My first NAB was 1981 with Convergence Corporation - world leader in videotape editing, since when I have been to more than 40 NABs as an exhibitor and a couple of times as visitor. Tell you what, being an exhibitor - even being tethered to your booth - is much easier and less tiring than being a visitor.
At that first NAB, the tallest hotel at the time was the Landmark where the Convergence software team were frantically writing code through the night to go live the next morning. Video Recorders cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars (each) and it seemed that money was no object. Those were the days; one booth had a lady dressed as a china doll sitting still, even without blinking in an attempt at the World Motionlessness Record - and after more than 8 hours - broken.
It was in the 80s that NAB moved around - in my case to Dallas and Atlanta - which gave a wonderful opportunity to see that America consisted of more than just Southern California (Irvine) and Las Vegas - though it did confirm just how big steaks could actually be - and for us, how cheap. Cowgirl Steaks at 32 ounces and Cowboy Steaks 48, no ties to be worn or they were cut off at the knot with a huge pair of shears and the clatter of cow bells. Those too were the days.
NAB - there is nothing quite like it!!
– Ian Prowse | London, UK
Ian Prowse is director of Vortex Communications Ltd.
You were just glued to the screen. That song came on the radio. The best NAB Show you ever attended.
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