It’s time to return to the desert oasis. In mere days Canadian manufacturers, broadcasters, producers, post shops, webcos and journalists will be jumping on their chartered flights and heading down to Las Vegas for the annual National Association of Broadcasters mega-trade show (April 21-26).

Arguably the pre-eminent convergence of film, TV and new media technology, NAB is an event the local industry takes very seriously. It very often serves as the platform companies choose in order to make their noise in the global community.

Who knows which companies this year will create the most sound and fury, and who knows if it will signify anything. HD was the big story last year, but only a handful of high-profile film and TV folks have gone digital in the interim. Most continue to play wait and see.

Money will certainly be tighter this year, barring good fortune at the roulette table. There are a couple of strikes looming, and Canadian post houses, which rely on Hollywood business no matter in which city, are sweating about making it through some potentially tough times.

We approached three high-profile members of the Canadian post biz to write about what they will focus on at the mammoth show. After all, manufacturers can lead the horses to water, but will they drink? *

-www.nab.org