2026 TAB Show Takes Shape with Robust Engineering Program

- Borrell Leads Revenue Track, Steal Crafts Radio Agenda

More than two dozen Texas broadcast engineers and Radio and TV GMs are hard at work building out the agenda for the 2026 TAB Show Aug. 5-6 at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock with a focus on content that stations throughout Texas and the Southwest region can put to work immediately to save on costs and grow revenue.

The TAB Show draws about 1,200 delegates from Texas and beyond and features 115 exhibit booths showcasing the latest industry technology powering stations today, with full registration costing $115 and rooms at the host hotel just $225/night. Parking is free.

The event is set to return to the JW Marriott in Downtown Austin 2027 through 2030.

Engineering Program Taking Shape

Of about 14 sessions planned, engineers already have locked in hands-on presentations exploring a wide range of issues affecting stations' broadcast and streaming platforms, including:

• Preparing for C-Band Transition, Hybrid Internet-Satellite
• Practical Buildout Strategies for Launching a Successful Podcast Studio
• Tower Inspections & Maintenance
• SNMP-From Set-Up to MIB to Sending Alarms & More
• FCC Regulatory Compliance
• NextGen TV Transition-What's Real, What's Next
• 3D Printing of Hard-to-Get Parts
• RF Sweeping of Transmission Lines and Antennas
• NextGen STLs
• AI Real-World Applications for Broadcast Operations
• David Ostmo's Broadcast History: Installment #6

Borrell Takes Lead on Revenue Track

Gordon Borrell is slated to present a multi-part presentation on "Winning Local Revenue in a Digital-First World" with four sessions over five and a half hours, including an hour-long program addressing "What Works Now (and What to Stop Doing)."

Borrell follows that program with three 90-minute interactive sessions and small-group exercises designed to finesse marketing teams' presentations and communications with clients, finetune product mix amidst a crowded digital marketplace, and master high-level skills such as identifying fastest-growing local advertising subcategories, building smarter call lists, crafting retention strategies and practical tools for identifying high-value accounts.

Jimmy Steal on Radio, Plus Radio Idea Exchange

Among the Radio-specific offerings, legendary Radio programmer Jimmy Steal is helping coordinate a trio of programs for stations of any market size, with topics ranging from "Competing in an AI/Digital on Demand World with Fewer People/Resources" to "Radio Ratings That Cost Less and Have Bigger Samples."

Also on tap are a series of idea exchanges featuring three of the most successful out-of-state Small- and Medium-Market Radio executives in the country who will share insights into how they're growing revenue and building audiences that any operator in their shoes would aspire to achieve.

Full Program Coming Soon!

The full program of content offerings for TV and Radio broadcasters will be announced in the coming weeks, and registration opens in May.

Sessions start on Aug. 5 at 2 PM and wrap on Aug. 6 at 5 PM. The trade show is Aug. 6 from 8 AM to 4 PM. The annual Awards Gala, a separately ticketed event, closes the event Thursday night, Aug. 6.

Submissions for Stations of the Year and TAB Leadership Awards are due April 17, while submissions for Bonner McLane Public Service Awards are dure April 24.

MORE INFORMATION

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.