Celebrating 100 Years of NAB Show
An International Event
NAB Show has evolved into a must-attend experience, attracting sponsors, exhibitors and attendees from all over the world.
As part of the Centennial Celebration, we’re sharing stories, photos and perspectives from 100 Years of Innovation.
This installment highlights international audiences, as visitors from across the globe reflect on lasting memories and experiences.
Read the stories below and remember to join the fun. Just click the button and complete the form to tell the world about your favorite NAB Show moments!
Paul Briscoe, Canada
Brush With Greatness
Many years ago when I was with Leitch Technology, we had a seating and coffee area on the back of the booth, open to the aisle. One day at end of show I noticed a guy sitting alone and quietly making notes in his book; curious, I walked by and looked at his badge – it was Ray Dolby.
Young, foolish and in awe of a hero, I approached him and said something ineloquent like “Excuse me, you’re Ray Dolby”. He replied “Well yes, but who are you?”. Recovering no composure at all, I introduced myself told him what a huge fan I was of his contributions, typical starstruck nonsense. He invited me to sit and we chatted for a half hour. I wanted to ask him all sorts of Dolby questions but all he wanted was to ask me about myself, my job, opinions on various things – RAY DOLBY of all people…
MC Patel, United Kingdom
Party On!
For me, my best memories of NAB Show are in a dark, atmospheric, loud and beer-filled bar called Tommy Rockers.
It was 1993 and one of our post customers took us to Tommys. We liked it so much that someone suggested a party. That Tuesday night. Why not, we thought? Invitations were word of mouth. Just turn up at 10 pm. It was spontaneous. It just happened. We invited our friends, and our friends were our customers and our competitors. Still are. It was a healthy mix of respect and rivalry.
But you didn’t just turn up and have a drink and lose your voice because it was so loud. Oh no, you were invited onto the stage to play instruments and sing. And we did…
G.N., United States
Storybooks and Soundtracks
As a child who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10, radio and TV were an important window into American popular culture, entertainment and sports. Not just for me but for countless children in the 80s who moved here from other parts of the world. I can’t imagine how much more difficult assimilating into American life would have been if we didn’t have free radio and TV.
For all intents and purposes, TV was the storybook of our youth…
