This year, the video production students are gearing up for their annual trip to Las Vegas, Nev. for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention on April 5. There, they will be able to learn from and interact with filmmakers and the industry equipment and technology used to make Hollywood media.
The convention is three days long, with the entire first day being focused on exploring the convention and going to every booth. The second and third days are specifically for students to return to the booths, exhibits, or speakers they enjoyed the most. The convention offers exhibits of every possible career in the film business, like cameras, editing software, audio, music, lighting, drones, etc.
Video production teacher Debbie Drew explained that the convention is “very hands-on,” with students being able to interact with “$300,000 cameras.”
The NAB convention also offers a variety of speakers. These speakers are all experienced in the film business, doing things like editing and producing these films.
“We’ve seen some of the editors and producers from Star Wars… Stranger Things… [and] The Last of Us. That was one of my favorites,” Drew said.
Drew has been going to the convention for a long time. She first went to the NAB convention while working in the film business. She went by herself when she became a teacher, then she and Tech guy Mike Teachout went together. Finally, she opened it up for students.
“We’ve never been able to do an official field trip, but it works out better this way,” Drew said.
Some highlights from last year’s convention for the group were opportunities to touch the equipment and talk to speakers.
Former video alumni Genni Schroepfer (’24) explained that her favorite part of the trip was “getting to touch all the equipment… that was fun… There were a bunch of cool [technologies]… like drones.”
Junior Logan Treder said his favorite parts of last year’s trip were “[hanging] out with my friends, and [getting] to learn new things.”
Drew remarked on her favorite part of the trip is watching her students explore the convention and interact with all the equipment.
Drew is planning on doing the trip again next year and plans to continue the trip until she retires. Many students enjoy the trip, with some of them even coming back to go after they graduate.
“I’d love to give the opportunity to as many kids [possible] before I retire. I have even had kids come back… that used to be [in cutaway or advanced]… and they’ll meet me there in Vegas,” Drew said.
With Drew planning on retiring soon, the future of the field trip is unknown. But overall, the NAB convention offers a unique experience for video production students, allowing them to immerse themselves in the latest technologies, gain hands-on experience and learn from industry professionals. The trip to Las Vegas has become a beloved tradition that continues to inspire and shape future filmmakers. Drew’s dedication ensures that this trip will remain a highlight for students in the years to come, fostering a deeper connection to the world of media production.
