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President’s Corner
Vic Costello, Elon University
March 29, 2022

As I write this, we are 25 days out from BEA 2022. Exciting!

I was asked to focus this edition of President’s Corner on my Top Ten List of things to know for first-time attendees or those who haven’t experienced a BEA convention in a while (all of us, right!). This is no easy task given everything your BEA convention registration has to offer, including: festival, paper, and panel sessions sponsored by 19 interest divisions, access to NAB Conference Pass sessions and the NAB Show floor, special events, workshops, and more. But here it goes!

1. Stay hydrated, apply lip balm often, and wear comfortable shoes – okay, this is technically three things, but I’m thinking I can get away with it since they all relate to personal health and comfort. For those of you not accustomed to dry desert climates, it sneaks up on you quickly. My advice is to begin hydrating a few days before your outbound flight and don’t wait until your lips are peeling before using lip balm. And remember, the Las Vegas Convention Center is HUGE! Even though the NAB exhibits will be less massive than in year’s past, your Fitbit will work overtime tracking your daily steps. Business casual at BEA/NAB includes comfy shoes.

2. Use the SCHED website or app to plan out your conference meeting schedule prior to your arrival. Once you get onsite, things move quickly and time flies. Without a plan, you can easily become overwhelmed by all there is to see and do. The BEA convention app will keep you on schedule and ensure you don’t miss the “must see” events and sessions that are most important to you. No two BEA experiences are the same, so make your own BEA—plan ahead, and customize the conference experience to your personal interests and goals.

3. Don’t duck out early at 5:00PM just because you’re feeling a little jet lagged and you can no longer feel your feet. The evening events are intended to bring us all together at the end of the day for something truly special—and comfortable seating is provided! On Saturday evening, we’ll have the BEA Awards Show; on Sunday, the District reception; and on Monday, the Best of Festival Awards ceremony. So, dig down deep for that little something extra and come support your colleagues, offer congratulations, and enjoy these incredible moments of community with the BEA family. You’ll be glad you made the effort.

4. Plan to meet and chat with your BEA Board District Representative. They can help answer questions and guide you through all things BEA. Click here for their names and contact info.

5. Get together with a leadership team member of an interest division you are interested in joining or becoming more actively involved. Click here to peruse the list of 19 BEA Interest Divisions prior to the convention and for the leadership’s contact info. Reach out to see if they’ll be attending BEA 2022, and if so, set up a time to meet and chat

6. Attend a research symposium panel, paper session, or festival awards session. This is a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of others while getting a sense of the depth and breadth of the scholarship and creative activities of BEA members. Look for what interests you or aligns with your personal research goals and focus. This an opportunity for you to meet new folks and form partnerships and collaborations with others sharing similar interests.

7. Come to a BEA2022 social event or reception or hang out between sessions in the exhibit hall and lounge to enjoy a brief respite and engaging conversation.

8. Visit the exhibit hall (often) and with each of our sponsors. Let them know you appreciate their support of BEA. Our exhibitors this year are small but mighty, with a keen interest in broadcast and media education and often have special offers and incentives for BEA members. True story—my book contract was the direct result of meeting with an acquisitions editor and pitching an idea at a BEA exhibit booth many years ago. You just never know!

9. Take in the NAB exhibitions and sessions. One of the best things about a BEA convention registration is that it grants you access to much of the NAB convention and programming. The NAB exhibits run concurrently with BEA from Sunday, April 24 at 10:00AM until Wednesday, April 27 at 2:00PM

10. Introduce yourself to an RAB Student Scholar. These students are coming to Las Vegas to learn and make connections, so welcome them to BEA. They will be wearing ribbons on their badges and will be easily recognizable. Many of these students are also presenting research or winning a festival award so these are the best of the best.

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