NYSBA Sets Annual Conference Agenda

The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) unveiled its slate of activities for its 49th annual Executive Conference.

More than 350 people from media, advertising and broadcasting are expected to attend the two-day conference, which will take place June 27-28 at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George.

The event will kick-off Monday with a welcoming reception followed by The Tony Malara Memorial Awards Dinner, featuring the 45th Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting — a competition recognizing outstanding achievement among New York’s radio and television stations. The dinner will also feature induction ceremonies into the association’s prestigious Hall of Fame, as well as the 2011 Broadcaster of the Year Award.

“I am particularly pleased with this year’s conference program,” said NYSBA President Joseph A. Reilly, who will retire from his post following the conference. “Our organization has always been able to draw together the broadcast industry’s best and that’s certainly true for this year’s conference. I am thrilled that the culmination of my NYSBA tenure will follow on the heels of what will be a top-notch event.”

Tuesday’s sessions kick-off with concurrent sessions by TVB President Steve Lanzano and Jeff Haley, president/CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, who will provide an overview of where each of their respective industries is headed.

Next, Neil Cavuto, SVP, Fox Business News and host of Your World with Neil Cavuto, will offer his unique perspective on the latest business broadcast news.

Cavuto will be followed to the podium by Gordon H. Smith, president-CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, who will update attendees on the critical issues affecting the broadcasting industry.

Shortly thereafter, the “Digital Strategists Panel,” moderated by Pierre Bouvard, SVP of media sales at TRA Inc., an advertiser analytics company, will convene to discuss digital revenue opportunities in a downturn economy.  Panelists include: Matt Sunshine, EVP of the Center for Sales Strategy; Sree Nagarajan, founder-CEO, Colligent Inc.; Craig Smith, EVP of sales and distribution, WorldNow Network; and, Eric Straus, president-CEO of Straus Digital Media and 10 Local Coupons.
 
“Digital revenue remains one of the fastest growing cash flow sources in the broadcasting business,” added Reilly.  “This informative session will provide the latest strategies for effectively developing digital media advertising (online, mobile or cross-platform packages) revenue today.”

The last session will be followed by the 49th Annual NYSBA Golf Tournament at the Sagamore Golf Course, which will be topped off with a cocktail reception. Then the evening and the conference will be topped off with a concert by Blood Sweat and Tears.