee (Founder of McAfee Associates, Security Expert ).
If you prefer your seminars with less food and ceremony and more knowledge, the 2015 NAB Show has got you covered, as well. There are two additional categories for Signature Sessions, General and Super. There are three general Signature Sessions: 2015 NAB Show Opening, ‘More of What You Crave: The World of The Walking Dead,’ and the FCC keynote.
All the general sessions start at 9:00 AM.
Monday is The 2015 NAB Show Opening - a 75 minute affair, which includes a keynote speech by noted industry leader and the presentation of a Distinguished Service Award, along with NAB President & CEO Sen. Gordon Smith's state of the industry address. A key topic is net neutrality.
Tuesday’s session on ‘The Walking Dead’ is a treat for horror-drama fans, as well as those that just want to see what makes a hit show tick. The session features the originator and series producer Robert Kirkman, AMC president Charlie Collier, and Steven Yeun, a star of the show. The session is moderated by Michael Schneider (TV Guide Magazine's executive editor). The panel will share insight about participating in a hit show, as well as a discussion about the show’s continuing evolution.
Wednesday morning features the last of the general Signature Sessions with a keynote address by the FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. Take this opportunity to have your industry-related suggestions or insights heard by the pinnacle of FCC leadership.
Broadcast Beat Magazine / Apr-Jun, 2015
25