Making the trip for April 6-11 or 8-11?

[The Irish TRex]

Hi,

Never been to NAB before but I'm thinking of going this year. I see "conferences" are from the 6th to the 11th, but the exhibits are from the 8th to the 11th. Is the 6th and 7th just for press or are those dates where "meetings" are scheduled. Which of the 6 dates should I head out there? My reason for going is two fold...

1) To meet with a specific company or two and discuss their products and how they fit my company. And then also play with their products. I've already emailed them asking.
2) To browse and play with the new cameras that the major brands will be releasing.

To those that have been there before, what do you suggest?

 

[ELN614]

I personally do exhibit only - 8th-onward.
the prior days are meetings, seminar and conference stuff.

my suggestion: (besides sign up for the exhibit only part of NAB)
Talk with your local equipment supplier/ seller to have a pre-arranged meeting with the manufacturer to discuss what product line your are interested in. Your supplier will talk with their manufacturer rep and set up a time for a meeting. Assume this meeting will last an hour so don't book your appointments too close together.

in short: sounds like you'll only need to attend the exhibits 8-11. Plan on walking the exhibit floor for two days, if you can.

TMI: I typically go the first two days. Day one I scope out everything and day two I return to talk with someone. Day one is usually really crazy busy for exhibitors. So if you can swing it -- avoid going on Monday.