Inside NAB 2025: The Future of Media, Now

Have you ever walked into a room and felt completely overwhelmed — but also totally at home? That’s NAB Show. The National Association of Broadcasters’ largest tradeshow is a vibrant, inspiring mix of creators, filmmakers, influencers, tech enthusiasts, broadcasters and creatives, all packed into one of the largest convention spaces in the United States: Las Vegas. With some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology as our backdrop (looking at you, Sphere), we spent four days geeking out, dreaming big, and reimagining our production gear and workflows alongside the industry’s top innovators. And the best part: we even ran into a few friends among the massive crowd.

With more than 55,000 attendees, 1,500 exhibitors, and participants from over 160 countries, the energy on the show floor was electric — a clear reminder of just how fast the film industry is moving.

This year, three major themes stood out, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for creators and media companies alike:

1. AI in Action

Artificial Intelligence was everywhere at NAB — not as some far-off concept (because let’s be honest, the future is already here), but as a hands-on, practical tool that’s reshaping how we work right now. From smart editing features in Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve to automated content tagging and even AI-powered storytelling, these tools aren’t just cool — they’re game changers. AI has officially moved from curiosity to critical, helping teams move faster, collaborate better, and make sharper decisions. We had the chance to test some of the newest features live on the show floor, ask the tough questions, and start imagining how these innovations can elevate our own production process.

2. Cloud Virtualization Takes the Stage

The cloud isn’t just a place to park your files anymore. At NAB, it was all about virtualized production, cloud-based editing, and fully remote broadcast workflows. The tools on display are making it easier than ever for creatives to collaborate in real time — even if they’re halfway across the world from each other. Flexibility, scalability, and speed were the name of the game. And the best part? We’re already putting it to the test this week with a big multi-editor project, diving headfirst into what cloud-based post-production can really do.

3. The Creator Economy is Here to Stay

Independent creators, influencers, and niche content producers showed up in a big way at 2025 NAB — proving that the “creator economy” isn’t just a trend, it’s a full-on shift in how content gets made. Brands and platforms are leaning in, building tools specifically for smaller teams and solo creatives who want to produce high-quality content without the traditional big-budget setup. We saw everything from custom-built cages that turn your phone into a legit camera rig to pocket-sized lights that pack a serious punch. These kinds of innovations are changing the game — helping teams like ours work smarter, stay nimble, and create at a higher level with fewer resources.

Final Takeaway

The 2025 NAB Show wasn’t just a showcase of flashy gear; it was a real look at how our industry is evolving, and for us, it sparked a shift in how we think about our workflows. Cloud-based editing tools stood out as a way to streamline collaboration and free up time for training, strategy, and deeper creative work. We also saw a wave of smaller, lighter, high-quality gear designed for teams like ours — the kind that hikes mountains or films on ski slopes for our partners. These innovations aren’t just about convenience; they’ll help us stay agile, efficient and focused on what matters most: telling great stories with purpose.