You’re often encouraged to have a firm footing in the industry by attending events and conferences so you can expand your radio knowledge.
Conferences also provide networking opportunities and may allow you to promote your radio station.
This year is particularly challenging for in-person events as the pandemic continues to rage on. But you may also agree that an online convention will be much easier to attend than an in-person event that may be in another country or state.
Presently, it’s a bit difficult to know about radio events unless you know some people working in broadcast. This article changes this!
February
World Radio Day - UNESCO
Date: 13 February Annually
Where to register: https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldradioday
The day is marked all over the world to celebrate the contributions of radio broadcasting. There were three sub-themes in this year's edition: evolution, innovation, and connection. In case you missed this year’s edition, you can look forward to the upcoming 2022 edition.
Country Radio Seminar (CRS)
Date: 23 - 25 February 2021
Location: Nashville Hotel (Virtual)
Where to register: https://www.countryradioseminar.com/
The CRS is an important event that brings together radio, music professionals, and other key decision-makers in country music. It was started in 1970. Industry professionals get introduced to new artists during the event, and radio professionals learn from other industry leaders on a wide range of topics from technology to programming. Next year, there will be an in-person event, so it can continue providing networking opportunities.
March
IBS 2021
Date: 2 -6 March 2021 Location: Virtual
Where to attend: http://www.mediaconferences.org/ibs-2021-conference.html
The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System will host the IBS 2021 that’s open to schools with active memberships. IBS is an organization that draws education-affiliated radio stations, webcasters, and other non-profits. The 81st annual conference and awards will be virtual, and the keynote speaker will be Angela Yee, one of The Breakfast Club hosts. Tickets for individual schools will cost $125. On the first day, Chet LaPrice will talk about the vital topic of programming college radio stations.
BBC Introducing - Making it happen
Location - Online
Time -4 March 2021
Where to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bbc-introducing-making-it-happen-tickets-139706155873?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
This will be an online event that will feature BBC professionals who will share all about making a live radio show and the skills required. They will also talk more about their jobs and their journey into broadcasting.
Westside Radio and UWL Panel Talk 2021
Location - Online
Dat: 23 - 24 March 2021
The University of West London will team up with Westside radio to present an industrial panel talk that will feature BBC TV and radio professionals, and it’ll be hosted by RUDE DJ. They will discuss ways to break into the industry, and the audience will be invited to ask established professionals questions.
DAB+ at the heart of hybrid radio
Date: 10th March 2021 14:00-16:00 GMT
Location: Online
Where to register: https://www.worlddab.org/events/detail/588
You can register for this webinar for free and hear from Jacqueline BierHorst from WorldDAB, Ben Poor EBU, Laurence Harrison, Director of Automotive Partnerships, Radioplayer Worldwide, among other speakers. Their discussions will focus on the connected car and the role of DAB+ in hybrid radio. It’s a chance for radio broadcasters to also learn about available business opportunities in DAB and IP.
Radiodays Asia
Location: Online
Date: 24 - 26 March 2021
Where to Register:
Sponsored by RCS and Triton Digital, the virtual conference will feature over 40 speakers and two days of all-day sessions on radio and podcast topics. Speakers are drawn from Australia & Asia, and you can register for a virtual ticket at the early bird rate. The last-minute price will be $129.
Radio by Matt Christie
Location: Online
Date: March 26 to December 24
Where to attend:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radio-tickets-138721893919?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1
The radio event will be held multiple times during the year. It covers how to become a radio presenter and avenues for community sponsorship.
May
CMW Canadian Music Week
Date: 20-21 May 2020
Location: Sheraton Center Toronto
Where to register: https://cmw.net/radio/
The Canadian Music Week is a massive event that explores all that’s happening on the music, broadcast, and podcast scene. It brings together tech-oriented people, featuring tens of workshops and sessions. What’s more, global experts are in attendance. The CMW Radio Awards are also held during the week to recognize excellence in Canada’s broadcast industry.
June
Field Day
Date: 26-27 June 2021
Where to register: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Organized by the National Association of Amateur Radio, Field Day is an annual event held since 1933, and it’s the most crucial event in ham radio. It’s attended by all amateurs in eligible regions and countries. Activities include setting up temporary radio stations in less-than-ideal conditions. Public attendees also learn how ham radio works and its importance. It also promotes emergency preparedness, public service, and the acquisition of technical skills.
September
The Hispanic Radio Conference
Date: 22 -23 September 2021
Where to register: https://hispanicradioconference.co
The yearly conference brings together experts in Hispanic media and provides attendees with invaluable opportunities to learn. This year, among the topics of discussion will be the challenges of broadcasting a multi-platform space.
Radio Alive 2021
Where to register: commercialradio.com.au/awards-events/radio-alive-2021/video-gallery/2019/turning-data-into-insights
The radio conference is a main feature of the Australian radio industry and draws legendary keynote speakers. It provides great networking opportunities, room for robust discussions, and a chance to make friends and new acquaintances in the industry.
October
Radiodays Europe
Date: 9 -11 October 2021 (Changed from 2-4 May)
Location: CCL, Lisbon, Portugal
Where to register: https://www.radiodayseurope.com/
Broadcasters can also look forward to this yearly event that began in 2010, following the need for an annual conference that would bring together European broadcasters to discuss media challenges. According to the website, it draws over 15000 participants coming from 62 countries. This year it will be both online and in-person, and the decision to move it to October was made in accordance with global vaccination schedules.
NAB Show
Date: 9-13 October 2021
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to attend: https://nabshow.com/
The National Association of broadcasters is the voice of both radio and television professionals in the United States, and naturally, they host several events throughout the year. Their goal is to preserve local broadcasting, and they also have membership programs where members can access exclusive content. The NAB Show is one of their most significant events attended in-person, so it was not held in 2020. It’s also attended by companies that are eager to showcase their latest developments.
Radio Show
Dated: 13 - 14 October 2021
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to attend: https://radio.nabshow.com/
Produced as a joint venture between the RAB (Radio Advertising Bureau) and NAB, the Radio Show brings a thrilling lineup of speakers and provides attendees networking opportunities. There will be technology demonstrations and stage sessions, covering audio, streaming, and podcasting.
November
Radio INK Forecast
Date: November 16, 2021 Where to register: https://radioinkforecast.com/
The prestigious event gathers the top minds in broadcast and advertising, including industry leaders, key decision-makers, and thought leaders.
They forecast trends and make revenue projections for the next year. It’s also attended by representatives from radio technology companies.
Top Awards
Siren Awards
Commercial Radio Australia facilitates the awards to celebrate the most creative and effective radio advertising.
Learn more: http://www.sirenawards.com.au/
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs)
Commercial Radio Australia also organizes the ACRAs each year. They were not held in 2020 after the organization determined that a virtual event would not do justice to this time-honored tradition, so the 32nd edition of the ACRAs will be held this year. The awards are held following the Commercial Radio Conference.
Learn more: http://www.commercialradio.com.au/awards-events/australian-commercial-radio-awards
IBS Media Awards
The IBS Media Awards recognize some of the best student radios and individuals. They are held in conjunction with the IBS radio conference.
Learn more: http://www.mediaconferences.org/awards.html
Marconi Radio Awards
The Marconi Radio Awards are a celebration of stations and individuals for their excellent performance in radio. It has been an annual event since 1989. Top categories include legendary station of the year, station of the year, syndicated personality of the year, and the recently introduced, best radio podcast of the year.
Learn more: https://www.nab.org/events/awards/overview.asp?id=1928
The Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS)
The award ceremony celebrates excellence in UK radio and audio. The May 2021 Awards will be virtual, making it easier to attend. The Radio Academy also hosts other events year-round.
Learn more: https://www.radioacademy.org/
Where to find more events
Here are additional places you can check:
● WIDEORBIT: https://www.wideorbit.com/events/
● WORLDDAB: https://www.worlddab.org/events
● Radio Academy: https://www.radioacademy.org/events/
● Eventbrite (search for radio events every month)
Keep your eyes peeled for more industry radio events. You can also follow key radio presenters and leaders on social media for more updates on which events they may be attending.
Got an upcoming radio conference and looking for attendees? Get recognized by commenting below, and we’ll be sure to include your event when we revise this article.