2026 NAB SHOW: Global Media Leaders to Shape the Future of Storytelling

By Pickle April 17, 2026

CEO of Zhong, one of YouTube’s most-watched creators with 70 million subscribers and 95 million followers on all platforms, joins program

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off ON Saturday, April 18, with the show floor and exhibits opening on April 19, highlighting the most innovative companies and bringing together the world’s most influential voices across media, entertainment and technology for the industry’s premier global event.

As the only platform that convenes broadcasters, media companies, content creators and technology innovators at scale, NAB Show continues its century-long legacy as the catalyst for innovation, growth and deal-making in a rapidly evolving, multi-platform world.

From artificial intelligence and the creator economy to sports, streaming and cloud transformation, NAB Show is where the tools, talent and ideas driving the future of storytelling converge.

“NAB Show is where the global media ecosystem comes together not just to explore what’s next—but to build it,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, National Association of Broadcasters. “This year’s Show reflects the accelerating pace of innovation and the expanding universe of storytellers shaping the industry.”

Recently added to the lineup of speakers is Jonathan Liu, CEO of Zhong, a YouTuber with 95 million subscribers across all platforms who creates scripted, fast-paced entertainment for a young, global audience. His session, “Building Creator Empires,” will be a conversation about how creators scale, diversify and operate like modern media companies.

Powering Storytellers at Every Level

The 2026 NAB Show delivers unparalleled access to the technologies, insights and connections fueling content creation and distribution across every platform:

• 1,100+ exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations from industry leaders, including Sony, Canon, Ross Video, Blackmagic Design, Adobe, Google Cloud, AT&T and AWS

• About 550 sessions spanning creators, enterprise teams, broadcasters and film/TV professionals

• More 630 speakers across 11 stages, covering Sports, Streaming, AI, Creator Economy, Corporate Enterprise, Media and Entertainment, TV, Radio and Startups

• Expanded Creator Lab, offering hands-on learning, AI-focused programming and business strategy insights

Where the Business of Media Happens

NAB Show remains the industry’s most powerful marketplace for connection and commerce:

• Attendees from 18,000+ companies, a significant increase from 12,000 in 2025, with 44% attending NAB Show for the first time

• 23% international participation, underscoring the Show’s global reach

• New dedicated networking environments — including the NAB Member Lounge, Networking Lounge and Executive Lounge — designed to facilitate high-value meetings and deal-making

What’s New in 2026

Expanded Programming and Content Reflecting the Industry’s Future

• Four-day Sports Summit, open for an extra day for all attendees, bringing together leagues, teams, broadcasters, streamers and technology providers

• New enterprise-focused track at the all-new VideoNext Theater, for Fortune 1000 companies building in-house studios and leveraging video for communications and engagement

• Business of Media and Entertainment, produced with The Ankler, moves to the show floor for broader access to executive-level strategy discussions

• Significantly expanded Creator Lab programming — in Central Hall with larger theaters, classrooms, creator studios and a dedicated networking lounge — reflecting the rise of creators as full-scale media businesses

• Emphasis on AI, cloud workflows and media asset protection, with deeper integration across sessions and exhibits

An Elevated Show Floor Experience

• Reimagined TV & Radio HQ with enhanced visibility and integrated programming

• Two AI Pavilions and almost doubling the number of AI exhibitors across the show floor from 2025, while more than doubling the number of creator, influencer and podcast attendees

• New and enhanced networking environments, including curated meetups, happy hours and an invite-only Executive Lounge

• Completion of Las Vegas Convention Center renovations, delivering a more modern, connected and intuitive campus

Additional highlights this year include CineCentral in Central Hall, offering hands-on workshops, and the AWS Cloud Court Challenge in the West Hall Lobby, where attendees can experience AI-powered coaching in real time.

Smarter Navigation and Networking

The new NAB Show mobile app enhances the attendee experience with:

• Personalized recommendations based on interests

• Simplified campus navigation

• Ability to favorite exhibitors and sessions

• Secure QR-based contact exchange

• One-to-one attendee messaging for meaningful connections

Over 630 industry leaders will speak across 11 stages, featuring trailblazers who are capitalizing on new ways audiences consume content with notable speakers including:

• Nate Bargatze — Television Host and Comedian, Nateland
• Kevin Coggins — Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation — NASA
• Mark Fischbach aka Markiplier — YouTuber and Filmmaker
• Marcus Jones — All-Pro Cornerback — New England Patriots
• Erin McFarlane — Head of Vertical Content — Dhar Mann Studios
• Jon Miller — President, Acquisitions & Partnerships — NBC Sports
• John Ourand — Sports Correspondent — Puck Media
• Jeff Probst — Host and Executive Producer — SURVIVOR
• Pojo Riegert — Creative Director — Mark Rober, CrunchLabs
• Mo Rocca — Correspondent — CBS Sunday Morning
• Oscar Sanchez — Head of Host Broadcast Production — FIFA
• JB Smoove — Actor, Comedian

The Industry’s Catalyst for Innovation

From its historic roots to its role at the forefront of digital transformation, NAB Show continues to define the future of media. By bringing together the entire ecosystem — from global enterprises to independent creators — it enables discovery, collaboration and business growth at an unmatched scale.